CODA - Characters & Cast

Initially, her motivation is to help her family survive. As the film progresses, her primary motivation becomes the pursuit of her passion for singing and the desire to build a future for herself, forcing her to reconcile these two powerful drives.

Ruby begins as a dutiful but shy teenager, burdened by her role as her family's interpreter and feeling like an outcast. Through her discovery of music and the mentorship of Mr. V, she gains confidence and begins to form her own identity separate from her family. Her journey is about learning to advocate for her own dreams while finding a new way to connect with and love her family, culminating in her decision to go to college while ensuring her family can stand on their own.

His core motivation is to provide for his family and maintain their way of life. He is driven by a deep-seated pride in his work and a desire to protect his family in a world that is not always accommodating to them.

Frank is a gruff, hardworking fisherman who loves his family fiercely but struggles to understand his daughter's passion for something he cannot experience. Initially, he is resistant to Ruby's ambitions, seeing them as a threat to the family business. His arc is one of opening up and learning to connect with his daughter on her terms. The moment he asks her to sing for him so he can feel the vibrations in her throat is his turning point, showing his acceptance and profound love.

Jackie is motivated by a deep desire to keep her family close and connected. Her actions are driven by a fear of being separated from her daughter by a cultural and sensory divide.

Jackie is a protective mother who fears losing her daughter to the hearing world, a world from which she has often felt excluded. Her initial resistance to Ruby's singing stems from a fear that they won't be able to connect and that she might fail as a mother to a hearing child. Her arc involves confronting these insecurities and learning to support Ruby's dream, recognizing her daughter's courage and talent.

Leo is motivated by a desire for independence and to be seen as a capable adult. He wants to prove that he and his parents are not helpless and can successfully navigate the hearing world without Ruby as a constant intermediary.

Leo is Ruby's older brother, who feels overshadowed and frustrated by the family's reliance on his sister. He resents the implication that they are helpless without her. His arc is about asserting his own independence and capability. He is the first family member to truly push Ruby to pursue her dreams, arguing that she will regret it if she stays and that the family needs to learn to manage on their own.

As a teacher, his motivation is to find and nurture true talent. He sees a rare gift in Ruby and is driven by a passion for music and a desire to see his students succeed and realize their full potential.

Mr. V is the eccentric but dedicated choir teacher who first discovers Ruby's talent. He acts as her guide into the world of music, pushing her to overcome her fears and insecurities. He doesn't change much himself, but his function is to be the catalyst for Ruby's transformation, offering her the tools, encouragement, and tough love she needs to pursue her dream of attending Berklee.