Persepolis - Characters & Cast

Marjane is driven by a powerful desire for freedom, justice, and self-expression. She is motivated to live a life of integrity, a value instilled by her family, especially her grandmother. She constantly pushes back against injustice and hypocrisy, whether from the government or individuals, seeking to find her own place in a world that tries to define her.

Marjane begins as a precocious, imaginative, and deeply religious child who wants to be a prophet. The trauma of the revolution, war, and the execution of her uncle shatters her faith and innocence, transforming her into a cynical and rebellious teenager. Her time in Vienna is marked by alienation and heartbreak, leading to a loss of self and a deep depression. Upon returning to Iran, she struggles to reconcile her Westernized self with the oppressive society she finds. Ultimately, she realizes that to be true to herself, she must leave her home for good, fully embracing her complex identity as an Iranian woman living in exile.

Her primary motivation is to protect and guide Marjane. She wants her granddaughter to live a full life without sacrificing her dignity or integrity. She represents the link to a more liberal Iranian past and encourages Marjane to always be true to herself.

Marjane's grandmother is a consistent source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional love throughout the film. She doesn't have a traditional arc of change but serves as the moral and emotional bedrock for Marjane. She is frank, funny, and deeply principled, representing the best of Marjane's heritage and providing the guidance Marjane needs to navigate her difficult life.

Anouche is motivated by his strong political ideals and his love for his country. He believes in fighting for a free and just Iran, even at the cost of his own life. He is also motivated by his love for his family, especially his bond with Marjane, to whom he passes on his story.

Anouche is a revolutionary hero in Marjane's eyes. He is imprisoned for his communist beliefs under the Shah, released after the revolution, and then re-arrested and executed by the new Islamic regime. His arc is tragic; his initial optimism for a new Iran is brutally crushed. For Marjane, he represents the ideals of heroism and sacrifice, and his death is a pivotal moment that cements her disillusionment with the revolution and her loss of faith.

Her motivations are twofold: a desire for a free and progressive Iran, and an overwhelming need to protect her daughter. She fights for her own rights while trying to create a safe space for Marjane to grow, eventually realizing that the only way to truly protect her is to send her away.

Marjane's mother is a fiercely independent and modern woman who actively participates in the protests against both the Shah and the fundamentalist regime. Her arc sees her move from a hopeful revolutionary to a worried parent, deeply concerned for her daughter's safety in an increasingly dangerous country. Her ultimate act of love is letting Marjane go, knowing she may never be able to return, prioritizing her daughter's freedom over her own desire to be with her.

He is motivated by a desire for a secular, modern Iran and a deep love for his family. He wants Marjane to be educated, informed, and free. He provides her with books and knowledge, fostering the critical thinking that defines her character.

Like his wife, Marjane's father is a modern, educated intellectual who opposes the oppressive regimes. He is less of a frontline activist and more of an observer and educator for Marjane, explaining the complex political situations to her. His arc is one of growing disillusionment. He sees the hope of the revolution curdle into fanaticism and must make the heartbreaking decision to send his only child away to give her a chance at a better life, accepting the limitations of his ability to change his country.