Narrative Web
S3E2
· Manchester Part II

Margaret's Protocol Needling Sparks Leo's Snap

In Leo's office, Margaret sharply reminds Leo of appointment protocols, implying his lapse in allowing Bruno's unannounced access, her pointed 'Are you confused?' goading his frayed nerves under re-election strain. Leo snaps 'Get out!' in mounting irritation, highlighting personal staff tensions amid broader chaos. Margaret exits with a wry 'I'll jot them down,' underscoring her gatekeeper role. Bruno then returns post-Bartlet meeting, brushing off Leo's query with 'Shut up' before they shift to hallway logistics—planning a New Hampshire launch event two weeks out—transitioning from interpersonal friction to urgent campaign mechanics, revealing Leo's protective yet pressured command.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Margaret challenges Leo about appointment protocols, needling him until he angrily dismisses her.

professional irritation to outright anger

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Margaret Hooper
primary

Sarcastic defiance veiling loyal frustration

Confronts Leo with sharp sarcasm about appointment protocols for Bruno's unannounced entry, absorbs his annoyed dismissal, and exits with a pointed, witty retort—asserting her gatekeeper role amid chaos.

Goals in this moment
  • • Enforce office appointment protocols
  • • Reassert procedural boundaries on Leo
Active beliefs
  • • Rules preserve order even for the Chief of Staff
  • • Her vigilance protects Leo from overreach
Character traits
sarcastic dutiful assertive
Follow Margaret Hooper's journey
Bruno
primary

Task-focused impatience overriding pleasantries

Returns briskly from Bartlet meeting, dismisses Leo's inquiry with blunt 'Shut up,' outlines war room and event steps, agrees to scout New Hampshire high schools while walking to hallway—driving forward momentum.

Goals in this moment
  • • Minimize chit-chat post-meeting
  • • Lock in New Hampshire launch logistics
Active beliefs
  • • No-nonsense efficiency wins elections
  • • High school venues ignite grassroots fire
Character traits
blunt pragmatic dismissive
Follow Bruno's journey
Leo McGarry
primary

Annoyed impatience strained by mounting pressures

Snaps irritably at Margaret to leave after her protocol jab, then queries Bruno curtly on the Bartlet meeting outcome and proposes a two-week New Hampshire event timeline as they stride into the hallway for logistics.

Goals in this moment
  • • Clear interruption to refocus on campaign
  • • Accelerate re-election launch planning
Active beliefs
  • • Crisis demands bending protocols for key allies like Bruno
  • • Swift decisions forge unity amid staff fractures
Character traits
irritable authoritative pragmatic
Follow Leo McGarry's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
New Hampshire High School

Bruno proposes scouting this high school as a prime launch venue in New Hampshire two weeks out, crystallizing the event's grassroots kickoff amid re-election scramble—evoking future battleground energy in their hallway pivot.

Atmosphere Evoked as vibrant, echoing pep-rally potential
Function Prospective site for campaign launch event
Symbolism Grassroots citadel symbolizing re-election ignition
Linoleum floors scarred by rallies Looming bleachers
West Wing Bullpen

Leo and Bruno exit Leo's office into this hallway to continue hashing out campaign logistics—war room setup to New Hampshire event—shifting scene from personal staff clash to high-stakes strategizing, embodying the West Wing's pressurized transit zones.

Atmosphere Hurried and tense with echoing footsteps and terse exchanges
Function Mobile conference space for on-the-go planning
Symbolism Liminal artery channeling re-election urgency from friction to action
Access Restricted to senior staff
Dim-lit corridor Hurried footsteps

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"MARGARET: Do I need to explain the rules on making appointments again? Are you confused?"
"LEO: (annoyed) Get out!"
"MARGARET: (leaving) I'll jot them down."