Colin Sullivan

Colin Sullivan is a fictional character. He is an Irish-American police officer and one of the two lead protagonists in the 2006 Academy Award-winning film The Departed. He is portrayed by Matt Damon. His most defining trait is his unyielding devotion to Frank Costello. He refers to Frank as "dad" when around the police, and his son like devotion to Costello is one of the prime examples of the "father/son" relationship explored in the film.

Early years

Born in 1980, Colin Sullivan grew up in the rough Irish neighborhood of South Boston, where he met in the late-1980s during the Busing riots. Being the captain of the protection racket for the local Irish Mob Costello met then-11 year old Sullivan by chance at a convenience store while demanding money from the owner. He later groomed the boy into a follower of his by teaching him all about the streets and the mob business. Later, as he grew to manhood, Sullivan would honor Costello, the man he considered a father figure, by enlisting as a police officer.

Life as a Mole and a Cop

Around 2005, Colin Sullivan, now in his mid-twenties, becomes inducted as a Sergeant in the Massachusetts State Police while working as a mole for Costello's crew. His employers are the cool-headed Oliver Queenan and the foul-mouthed Sean Dignam.

Demise

Some time after Costigan's funeral and his breakup with Madolyn (who shuns him), Sullivan returns to his apartment after shopping for groceries. Upon entering, he sees Sergeant Dignam wearing cloth covers on his feet, rubber gloves on, and wielding a pistol with a silencer. Realizing that he is unable to run or defend himself, Colin accepts his fate and states "Okay," and then he is shot in the face by Dignam

It is implied that Madolyn betrayed Colin and gave the Costello recording tapes to Dignam, who is most likely furious at him for inadvertedly causing Queenan's death and his dismissal. This explains why he kills him instead of arresting him. Even though the tapes would seem to be enough evidence against him, it would still require a search warrant, but Dignam acted in revenge for the deaths of his boss and Costigan.

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