"A quest to save her world."
Raya and the Last Dragon - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Raya
Kelly Marie Tran
Motivation
To find Sisu, reassemble the Dragon Gem, and restore her father, Chief Benja, from stone.
Character Arc
Initially a hopeful young guardian, she becomes a cynical, isolated loner after being betrayed. Her development involves letting go of her rage and learning that trust is a gift she must give first.
Sisu (Sisudatu)
Awkwafina
Motivation
To bring peace to Kumandra and remind humans that they are better together than apart.
Character Arc
Sisu remains largely static in her values but acts as the catalyst for everyone else's change. She discovers her own worth, realizing she wasn't the "best" dragon but was the one who trusted her siblings.
Namaari
Gemma Chan
Motivation
To protect her people and secure Fang's legacy, often at the expense of other tribes.
Character Arc
She moves from a loyal daughter of Fang obsessed with her tribe's prosperity to a remorseful leader who realizes that her actions have nearly destroyed everyone.
Chief Benja
Daniel Dae Kim
Motivation
To see the five tribes live together in harmony as one nation again.
Character Arc
He serves as the moral compass of the film. Though he is petrified early on, his philosophy of a reunited Kumandra guides Raya's journey.