Gifted - Characters & Cast

Frank's primary motivation is to honor his sister's wish for Mary to have a normal, happy life, free from the crushing expectations that their mother, Evelyn, placed on them. He is driven by a deep sense of love and responsibility for Mary.

Frank begins as a man living a quiet, unassuming life, dedicated to protecting his niece from the pressures that destroyed his sister. The custody battle forces him to confront his past and fight for his beliefs about what is best for Mary. He evolves from a passive protector to an active advocate for Mary's right to a childhood, ultimately finding a way to balance her intellectual needs with her emotional well-being.

Mary's motivation is to be with her uncle, Frank, who is the only parent she has ever known. She craves his love and approval and wants to understand her place in the world. She is also intrinsically motivated by her love of mathematics.

Mary starts the film as a precocious and somewhat isolated child, aware of her intelligence but struggling to connect with her peers. Through her experiences in school and the emotional turmoil of the custody battle, she learns to navigate the complexities of relationships and begins to understand the value of friendship and a balanced life. She ultimately finds a way to embrace both her gift and her childhood.

Evelyn is motivated by a desire to see her family's intellectual legacy fulfilled. Having been a mathematician herself, she believes that Mary has a duty to use her gift to its fullest extent. Her actions are also driven by a deep-seated, albeit misguided, belief that she knows what is best for Mary.

Evelyn is initially presented as a cold and calculating woman, obsessed with her granddaughter's potential. While she doesn't have a traditional redemptive arc, the revelation of her daughter's completed work and her final wishes forces Evelyn to confront the consequences of her actions. She is left to grapple with the legacy of her ambition and the emotional toll it has taken on her family.

Bonnie is motivated by a genuine concern for Mary's well-being. As an educator, she wants to see Mary challenged academically, but she also recognizes the importance of her social and emotional development. She is drawn to Frank's dedication to his niece.

Bonnie begins as Mary's concerned teacher, who recognizes her extraordinary abilities. She becomes an ally to Frank and Mary, offering them support and understanding. Her character arc is less about personal transformation and more about her growing involvement in their lives and her developing romantic relationship with Frank.

Roberta's motivation is her deep love for Frank and Mary. She considers them family and will do whatever it takes to protect them and keep them together. Her motivation is rooted in her strong sense of community and compassion.

Roberta is a consistent source of love and support for Frank and Mary throughout the film. Her character does not undergo a significant arc but serves as a steady, grounding presence in their lives. She is fiercely protective of Mary and acts as a surrogate mother figure.