Based on the real Edward Snowden. The film depicts his career path, growing disillusionment, and the events leading to the leaks, largely aligning with his account but dramatizing events and possibly simplifying motivations.

Based on Snowden's real long-term partner. Her presence and the difficulties their relationship faced due to the secrecy of his work are based on reality, though specific interactions are likely dramatized.

Laura Poitras is the real filmmaker who Snowden initially contacted and who filmed the documentary Citizenfour during the Hong Kong encounters. Her portrayal aligns with her real role.

Glenn Greenwald is the real journalist who, along with Poitras and MacAskill, met Snowden in Hong Kong and broke the story for The Guardian. His portrayal accurately reflects his role.

Ewen MacAskill is the real journalist from The Guardian who accompanied Greenwald and Poitras to Hong Kong to interview Snowden. His portrayal is accurate to his real involvement.

O'Brian is a fictional composite character representing various superiors and institutional figures Snowden encountered in his intelligence career. He serves as a key narrative figure but is not based on one real person.

Snowden's prior military service and the injuries that led to his discharge are factual elements of his biography.

Snowden's employment at both the NSA and the CIA, and the various positions he held, are accurately represented.

The film depicts the vast scope of NSA surveillance programs, which is largely based on Snowden's disclosures. However, the film may exaggerate some aspects or simplify the technical details.

Snowden's relationship with Lindsay Mills is a significant part of the film, and while based on their real-life relationship, some details are likely dramatized for narrative purposes.

The film explores Snowden's motivations for leaking classified information, emphasizing his concerns about privacy and government overreach. While these were likely factors, the film simplifies the complex mix of reasons behind his actions.

The film depicts the process by which Snowden leaked the documents to journalists, including his interactions with Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras. While the general narrative is accurate, some details are likely fictionalized or embellished.

The roles of Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras in publishing Snowden's disclosures are accurately represented. Their work was essential in bringing the information to the public.

Snowden's flight from Hong Kong to Moscow is a factual event and is depicted in the film. The circumstances surrounding his travel are complex and remain a subject of some debate.

Snowden's asylum in Russia is a factual element of his current situation. The film briefly addresses this aspect of his life.

The film acknowledges the widespread public debate surrounding Snowden's disclosures, including the arguments for and against his actions. This public discussion is a crucial part of the story.

The film depicts the US government's response to the leaks, including their pursuit of Snowden and their efforts to downplay the significance of the disclosures.

The film attempts to depict the internal culture of the NSA, including the secrecy and the pressure to maintain security. While some aspects are likely accurate, others are likely dramatized or based on speculation.

The film portrays Snowden as a principled whistleblower, which is the film's perspective. However, he is also seen by some as a traitor who endangered national security. The film presents a sympathetic view but doesn't fully engage with all arguments.