The term functions as a proper noun. It specifically identifies a unique fictional entity: the character Sergeant Tommy Saunders from the 2016 film, Patriots Day. The phrase combines the title of the work (a proper noun) with the character's first name (also a proper noun) to create a specific, identifiable subject.
Sergeant Tommy Saunders, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, is the central protagonist of the film. He is a composite character, meaning he is not a real individual but was created for the screenplay to represent the collective experiences and actions of multiple Boston police officers who were involved in the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. In the narrative, he is a veteran officer working at the finish line when the bombs detonate and subsequently plays an integral role in the ensuing investigation and city-wide manhunt for the suspects.
The practical application of this character is to serve as a narrative anchor for the audience. By consolidating the perspectives and duties of numerous real-life law enforcement personnel into a single figure, the filmmakers provide a coherent and emotionally accessible point of view to guide viewers through a complex and sprawling series of events. This storytelling device streamlines the plot and personifies the resilience and dedication of the Boston Police Department during the crisis.
