Fabula
Object
Object

Josh Lyman's Indonesian Delegation Routing Folder (manila folder, handed by Donna)

A letter‑size manila routing folder with softened corners holding a thin stack of stapled briefing pages and clipped memos. Donna slips the packet into Josh's hand in the midst of his urgent calls; the folder rustles as he thumbs a cover sheet while half-listening. The physical weight and quiet paper noise anchor the exchange—part practical work material, part conversational prop that steadies Josh amid rapid task switching.
5 appearances

Purpose

To carry and transmit short memos, briefing notes, and routing instructions between White House staff for immediate operational awareness and quick handoffs.

Significance

Functions as a narrative tether between domestic banter and government business: it grounds the characters’ intimacy in tangible workflow, enables rapid briefing transfer, and signals continuing responsibilities even during personal moments.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments
S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Containment vs. Exposure: Josh, Sam and C.J. Collide

Donna hands Josh a manila file as he moves to intercept C.J.; the file is a concrete administrative interruption that anchors Josh back to schedule and signals institutional business must proceed despite the personal crisis unfolding.

Before: In Donna's hand, prepared to be delivered to Josh as part of normal office workflow.
After: Transferred to Josh's possession as he catches up with C.J.; remains in use as he balances the meeting schedule with crisis management.
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S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Sam's Call-Girl Confession — A Personal Problem Becomes Political Risk

A manila file is handed by Donna to Josh immediately after the confession beats; its delivery enforces the administrative timeline and the imperative that official duties continue despite personal drama, punctuating Josh's split attention between triage and schedule.

Before: In Donna's possession, ready to be delivered to Josh for the Energy Secretary meeting.
After: In Josh's hand as he walks out to intercept C.J., representing carried-forward responsibilities.
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S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Shot, Photo, and the Burden of Command

A manila file is handed to the President by Carol during the medical visit; it interrupts the private rhythm briefly and grounds the scene in ongoing administrative reality, reminding Bartlet of concurrent business.

Before: On Carol's person as a prepared routing folder intended for the President.
After: In the President's hands briefly and then remains on the desk as part of his day's paperwork.
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S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Intimacy Interrupted — Leo Brings the Machine

A manila folder-style file is handed by Carol to the President mid-exam; its arrival punctures the intimacy, symbolizing the constant return of administrative duty. The folder functions narratively to remind the President of pending business and to rhythmically move the scene from private to public.

Before: In Carol's hands, ready to be delivered to the President.
After: In the President's possession (he accepts it), integrated back into the Oval's workflow.
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S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am
Donna Keeps the Line Warm

A manila routing folder (the Indonesian delegation briefing) functions as literal work material and a tactile handoff: Donna places it in Josh's hands as he leaves, enabling him to walk into the meeting prepared and signifying operational continuity amid levity.

Before: In Donna's possession, held at the moment she stands from the chair arm.
After: Given to Josh; he takes it with his papers as he exits for the meeting.
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