James Cameron's 1997 film "Titanic" is a blend of historical fact and fiction, designed to create an engaging narrative while also commemorating the tragic event. When assessing the characters in the film, it's important to distinguish between fictional characters created for the movie and representations of actual historical figures. Here are some key points of comparison: Fictional Characters: 1. Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) are entirely fictional. They serve as the central characters in the film's romantic storyline but were not real passengers on the RMS Titanic. 2. Cal Hockley (Billy Zane) and Ruth DeWitt Bukater (Frances Fisher), who are portrayed as Rose's fiancé and mother respectively, are also fictional. They represent the society's upper class and their attitudes during the time period but have no direct historical counterparts. Portrayals of Real Passengers: 1. Margaret “Molly” Brown (Kathy Bates) was indeed a passenger on the Titanic, and her depiction in the film is reasonably accurate. Known for her outspoken nature and bravery during the sinking, the "unsinkable" Molly Brown is a well-documented historical figure. 2. John Jacob Astor IV (Eric Braeden) and Madeleine Astor (Charlotte Chatton) were indeed passengers on the Titanic. Astor was one of the wealthiest individuals on board and his portrayal in the film echoes historical accounts, though certain aspects of his personality and interactions with other passengers may be fictionalized for narrative effect. 3. Captain Edward John Smith (Bernard Hill) accurately reflects the captain of the Titanic. While his leadership and decision-making are depicted in the movie, the nuanced aspects of his character could be influenced by dramatic necessities rather than strict adherence to historical detail. 4. Thomas Andrews (Victor Garber) was the ship's builder, and the film represents him as a sympathetic and earnest man who was aware of the ship's vulnerabilities. His solemn acceptance of the ship's fate is a poignant moment in the film and, while dramatized, captures the essence of the tragedy that befell the Titanic. 5. J. Bruce Ismay (Jonathan Hyde) was the managing director of the White Star Line. The film portrays him as somewhat villainous, eager to make the Titanic's maiden voyage a record-breaking success, which may slightly exaggerate his historical persona. 6. Officer William Murdoch (Ewan Stewart) is shown taking bribes and shooting passengers before killing himself in the film. This depiction has been controversial, as historical accounts do not conclusively support this portrayal, and his actions during the sinking were likely more complex and less culpable than what the film suggests. The film takes creative liberties with the portrayals of historical figures for dramatic effect, and these portrayals may not fully align with historical records or the nuances of each real person's character. Some of the factual discrepancies have drawn criticism from historians and descendants of the Titanic's passengers and crew. Nonetheless, the overarching aspects of the sinking itself, including the collision with the iceberg, the insufficiency of lifeboats, and the tragic loss of life, are depicted with a certain level of accuracy in the movie. To sum up, while "Titanic" (1997) crafts a compelling dramatization of the disaster, with some characters based faithfully on real individuals, it's quintessentially a work of fiction. For accurate historical accounts, one should refer to primary sources, eyewitness testimonies, and scholarly research on the RMS Titanic.