Paperman - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation is to reconnect with Meg, the woman who brought a fleeting moment of color and joy into his gray existence. He is driven by the memory of their brief encounter and the tangible symbol of that moment: the paper with her lipstick stain. This desire for connection becomes powerful enough to make him defy his boss and abandon his monotonous life.

George begins as a despondent office worker, trapped in the bleak routine of his daily life. His chance encounter with Meg awakens a deep sense of longing and determination. Initially hesitant and clumsy, his resolve grows with each failed paper airplane, pushing him to become more daring. His arc culminates in an act of rebellion and faith, where he abandons his job and gives in to the magical forces (the paper airplanes) that ultimately lead him to happiness and a meaningful connection, transforming him from a passive drone into an active participant in his own destiny.

Initially, her motivations are related to her own work life. However, once the special paper airplane reaches her, her motivation shifts. She is intrigued and charmed by this mysterious and persistent message, compelling her to follow the magical object and discover its source, ultimately leading her back to the man from the train platform.

Meg's arc is less defined as she is primarily seen from George's perspective. She initially appears as a charming, slightly amused woman who shares a brief, serendipitous moment with a stranger. Later, in her office, she seems professional and focused. Her arc begins when the lipstick-stained paper airplane finds her, piquing her curiosity and leading her to reciprocate the search. She transitions from an object of desire to an active participant in the reunion, following the magical paper to find George.

His motivation is simple and singular: to ensure his employees are working. He is driven by the demands of productivity and order, viewing George's paper airplane antics as a nonsensical and frustrating distraction from the tasks at hand.

The Boss does not have a developmental arc; he serves as a static obstacle. He represents the oppressive, joyless, and rigid structure of the corporate world that George is trying to escape. His constant, disapproving glares and attempts to force George back to work symbolize society's pressure to conform and prioritize productivity over personal fulfillment.