Gordon Deitrich is a character in the V for Vendetta graphic novel as well as its 2006 film adaptation, where he was played by Stephen Fry.
In the film[]
When the film starts, Gordon Deitrich is a comedy show host at the British Television Network, where Evey Hammond works as a production assistant. He is her mentor and close friend.
Despite working for a government-controller TV station, Deitrich is secretly subversive. He is a closeted homosexual, something that he seems to have managed to hide from the violently homophobic Norsefire government. He keeps, in a secret room in his home which he eventually reveals to Evey, several cultural items outlawed by the government, including erotic photos of men, pieces of art satirizing or criticizing the government, and even a 14th century copy of the Qur'an. When asked by Evey if he is a Muslim, he denies it, explaining that he keeps the book because he sees it as a work of art.
British media is tightly controlled by the Norsefire government, and Deitrich's show is no exception. Its scripts have to be submitted for government approval before filming.
That is how Deitrich meets his demise. One day, instead of filming the script approved by the government, he decides to film and air an unapproved sketch, featuring Adam Sutler and V impersonators and showing “Sutler” as a buffoon frequently being fooled by “V”. In the sketch, “V” uses cartoonish tricks like replacing “Sutler's” cigar with one that explodes in his face, and sneaking under his chair to tie his shoelaces together. Deitrich's fame, as well as the high ratings of the show, led him to believe that he wouldn't get more than a slap on the wrist for that sketch. Instead, not long after it airs, a team of Fingermen led by Peter Creedy breaks into his home looking for him.
Evey, unable to help, heeds Deitrich's plea and hides under the bed, a split second before the Fingermen break into the room. She watches in horror as they violently throw Deitrich to the ground and subdue him. Creedy enters the bedroom and, as Deitrich is on his knees being held down by the Fingermen, Creedy strikes Deitrich's face with his nightstick. Then the Fingermen tie Deitrich's hands together behind his back, put a black bag over his head, and drag him away. As the agents start to search the house, Evey escapes out the window.
When the Fingermen find Deitrich's secret room and the Qur'an, he is executed on the spot.