"The Gods of Mars" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Gods of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonist, John Carter, takes on the role of the hero and the central character whose actions drive the plot forward. Dejah Thoris, the princess of Helium, serves as the love interest for John Carter, adding a romantic element to the story. Tars Tarkas, the fierce warrior and leader of the Tharks, aids John Carter in his adventures. Thuvia, another love interest, plays a significant role in the narrative. Carthoris, the son of John Carter and Dejah Thoris, also plays a crucial part in the story's events. The characters Issus, Matai Shang, and Phaidor represent the antagonistic forces that John Carter must overcome.

Character Descriptions

John Carter

John Carter is a courageous and skilled swordsman from Earth who finds himself transported to the planet Mars, known as Barsoom. He possesses incredible strength and agility due to the lower gravity on Mars. Carter is described as tall, muscular, and possessing a strong sense of honor. He is deeply in love with Dejah Thoris and is willing to risk everything to protect her and their son, Carthoris.

Dejah Thoris

Dejah Thoris is the beautiful and intelligent princess of Helium. She is known for her grace, wit, and diplomatic skills. Dejah Thoris is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to fight for what she believes in. She shares a deep love for John Carter and is determined to support him in his quests.

Tars Tarkas

Tars Tarkas is a green Martian and the leader of the fierce Tharks. He is initially portrayed as a ruthless and brutal warrior, but as the story progresses, his character develops into a loyal and honorable ally to John Carter. Tars Tarkas is physically imposing, with a towering stature and four arms.

Thuvia

Thuvia is a princess from Ptarth, a rival city-state to Helium. She is described as beautiful and ethereal, with a mysterious and alluring presence. Thuvia plays a pivotal role in the story as both a love interest and a catalyst for conflict.

Carthoris

Carthoris is the son of John Carter and Dejah Thoris. He inherits his father's strength and bravery and possesses a strong sense of justice. Carthoris becomes an important character in the later parts of the story, facing his own challenges and contributing to the resolution of the plot.

Issus

Issus is a powerful and ancient goddess worshipped by the inhabitants of Mars. She is portrayed as a malicious and manipulative character who seeks to maintain her control over the planet. Issus is seen as the ultimate adversary for John Carter and his allies.

Matai Shang

Matai Shang is the high priest of the Holy Therns, a religious sect on Mars. He is a cunning and deceptive character who serves as a primary antagonist. Matai Shang plays a significant role in manipulating events and creating obstacles for John Carter and his companions.

Phaidor

Phaidor is the daughter of Matai Shang. She is depicted as a beautiful and seductive character with a complex personality. Phaidor's role in the story involves her conflicting loyalties and her actions that impact the fate of the other characters.

Character Traits

John Carter

• Courageous
• Skilled swordsman
• Strong sense of honor
• Devoted and protective
• Determined and resourceful

Dejah Thoris

• Intelligent and diplomatic
• Strong-willed and independent
• Beautiful and graceful
• Loyal and supportive
• Capable of fighting for her beliefs

Tars Tarkas

• Fierce and ruthless warrior
• Loyal and honorable
• Physically imposing
• Capable leader
• Willing to change and grow

Thuvia

• Mysterious and alluring
• Ethereal and enchanting
• Strong-willed and determined
• Catalyst for conflict and resolution
• Capable of inspiring love and loyalty

Carthoris

• Inheritor of his father's traits
• Brave and just
• Strong sense of justice
• Courageous and willing to take risks
• Shows growth and development

Issus

• Powerful and ancient
• Manipulative and malicious
• Seeks control and power
• Represents the ultimate adversary
• Creates significant obstacles

Matai Shang

• Cunning and deceptive
• High-ranking religious figure
• Antagonistic and manipulative
• Creates conflicts and obstacles
• Plays a significant role in the plot's development

Phaidor

• Complex and conflicted
• Beautiful and seductive
• Conflicting loyalties
• Impactful actions
• Influences the fate of other characters

Character Background

John Carter, the protagonist, is a former Confederate Army captain who becomes a warlord on Mars after being mysteriously transported there. Dejah Thoris is a princess from the city-state of Helium, engaged in a long-standing conflict with the rival city-state of Zodanga. Tars Tarkas is the leader of the Tharks, a nomadic tribe of green Martians. Thuvia is a princess from Ptarth, caught in the middle of the conflict between Helium and Zodanga. Carthoris is the son of John Carter and Dejah Thoris, inheriting their noble lineage. Issus is an ancient goddess worshipped by the inhabitants of Mars, while Matai Shang is the high priest of the Holy Therns, a religious sect. Phaidor is the daughter of Matai Shang, entangled in her father's schemes.

Character Arcs

John Carter

John Carter's character arc in "The Gods of Mars" sees him facing various challenges and enemies as he navigates the treacherous Martian landscape. He evolves from a war-weary soldier to a leader and hero who fights for justice and the safety of his loved ones. Carter's internal conflict revolves around his love for Dejah Thoris and his determination to protect her and their son. Throughout the story, he displays growth in his physical and emotional abilities, becoming an even more formidable force on Mars.

Dejah Thoris

Dejah Thoris undergoes her own character arc as she faces danger and betrayal alongside John Carter. She starts as a captive princess and evolves into a strong and independent woman who actively participates in the fight against their adversaries. Dejah Thoris demonstrates her resourcefulness and intelligence as she aids in the resolution of conflicts and supports John Carter in his endeavors.

Tars Tarkas

Tars Tarkas experiences a significant character arc throughout the story. Initially portrayed as a ruthless warrior, he gradually develops a sense of loyalty and honor as he fights alongside John Carter. Tars Tarkas' transformation from a brutal leader to a trusted ally showcases his growth and his ability to change his perspective.

Thuvia

Thuvia's character arc revolves around her personal growth and finding her place in the conflicting world of Mars. Initially seen as a pawn in the power struggles between various factions, she becomes a key player in the events that unfold. Thuvia displays strength and determination as she fights for her own freedom and for the love and loyalty she desires.

Carthoris

Carthoris' character arc is shaped by his lineage and his desire to prove himself worthy of his parents' legacy. He starts as a young and somewhat impulsive character but gradually matures as he faces challenges and responsibilities. Carthoris' growth throughout the story showcases his development into a capable and heroic individual.

Relationships

John Carter and Dejah Thoris

John Carter and Dejah Thoris share a deep and passionate love for each other. Their relationship is central to the story and provides a motivating force for Carter's actions. They face numerous challenges together and are willing to sacrifice everything to protect each other and their son.

John Carter and Tars Tarkas

John Carter and Tars Tarkas develop a strong bond of friendship and trust throughout their adventures. Tars Tarkas initially views Carter as an enemy but eventually becomes his loyal ally. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared purpose.

John Carter and Thuvia

John Carter and Thuvia's relationship is complex, with elements of attraction and conflict. Thuvia's presence in the story creates tension between Carter's love for Dejah Thoris and his growing feelings for her. Their relationship contributes to the narrative's emotional depth.

Dejah Thoris and Thuvia

Dejah Thoris and Thuvia initially have a strained relationship due to their shared love for John Carter. However, as the story progresses, they develop a mutual respect and understanding, forming a bond based on their strength and determination.

Carthoris and Thuvia

Carthoris and Thuvia share a romantic connection throughout the story. Their relationship adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative and impacts the choices and actions of both characters.

In conclusion, "The Gods of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs features a diverse cast of characters with distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Each character undergoes personal growth and contributes to the development of the plot, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.