Le Roi et l'Oiseau
The King and the Mockingbird - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
The Mockingbird (L'Oiseau)
Jean Martin
Motivation
To protect his family, humiliate the King, and champion the cause of freedom for all creatures.
Character Arc
He starts as a pestering antagonist to the King, protecting his family. He becomes the narrator and guide for the lovers, eventually leading the revolution that topples the kingdom.
King Charles V + III = VIII + VIII = XVI
Pascal Mazzotti
Motivation
Vanity and the possessive desire to own the Shepherdess, whom he views as an object.
Character Arc
The 'real' King is quickly disposed of by his own Portrait. The Portrait King acts as the true villain, obsessively hunting the Shepherdess until he is literally blown away by the Robot.
The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep
Agnès Viala / Renaud Marx
Motivation
To be together and escape the King's control.
Character Arc
They flee the frame of their paintings to be together. Their journey is one of survival; they are the innocent motivation that drives the Bird and the plot forward.
The Robot
N/A
Motivation
Initially programmed obedience, followed by a final act of liberation.
Character Arc
Initially a mindless weapon of the King, it is commandeered by the Bird to destroy the city. In the final scene, it gains a spark of independent soul by choosing to free a bird.