Braveheart - Characters & Cast

Initially motivated by vengeance for his wife's murder, his purpose broadens to a passionate, all-consuming desire to free Scotland from English oppression. He fights for the idea that every person has the right to live freely on their own land, a conviction he holds until his final breath.

Wallace begins as a man desiring only peace, family, and a simple life. The murder of his wife transforms him from a private citizen into a reluctant but ferocious leader of a rebellion. He evolves from seeking personal revenge to embodying the national hope for freedom, becoming a master strategist and an inspirational orator. His arc culminates in his capture and martyrdom, where he sacrifices his body but immortalizes his cause, transitioning from a man to a legend.

His primary motivation is to secure the Scottish crown for himself. He is caught between two paths to this goal: the safe, political maneuvering suggested by his father (aligning with England) and the dangerous, principled path of rebellion championed by Wallace. His ultimate motivation becomes fulfilling Wallace's legacy.

Robert starts as a pragmatic, cautious nobleman, torn between his respect for Wallace and the political expediency advised by his leprous, cynical father. His fear and ambition lead him to betray Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk, a moment of profound shame. However, Wallace's unwavering courage and ultimate sacrifice inspire Robert to cast aside his father's influence and his own indecision. He finally embraces his role as a true leader, taking up Wallace's cause and leading Scotland to freedom.

His motivation is absolute power and the complete subjugation of Scotland. He sees the country and its people not as a nation to be governed but as a territory to be owned and exploited. He is driven by a cold, Machiavellian desire to expand and solidify his own power and legacy, using any means necessary.

Longshanks is a largely static character, representing the unwavering force of tyranny. He is portrayed as a cunning, ruthless, and cruel monarch from beginning to end. His arc is one of decline; as Wallace's rebellion gains momentum, Longshanks' control frays, and his health deteriorates. His story ends in impotence, as he dies knowing his bloodline will be severed and that the rebellion he sought to crush has outlived him.

Trapped in a loveless political marriage to the weak Prince Edward, she is motivated by a yearning for genuine strength and honor, which she finds in Wallace. Her motivation becomes to aid his cause, driven by a mixture of political savvy, compassion, and love, ultimately seeking to undermine the cruel king who controls her life.

Initially sent as a political pawn by Longshanks to manipulate Wallace, Princess Isabelle is instead won over by his integrity and passion. She transforms from a dutiful, unhappy noblewoman into a defiant ally and Wallace's secret confidante. Her arc culminates in an act of ultimate loyalty to Wallace and defiance against Longshanks, as she reveals she carries Wallace's child, ensuring the end of the king's direct lineage.