Bill Willoughby

Living… with terminal cancer. Bill’s prognosis has forced him to start thinking about the future, of not only himself but the implications that his impending death will have on his wife Anne and their two young daughters. He is a loving husband and father and wants to spend time with his family during the time he has left.

Profession… Chief of the police force in their small town named Ebbing. Bill has been Chief for many years now and has earned the respect of the townsfolk and his officers. But an unsolved rape and murder case is causing tension among the force. Mildred Hayes, the grieving mother of the rape victim, put up the billboards that question the Chief’s integrity. They read in three separate messages: “Raped While Dying”, “And Still No Arrests?”, and “How Come, Chief Willoughby?” When he first sees the billboards, the Chief is outraged. But he tries to remain cordial to her, explaining his side of the story while considering Mildred’s pain as a parent who lost their child. Unfortunately, Mildred is not backing down, and the billboards have caused a media frenzy.

Interests… hanging out with his daughters, fishing, and literature. The Chief loves his daughters more than anything. He takes them fishing and plays games with them at the local river. He is also a fan of literature, including the work of Oscar Wilde.

Relationship Status… in love. Bill and Anne have a playful, loving relationship and have been married for many years.

Challenge… handling the billboard situation and clearing his name. Mildred poses the first real threat to Bill’s credibility once the billboards are up; he claims that the police did everything they could with the evidence they had to try to find the people who hurt Angela. Mildred doesn’t buy it and Willoughby is left in a game of metaphorical chess, as the two begin plotting on how to get back at the other. Bill had wanted to live out his remaining days with his family and retire from the force, but the questions that Mildred raise surrounding Angela’s investigation are derailing those plans.

Personality… reflective, professional, and emotional. The Chief is an honorable man who tries his best to fight crime in his town while remaining calm and respectful. But as he battles for his life and his reputation, he is starting to lose his composure.