"It begins."
Dune - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Paul Atreides
Timothée Chalamet
Motivation
Initially seeks to please his father and understand his visions; later motivated by survival and vengeance against the Harkonnens.
Character Arc
Begins as a sheltered noble youth troubled by visions. After the loss of his father and his house, he undergoes a baptism by fire in the desert, eventually killing his first opponent and joining the Fremen.
Lady Jessica
Rebecca Ferguson
Motivation
To protect Paul at all costs, even if it means manipulating ancient prophecies to ensure their safety.
Character Arc
A Bene Gesserit who defied her order by bearing a son. She evolves from a royal consort to a desperate survivor who must guide her son into his dangerous destiny among the Fremen.
Duke Leto Atreides
Oscar Isaac
Motivation
To bring "Desert Power" to House Atreides through an alliance with the Fremen and to protect his family.
Character Arc
A man of honor who knows he is walking into a trap. He dies a martyr, attempting to take the Baron with him, leaving a legacy of integrity for his son.
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Stellan Skarsgård
Motivation
Reclaiming the wealth of Arrakis and eliminating House Atreides to secure his family's standing.
Character Arc
Remains a static force of pure avarice and cruelty. He successfully orchestrates the downfall of his rivals but fails to account for the survival of the Atreides heir.
Duncan Idaho
Jason Momoa
Motivation
Absolute loyalty to House Atreides and deep affection for Paul.
Character Arc
The Atreides' master-at-arms who serves as a bridge to the Fremen. He sacrifices himself in a heroic last stand to allow Paul and Jessica to escape.