The Grand Budapest Hotel - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation is to uphold the highest standards of service and civility, which he sees as the very purpose of the Grand Budapest and, by extension, his own life. He is also motivated by a love for poetry, beauty, and the company of wealthy, elderly blondes.

Gustave begins as a fastidious, vain, and charming concierge who embodies the ideals of the hotel. While he initially seems superficial, his journey as a fugitive reveals his deep loyalty, bravery, and a paternal love for Zero. He doesn't change his core principles but applies them with greater depth and sacrifice. His arc is ultimately tragic; he maintains his civility to the very end, which leads to his death when he confronts fascist soldiers, proving his ideals cannot survive in the brutal new world.

Initially, his motivation is simply to be a good lobby boy and earn his place. This quickly evolves into an unwavering loyalty to M. Gustave, who becomes the father figure he never had. His love for Agatha is also a central motivation, and as an older man, his sole motivation is to preserve the memory of his past happiness.

Young Zero starts as a penniless, stateless refugee with no family, literally a 'zero'. Under Gustave's tutelage, he becomes a competent and fiercely loyal friend. His arc is one of finding a new family and purpose. He gains a fortune and the hotel but loses both his mentor and his great love, Agatha. The older Zero is a lonely, melancholic figure who lives in the past, preserving the hotel as a monument to his memories, showing that his immense wealth could not protect him from profound loss.

His motivation is pure greed. He believes he is entitled to his family's entire fortune, particularly the 'Boy with Apple' painting, and is willing to kill anyone who stands in his way.

Dmitri is a static character who serves as the primary antagonist. He begins as a greedy, entitled aristocrat furious at being snubbed in his mother's will, and he remains ruthless and villainous throughout. His character represents the decay of the aristocracy into brutishness and a precursor to the fascist violence to come. His arc is simply a descent into criminality as he resorts to murder and intimidation to get what he wants.

Her motivation is her love for and loyalty to Zero. She unhesitatingly helps him and M. Gustave, even when it puts her in mortal danger, such as sneaking into the Nazi-occupied hotel to retrieve the painting.

Agatha is a brave, kind, and capable young baker who remains a steadfast beacon of goodness throughout the film. Her arc is defined by her relationship with Zero; she falls in love, becomes his courageous partner in the caper, and marries him. Her character doesn't undergo a significant transformation but rather demonstrates her inherent strength and loyalty. Her tragic, early death from the "Prussian Grippe" underscores the film's theme that innocence and happiness are fragile and fleeting.