Pulp Fiction - Characters & Cast

Initially, Jules is motivated by his loyalty to his boss, Marsellus, and a professional pride in his work. After his epiphany, his motivation shifts entirely to achieving spiritual redemption and leaving his violent past behind.

Jules begins as a charismatic but ruthless hitman who enjoys the power of his position. His defining moment comes when he and Vincent survive a barrage of bullets unscathed. He interprets this as a miracle and a sign from God to change his ways. His arc is one of spiritual awakening; he transforms from a self-proclaimed "tyranny of evil men" to someone who wants to be "the shepherd," seeking a life of peace and purpose. He ends the film walking away from his life of crime.

Vincent is primarily motivated by his job, his loyalty to Marsellus, and the pursuit of pleasure. He follows orders, whether it's retrieving a briefcase, taking the boss's wife to dinner, or dealing with problems as they arise. His motivation remains consistent and self-serving throughout his storyline.

Vincent Vega is a cool, detached, and pragmatic hitman who enjoys the hedonistic side of his criminal lifestyle, including his heroin use. Unlike his partner Jules, Vincent has no significant character arc. He dismisses the 'miracle' shootout as a fluke and continues his life unchanged. His story is a cautionary tale; his complacency and lack of introspection lead directly to his unceremonious death at the hands of Butch Coolidge, highlighting the consequences of remaining static in a chaotic world.

Mia seems motivated by a desire to escape the boredom and isolation of her life. She seeks excitement and connection, which she finds briefly during her night out with Vincent. Her actions, such as snorting what she believes to be cocaine, are impulsive and driven by a search for a thrill.

Mia is introduced as the enigmatic and dangerous wife of a powerful gangster. While she fits the femme fatale archetype visually, the film subverts it by revealing her vulnerability and loneliness. Her arc within her segment, "Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace's Wife," is one of near-death and survival. After her overdose and subsequent revival via an adrenaline shot, she and Vincent share a moment of quiet understanding and agree to never speak of the incident, forming an unspoken bond forged in shared trauma.

Butch's primary motivation is to secure a future for himself and his girlfriend, Fabienne. This is deeply tied to honoring the memory of his father, symbolized by the gold watch he risks everything to retrieve. His actions are driven by a personal code of honor that ultimately outweighs his initial selfish plan.

Butch starts as a washed-up boxer seemingly motivated by greed, accepting a bribe to throw a fight. However, he shows his defiance and integrity by double-crossing Marsellus and winning the bout. His arc solidifies when he risks his life to save Marsellus from a horrific assault in the pawn shop basement. This act of honor and mercy earns him his freedom. His journey is about reclaiming his masculinity and honor, culminating in him riding off into the sunset with his girlfriend.