What is Charles Foster Kane's final word as he dies at the opening of the film?
The beginning of the film finds Charles Kane on his deathbed. He dies uttering the word “Rosebud.” Kane is an enormously wealthy man, and a newsreel wants to feature a story about his life and death. A news reporter is tasked with the job of finding out who or what “Rosebud” is.
How does Thompson learn about Kane's early life?
Through Thatcher's written memoirs, Thompson, the news reporter, learns about Kane's rise from a Colorado boarding house and the decline of his personal fortune.
How is Kane's life first explained in the movie?
Welles, the director, uses the technique of Newsreel footage to show viewers (and Thompson) the history of Kane.
What is Thompson, the reporter, assigned to do?
Upon interviewing Kane's estranged best friend, Thompson discovered that Kane's marriage had disintegrated over the years and he had an affair with a singer. The scandal became public and ended Kane's political career.
What falls from Kane's hand when he passes away?
Thompson is tasked with discovering the mystery of why Kane died holding a snowglobe and uttering the word “Rosebud.”
What is Susan's talent?
Susan was a singer but she did not possess the talent to sing in the opera. She was forced to perform by Kane and publically humiliated in the process.
Where does Kane and Susan Alexander meet?
Kane and Susan Alexander meet by chance on a street corner.
What does Kane sacrifice for Susan?
Kane left his wife for Susan, and he destroyed his friendships and career in the process.
What does Kane create to highlight Susan's skills?
Kane creates an opera house for Susan and forces her to perform despite her reservations.
What is Rosebud?
Thompson decides that the mystery of “Rosebud” will never be solved, but viewers at the very end of the film realize that “Rosebud” is Kane's childhood sled.