Religion: religious/ethical 
Name: Paul Dorgan
Classification:
supporting character
scientist
Publisher(s): 
First Appearance: Superman (vol. 1) #4 (Spring 1940): "The Economic Enemy"
Creators: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Paul Cassidy
Number of Appearances: 1
Enemy of: J. E. Curtis
Occupation: sociologist
Gender: male
As Clark Kent's editor George Taylor explained, "Paul Dorgan, eminent sociologist is completing a book manuscript entitled 'Prosperity's Foe'. An interview with him might prove interesting."
Clark Kent replied, "I've heard of Dorgan -- They claim that some of his theories are highly fantastic!"
Later, when Clark Kent met Paul Dorgan in his office, he asked, "May I see your manuscript?"
Paul Dorgan answered, "No, for I can't trust anyone. Simply write that I am about to print documentary evidence that will prove sinister persons or forces plan to deliberately stave off the return of national prosperity."Clark Kent left Dorgan's office and heard a pistol shot. The reporter returned to the office only to find Dorgan lying dead on his office floor, a pistol in his hand. It looked like a suicide.
Clark Kent read the bit of paper clenched in Dorgan's hand. The paper said, "One power-mad individual is behind this threat to the nation and his name is--"
Clark Kent was suspicious. He said to himself, "Odd that this is all that remains of the manuscript! Perhaps Dorgan was murdered so that it could be stolen!"
Clark Kent investigated further and eventually followed a trail of killers, conspirators and criminals that led to J. E. Curtis. Curtis was a wealthy man who wanted to plunge the nation into economic chaos. Curtis was being bribed by foreign interests who were enemies of the United States. In the end, Superman killed Curtis with a weapon Curtis had attacked the hero with. But before this happened, Curtis and his people had managed to attack America's economic system on many fronts.
Paul Dorgan may have seemed to many people to be a crackpot or a conspiracy theorist. But in the end, everything he told Clark Kent proved correct. J. E. Curtis must have known how close Dorgan was to exposing his plot, and had him murdered so that the truth would not be revealed.
Paul Dorgan was shown only in two panels, both on page 1 of the story retroactively titled "The Economic Enemy" in Superman #4 (Spring 1940). He was mentioned by name in many other places throughout this story. Essentially nothing was revealed about Dorgan's background, beliefs, etc. But we know that he sought truth even when it meant going against conventional wisdom, the approval of his professional colleagues, and even powerful and dangerous enemies. Dorgan was a patriot who wanted the United States to continue its return to national prosperity. At one point Curtis tried to bribe Superman with incredible wealth if he would become an ally and let Curtis finish his plans. Perhaps Curtis had made similar offers to Dorgan. But Dorgan wasn't after personal wealth and comfort. In the end, Paul Dorgan gave his life for his country and his ideals.
Superman (vol. 1) #4 (Spring 1940): "The Economic Enemy" (2-panel cameo)
Suggested links for further research about this character and the character's religious affiliation:
- http://comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=44196
- https://www.comics.org/issue/727/