Narrative Web
S3E3
· Ways and Means

Rollins Stonewalls Voracious Press with Cryptic Smirk

A black sedan delivers Special Prosecutor Clem Rollins to the Federal District Court amid a chaotic swarm of shouting reporters. As he emerges, they aggressively demand details on subpoenas targeting President Bartlet and his inner circle—when they'll be issued, if at all. Rollins maintains ironclad control, responding only with curt 'No, I can't' denials, his knowing smile on the second betraying strategic confidence and unflappable resolve. This gauntlet amplifies the investigation's mounting pressure, positioning Rollins as a formidable adversary while teasing withheld revelations.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Press swarms Rollins' arrival, demanding answers about subpoenas; Rollins stonewalls with curt denials.

anticipation to frustration ['Federal courthouse steps']

Rollins' cryptic smile hints at his controlled advantage over the frenzied press corps.

frustration to tension

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Unnamed White House Reporter (individual)
primary

Intensely determined and probing

Amid the swarming press chaos, shouts a pointed follow-up question to Rollins—'Can you tell us if subpoenas are going to be issued at all?'—escalating the barrage and embodying journalistic persistence in the gauntlet.

Goals in this moment
  • • Extract any confirmation on subpoena issuance
  • • Force a slip from Rollins amid the frenzy
Active beliefs
  • • Rollins holds explosive details worth pursuing
  • • Relentless pressure pierces official silence
Character traits
persistent aggressive scrutinizing
Follow Unnamed White …'s journey
Clement Rollins
primary

Assured confidence with strategic amusement

Exits the black sedan into a chaotic swarm of shouting reporters outside the courthouse, delivers two curt 'No, I can't' responses to direct questions on subpoenas, punctuating the second with a knowing smile that underscores his controlled demeanor.

Goals in this moment
  • • Preserve investigative secrecy on subpoena timing
  • • Project authoritative composure to intimidate opponents
Active beliefs
  • • Non-disclosure bolsters the probe's integrity
  • • Media pressure reveals nothing to the White House team
Character traits
unflappable strategic confident
Follow Clement Rollins's journey

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Part of Larger Arcs

Special Prosecutor Clement Rollins's MS cover-up probe escalates via subpoenas to Bartlet family and senior staff, prompting White House counter-spins and smears that provoke GOP oversight hearings by Randall Thomas, transforming legal truth-seeking in...

Key Dialogue

"REPORTER 1ST: "Mr. Rollins. Mr. Rollins, can you tell us when subpoenas are going to be issued?""
"CLEMENT ROLLINS: "No, I can't.""
"REPORTER 2ND: "Can you tell us if subpoenas are going to be issued at all?""
"ROLLINS (smiling): "No, I can't.""