Casablanca - Characters & Cast

Initially, Rick is motivated by self-preservation and a desire to protect himself from further emotional pain. As the story progresses, his love for Ilsa and his reawakened sense of right and wrong become his primary motivators, leading him to help her and Victor escape.

Rick begins the film as a cynical and detached nightclub owner, determined to remain neutral in the conflicts surrounding him. The arrival of Ilsa forces him to confront his painful past and his buried idealism. Throughout the film, he evolves from a man who "sticks his neck out for nobody" to a heroic figure who sacrifices his own happiness for a greater cause. His journey is one of rediscovering his moral compass and committing to the fight against tyranny.

Ilsa's primary motivation is to ensure the safety of her husband, Victor Laszlo, so he can continue his important work for the Resistance. However, she is also driven by her unresolved love for Rick and her desire for personal happiness, creating a deep internal conflict.

Ilsa's arc is one of navigating an impossible emotional and moral conflict. She is torn between her enduring love for Rick and her loyalty and commitment to her husband, Victor Laszlo, and his noble cause. She arrives in Casablanca hoping to secure passage for Victor, but her reunion with Rick reopens old wounds and forces her to confront her true feelings. Ultimately, she is prepared to sacrifice her own desires for the sake of the greater good, a decision that is ultimately made for her by Rick.

Victor's motivation is singular and unwavering: to fight against the Nazi regime and inspire others to do the same. He is driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a commitment to freedom and justice.

Victor Laszlo's character remains steadfast throughout the film. He is an unwavering symbol of the resistance against Nazism. He is courageous, principled, and dedicated to his cause, even in the face of great personal danger. His arc is less about personal change and more about his impact on those around him, particularly Rick. He represents the moral and political ideals that Rick ultimately embraces.

Renault is primarily motivated by pragmatism and self-preservation. He collaborates with the Nazis to maintain his position of power in Casablanca. However, his friendship with Rick and his underlying sense of decency ultimately lead him to act against his own immediate interests.

Captain Renault begins as a corrupt and opportunistic Vichy official, looking out for his own self-interest. He maintains a cynical and witty friendship with Rick. However, by the end of the film, inspired by Rick's sacrifice, he chooses a side. His decision to help Rick escape and his famous line, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," signifies his own moral transformation and commitment to the Allied cause.