Some Disney characters are more antagonists than villains, being driven to more understandable attitudes than actual cruelty.
Disney villains are essential characters for their animations, as they bring rhythm and emotion to the stories. However, in some cases, these characters are not only driven by evil, and can also play the role of antagonists who, in some way, “get in the hero’s way” with more understandable motivations.
With that in mind, RECREIO has selected 5 of these antagonists for you to remember or learn about; check out the list below!
1. Te Kā, from “Moana”
When we are hurt by someone or lose something valuable, it is common to feel hurt. In “Moana”, this happens to the goddess Te Fiti, who transforms into the fire demon Te Kā after having her heart stolen by Maui. This loss affects the flora and fauna of the Pacific islands, a situation that is only reversed when the protagonist takes the initiative to act and return what belongs to her.
2. Alma Madrigal, from “Encanto”
In “Encanto”, matriarch Alma Madrigal presents herself as a strong woman who seeks to create an ideal of perfection in her children and grandchildren. However, her rigid stance is a result of the loss of her husband, who sacrificed himself to protect both her and the other inhabitants of the village during an enemy attack. Her personality is shaped by deep experiences, without necessarily being linked to malicious motivations.
3. Kerchak, from “Tarzan”
The character Kerchak from “Tarzan” has a rigid personality due to a past trauma. The loss of his son left a deep wound that did not heal, even when his wife decided to raise the little human Tarzan. Kerchak refused to accept the boy as part of the family, reminding him that he did not belong in the jungle. However, when he realized that Tarzan became a protector of the family, just like him, Kerchak began to open up and soften.
4. Chef Louis from “The Little Mermaid”
Chef Louis, Prince Eric’s personal chef in “The Little Mermaid,” loves preparing seafood to satisfy the prince’s appetite. His enthusiasm grows even more when Ariel arrives at the castle, inspiring him to prepare stuffed crabs as a special delicacy. Sebastian, the mermaid’s crustacean friend, becomes his main target, showing the chef to be a true food enthusiast who is not easily given up on his goals.
5. Denahi, from “Brother Bear”
Denahi, the middle brother of Kenai and Stika, may display vengeful motivations throughout the story, but always with an understandable motive. After Stika’s death at the claws of a bear and Kenai’s apparent death in search of revenge, Denahi finds himself consumed by the desire to hunt the animal responsible, having lost his entire family to it. His behavior is driven by grief and longing for his brothers, with no intention of hurting for pleasure.
Source: Recreio
