The Departed: Characters In the Film

In the beginning of Scorsese's The Departed, we witness two police officers, Billy (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin (played by Matt Damon) who are, personality-wise, on opposite ends of the spectrum. While Colin is sharp-witted, charming, a ladies' man, Billy is timid, nervous - a guy in need of some serious therapy and anger management classes. In short, he is a mess! And his unstable demeanor is not very appealing, I must say.

Not only does Damon's character got it going on, his Boston accent reminds us of his role as Will Hunting in Good Will Hunting, which gives Colin added bonus points. However, as the story continues on, and Billy begins posing as an Irish mobster to take down the FBI's most wanted criminal, Costello (played by Jack Nicholson), feelings begin to change.

As Colin keeps Costello updated on the police forces' latest plot to capture the Irish Mafia leader, his true personality begins to leak out. While Costello is truly a bad guy, Colin is a mere shadow of his role model boss. Underlying this wannabe mobster is a weak and fearful little boy who will do anything to protect his fragile ego and pride. Meanwhile, Billy is genuine, honest, and although he suffers from a wounded heart, he remains true to himself and the people that surround him. As the story unfolds and we get to know both characters intimately, we realize that it is Billy with the inner power and strength. Thus, we begin rooting for him. And only an actor as good as DiCaprio could pull this character off! Forget the Aviator, this is the role that should get him an Oscar!

Moving on to Nicholson ... he is the devil in disguise but still, we can't quite hate him. And let me tell you that this is Nicholson's unique gift in acting that no other Hollywood star has ever been able to achieve. Well, OK, maybe James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) has come pretty close but that's about it. We should despise Nicholson's character, Costello, but just can't - no matter what the guy does.

Head of the elite police department, Oliver Queenan (played by Martin Sheen), is the one character who we trust from beginning to end. And his sidekick on the force, Dignam (played by Mark Wahlberg), is an incredibly funny smart-ass. His love for pushing buttons keeps us laughing, and just when you think it can't get any better, another top dog on the blue team, Ellerby (played by Alec Baldwin), brings sarcasm to a whole new level. With his lifelong goal of capturing Costello, Baldwin is high-strung, neurotic, anxious and just downright funny during every one of his attempts in baiting his dream criminal.

Along with these incredible characters, the best part about The Departed is that you never know who will be departing from the story next. And in the final scene of the movie, we are left with the infamous trademark of Martin Scorsese.