Godzilla — Characters & Cast

To stop his discovery from ever becoming a weapon like the atomic bomb, while still saving people from Godzilla.

He begins as a withdrawn, scarred scientist guarding a terrible secret. He ends by using his invention once and sacrificing his own life so the knowledge can never be recreated.

Scientific understanding and a respect for life, including the monster's.

A paleontologist who wants to study Godzilla rather than kill it. He becomes the film's grieving voice of warning, and it is his words that close the film.

To protect Emiko and the public, and to persuade Serizawa to act.

A young salvage-ship officer caught up in the crisis. He pushes for action against Godzilla, and in the end he goes down into the bay with Serizawa.

Loyalty and compassion, and a growing horror at the suffering around her.

Yamane's daughter is torn between an obligation to Serizawa and her love for Ogata. She sees the Oxygen Destroyer in action, and her choice to reveal the secret sets the climax in motion.