CAST OF CHARACTERS

James Simons

Mathematician, code breaker, and founder of Renaissance Technologies

Lenny Baum

Simons's first investing partner and author of algorithms that impacted the lives of millions

James Ax

Ran the Medallion fund and developed its first trading models

Sandor Straus

Data guru who played key early role at Renaissance

Elwyn Berlekamp

Game theorist who managed the Medallion fund at a key turning point

Henry Laufer

Mathematician who moved Simons's fund toward short-term trades

Peter Brown

Computer scientist who helped engineer Renaissance's key breakthroughs

Robert Mercer

Renaissance's co-CEO, helped put Donald Trump in the White House

Rebekah Mercer

Teamed up with Steve Bannon to upend American politics

David Magerman

Computer specialist who tried to stop the Mercers' political activities