El laberinto del fauno
"Innocence has a power evil cannot imagine."
Pan's Labyrinth - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Ofelia
Ivana Baquero
Motivation
To escape the horrors of her stepfather's world, protect her mother and brother, and return to her true home in the Underworld.
Character Arc
She starts as a frightened child reading fairy tales and evolves into a brave heroine who sacrifices her own life to save her brother. Her journey is one of realizing her true identity as Princess Moanna through acts of moral courage.
Captain Vidal
Sergi López
Motivation
To crush the resistance, uphold the fascist order, and ensure his lineage (his son) continues his name.
Character Arc
He remains static in his cruelty but unravels as he loses control over his environment. He moves from absolute power to a humiliating death where his legacy is erased.
Mercedes
Maribel Verdú
Motivation
To support the anti-fascist guerrillas (her brother among them) and protect Ofelia from Vidal's cruelty.
Character Arc
She begins as a submissive housekeeper hiding her true allegiance, but grows to openly defy Vidal, physically wounding him and ultimately denying him his legacy.
The Faun
Doug Jones
Motivation
To guide the lost Princess back to her kingdom, ensuring she has not become mortal/corrupted.
Character Arc
He acts as an ambiguous guide, oscillating between menacing and helpful. He tests Ofelia's obedience and ultimately her morality, revealing his true benevolent nature only after she passes the final test.