The Kid - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is simply to survive. However, upon finding the Kid and reading the mother's note, his primary motivation becomes to love, protect, and provide for his adopted son. This love gives his life meaning and purpose beyond his own immediate needs.

The Tramp begins as a solitary, carefree wanderer. The discovery of the abandoned baby forces him into a role of responsibility he initially rejects. Over five years, he develops a deep, paternal love for the Kid, transforming from a self-serving individual into a devoted and fiercely protective father figure. His desperate fight to keep the Kid reveals the profound change in his character, showing his capacity for unconditional love and self-sacrifice.

The Kid's primary motivation is to be with the Tramp, whom he loves as his father. He is a loyal and active participant in their shared life, motivated by love and a desire for their small family unit to remain intact.

The Kid's arc is one of finding a sense of belonging and family in the most unconventional of circumstances. He grows from an abandoned infant into a resourceful and loving child who is an equal partner in his and the Tramp's life. The trauma of being separated from the only father he has ever known underscores the depth of their bond. His reunion with his biological mother represents a move towards a more stable future, but it is his unwavering love for the Tramp that defines his character.

Initially motivated by a desperate desire to provide a better life for her child, her motivation shifts to atoning for her past actions. After achieving success, she is driven by a deep-seated need to find her lost son and make amends for abandoning him.

The Woman begins the film in a state of desperation, leading her to abandon her child. Her arc is one of redemption. She transforms from a destitute, unwed mother into a successful and wealthy actress. However, her success is shadowed by the guilt and regret of her past actions. She channels her remorse into charity work, which eventually leads her back to her son. Her journey culminates in her reunion with the Kid and her acceptance of the Tramp into their new family.

His primary motivation appears to be his art career, which he prioritizes over his family. His later expression of regret suggests a belated sense of conscience.

The Man has a minimal arc in the film. He is initially shown as a self-absorbed artist who rejects his responsibility as a father. Years later, when he encounters the Woman again, he expresses regret for his past behavior. His character serves primarily as a catalyst for the Woman's initial desperate act of abandonment.