Edward Keplinger (Hugh Grant) was the former Chancellor who was ousted by Elena and her party seven years ago.
After Herbert is imprisoned for beating up Emil Bartos, he meets Edward Keplinger. Edward was Elena’s predecessor who was imprisoned following her rise.
However, the rest of the country believes that he is relaxing in a mountain villa somewhere waiting for the right moment to return.
Edward’s image is vilified by Elena’s regime for easy points with the public. Edward begins spending time with Herbert to try and sway him.
It doesn’t necessarily go according to plan, however.
Lacking the lovable aura
Edward treats Herbert with kindness and respect and fills his mind with words of contempt against Elena.
Herbert begins to consider Edward’s words, but they never truly take hold. When the people begin protesting, Elena visits Edward and he openly insults her.
This wins him a beating at the hands of the guards and a chance to gain more sympathy with Herbert.
He tells Herbert that Elena’s time has passed, and they can rise together. He agrees to implement Herbert’s dream of land reform but doesn’t promise anything.
Herbert has trouble sleeping, and one night, he kills the guards and goes into Edward’s cell. He says that since he’s met Edward, he hasn’t dreamt like he used to about Elena.
Herbert says that to support a ruler, he must be in love with them. Edward says that isn’t necessary and tries to point out that Elena has brainwashed him to think that way.
His patience runs out and he attacks Herbert for his weak mind. Herbert ends up choking Edward until the life slips out of him.
This act brings him back into Elena’s good graces, and she invites him back to the palace.
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