"Tarzan of the Apes" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Tarzan

Tarzan is the protagonist in the novel "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. He is the product of the juxtaposition of the natural and civilized world. Despite being raised by apes in the African jungle, Tarzan's true heritage as a British nobleman becomes a driving force in his life.

Jane Porter

Jane Porter is the love interest of Tarzan and a significant character in the novel. She is depicted as an intelligent and compassionate woman who ultimately falls in love with Tarzan. Jane serves as a catalyst for Tarzan's longing for acceptance and understanding in the civilized world.

Clayton

Clayton is the main antagonist in the story and serves as a foil to Tarzan. He is a cruel and manipulative character with ulterior motives. Clayton's presence in the jungle threatens both Tarzan and his ape family, leading to a conflict between the two characters.

Kerchak

Kerchak is the leader of the ape tribe that raises Tarzan as their own. He is initially skeptical and protective of Tarzan, seeing him as an outsider and a threat to their way of life. Kerchak's dynamic with Tarzan evolves throughout the story, shaping Tarzan's understanding of leadership and acceptance.

Kala

Kala is Tarzan's adoptive mother and a nurturing figure in Tarzan's life. As an ape, she unconditionally loves and cares for Tarzan, reinforcing the theme of familial bonds and the importance of love and compassion.

Professor Porter

Professor Porter is Jane Porter's father and a respected academic. He represents the civilized society that Tarzan is unfamiliar with. As the story progresses, Tarzan's encounter with Professor Porter challenges both of their perceptions of the world, highlighting the clash between different cultures.

Character Descriptions

Tarzan

Tarzan is a tall, muscular, and agile man raised by apes in the African jungle. He possesses tanned skin, unruly dark hair, and piercing green eyes. His physical prowess and survival skills reflect his upbringing in the wild. Tarzan also exhibits an air of curiosity, intelligence, and adaptability, as he navigates the challenges of his dual identity.

Jane Porter

Jane Porter is a beautiful young woman with blonde hair and delicate features. She is often portrayed as elegant and well-dressed, representing the refined society in which she was raised. Jane possesses a kind heart, sharp intellect, and a sense of adventure, making her an ideal companion for Tarzan.

Clayton

Clayton is a tall, imposing man with a rugged appearance and a menacing demeanor. He has a strong physique, steely eyes, and a scruffy beard. Clayton's rugged appearance conceals his true nature as a deceitful and treacherous individual, using his charisma to manipulate those around him.

Kerchak

Kerchak is a massive and dominant silverback gorilla. His physical presence exudes power and intimidation. Kerchak has greying fur, battle scars, and intelligent, yet piercing eyes. As the leader of the ape tribe, he embodies the strength and authority that Tarzan eventually seeks to challenge and surpass.

Kala

Kala is a loving and maternal figure who possesses the gentleness and tenderness of a mother. As an ape, she has shaggy fur, expressive eyes, and a nurturing disposition. Kala's physical presence reflects her role as Tarzan's caretaker and protector, instilling in Tarzan a sense of belonging and compassion.

Professor Porter

Professor Porter is an older man with greying hair and spectacles. He dresses formally and carries an intellectual air. As an academic, Professor Porter often appears lost in thought, immersing himself in his research. His physical appearance signifies his role as an intellectual and a representative of the civilized world.

Character Traits

Tarzan

• Resilient
• Independent
• Curious
• Strong-willed
• Resourceful

Jane Porter

• Compassionate
• Intelligent
• Adventurous
• Brave
• Empathetic

Clayton

• Manipulative
• Deceitful
• Calculating
• Ruthless
• Ambitious

Kerchak

• Protective
• Authoritative
• Dominant
• Skeptical
• Traditional

Kala

• Nurturing
• Devoted
• Loving
• Gentle
• Protective

Professor Porter

• Knowledgeable
• Inquisitive
• Absent-minded
• Optimistic
• Open-minded

Character Background

Tarzan

Tarzan's story begins when his parents, Lord and Lady Greystoke, are tragically marooned on the African coast. With both of them dying, Tarzan is left orphaned and alone. Soon after, he is adopted and raised by Kala, an ape. Tarzan grows up observing and emulating the ways of the apes, developing impressive physical skills and learning to adapt to the harsh environment of the jungle.

Jane Porter

Jane Porter is the daughter of Professor Porter, a renowned academic. She accompanies her father on the expedition to Africa, where she encounters Tarzan. As a sheltered young woman, Jane is initially fascinated by Tarzan's strength and wild nature. Over time, she develops an emotional bond with him, defying societal expectations.

Clayton

Clayton is introduced as the leader of the expedition team that accompanies Jane and Professor Porter to Africa. However, it is later revealed that he harbors sinister intentions. Clayton intends to capture and exploit the wildlife, including Tarzan, for his personal gain and financial success.

Kerchak

Kerchak is the leader of the ape tribe among whom Tarzan is raised. He initially views Tarzan as a threat to his leadership and the harmony of the tribe. Kerchak's possessive nature and fear of change create tension and conflict within the ape community.

Kala

Kala discovers the orphaned Tarzan and adopts him as her own, providing him with love, protection, and guidance. She teaches him the ways of the apes and nurtures him as if he were her biological child. Kala's nurturing nature demonstrates her capacity for love and acceptance.

Professor Porter

Professor Porter is a respected academic who leads the expedition to Africa in search of gorillas. He is Jane Porter's father and is portrayed as a knowledgeable man with a passion for discovery. Professor Porter's voyage to Africa ultimately exposes him to new experiences and challenges his preconceived notions about society and primitive culture.

Character Arcs

Tarzan

Tarzan's journey is one of self-discovery and identity. From his upbringing as an ape, Tarzan slowly realizes his inherent human characteristics and strives to find his place in society. As the story progresses, he learns about his noble heritage and culture, transforming himself into a refined individual with a deep sense of honor. Tarzan's ultimate transformation involves embracing his dual nature and finding a balance between his wild instincts and his acquired humanity.

Jane Porter

Jane's character arc focuses on her growth from a sheltered woman to an individual with an open mind and a willingness to challenge societal norms. Through her interaction with Tarzan, Jane experiences a profound connection that surpasses superficial societal expectations. She learns to value love and adventure over societal obligations, defying convention for the sake of her own happiness.

Clayton

Clayton initially presents himself as a guide and protector on the expedition, but through greed and manipulation, he reveals his true nature as an antagonist. His character arc is one of descent into darkness, driven by ambition and a desire for power. Clayton's choices lead him to become an enemy of Tarzan and the forces of nature, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Kerchak

Kerchak's character arc revolves around his journey from skepticism and possessiveness to acceptance and understanding. Initially, he sees Tarzan as a threat to their tribe, but as Tarzan grows and proves himself, Kerchak learns to appreciate the value Tarzan brings to their community. Kerchak's realization paves the way for Tarzan's eventual acceptance by a group he once considered himself a part of.

Kala

Kala acts as a guiding light for Tarzan, teaching him love, compassion, and the value of family. Her character arc revolves around her unwavering love and maternal instincts. Kala's nurturing nature, coupled with her protective instincts, fuels Tarzan's growth and emotional development, shaping him into the man he becomes.

Professor Porter

For Professor Porter, the journey to Africa represents a significant shift in perspective. Through his encounter with Tarzan and the exploration of a new culture, he learns to question his preconceived notions and broaden his intellectual horizons. Professor Porter's character arc involves embracing the unknown and challenging his academic beliefs, ultimately leading him to a deeper understanding of the world.

Relationships

• Tarzan and Jane Porter: The relationship between Tarzan and Jane Porter is pivotal to the story. Initially drawn to Tarzan's physicality and "otherness," Jane becomes captivated by his raw strength and emotional vulnerability. Their connection transcends societal boundaries, showcasing the power of love and understanding.
• Tarzan and Clayton: Tarzan's relationship with Clayton is one of conflict and opposition. Clayton's treachery and deceit pose a threat to not only Tarzan's life but also the harmony of the jungle. Their relationship serves to highlight Tarzan's ability to recognize and confront deception, ultimately leading to their final confrontation.
• Tarzan and Kerchak: Tarzan's relationship with Kerchak is one of paternal resistance. As the leader of the ape tribe, Kerchak's initial rejection of Tarzan underscores the struggle for acceptance that Tarzan faces. Through their interactions, Tarzan learns important lessons about leadership, loyalty, and the resilience of familial bonds.
• Tarzan and Kala: The bond between Tarzan and Kala is a testament to the power of unconditional love. Kala's role as Tarzan's adoptive mother shapes his understanding of compassion and nurtures his emotional development. Their relationship highlights the universal nature of motherly love and its lasting impact on individuals.
• Tarzan and Professor Porter: Tarzan's relationship with Professor Porter represents the clash between two worlds. Initially, there is a language barrier and a lack of understanding. However, as they spend time together, Professor Porter becomes the bridge that connects Tarzan to his human heritage. Their relationship challenges both characters to expand their perspectives and challenge societal norms.

In conclusion, "Tarzan of the Apes" introduces a diverse cast of characters with complex backgrounds and relationships. Tarzan's journey from the depths of the jungle to the civilized world provides ample opportunities for character growth, exploration of identity, and the examination of human nature. Through the interactions with key characters like Jane Porter, Clayton, Kerchak, Kala, and Professor Porter, Tarzan's arc showcases the power of love, acceptance, and the ability to overcome adversity.