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The One and Only Ivan
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"The One and Only Ivan" Characters Analysis

A gorilla named Ivan uses his artistic talent to plan an escape from captivity in a shopping mall.

Estimated read time: 6 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
IvanProtagonist
StellaDeuteragonist
RubyTritagonist
BobSupporting Character
JuliaSupporting Character
MackAntagonist

Role Identification

Ivan

Ivan is the protagonist of "The One and Only Ivan." He is a silverback gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.

Stella

Stella is the deuteragonist. She is an aging elephant who has spent most of her life performing in the circus.

Ruby

Ruby is the tritagonist. She is a baby elephant who arrives at the mall after being separated from her family.

Bob

Bob is a stray dog who lives at the mall and is a close friend of Ivan.

Julia

Julia is the daughter of the mall's custodian. She befriends Ivan and plays a crucial role in his story.

Mack

Mack is the owner of the shopping mall and serves as the primary antagonist in the story.

Character Descriptions

Ivan

Ivan is a gentle and introspective silverback gorilla. He is depicted as intelligent and compassionate, with a deep love for art and storytelling.

Stella

Stella is a wise and nurturing elephant who acts as a mother figure to Ivan and Ruby. Despite her aging body, she remains resilient and caring.

Ruby

Ruby is a spirited and curious baby elephant. She brings a sense of innocence and hope to the group, despite the challenges they face.

Bob

Bob is a scrappy and resourceful dog. He provides comic relief and unwavering loyalty to his friends at the mall.

Julia

Julia is a kind-hearted and perceptive young girl who forms a special bond with Ivan. She sees the humanity in the animals and becomes an essential ally in their journey.

Mack

Mack is the human antagonist of the story. He initially sees the animals as mere attractions for his mall but undergoes a transformation as the narrative unfolds.

Character Traits

Ivan

  • Artistic
  • Thoughtful
  • Protective
  • Observant
  • Empathetic

Stella

  • Wise
  • Nurturing
  • Resilient
  • Compassionate
  • Maternal

Ruby

  • Spirited
  • Curious
  • Playful
  • Optimistic
  • Affectionate

Bob

  • Scrappy
  • Loyal
  • Witty
  • Resourceful
  • Playful

Julia

  • Kind-hearted
  • Perceptive
  • Empathetic
  • Courageous
  • Insightful

Mack

  • Ambitious
  • Callous
  • Transformative
  • Regretful
  • Redeemed

Character Background

Ivan

Ivan was captured as a baby in the wild and brought to the shopping mall, where he has spent most of his life. He has a deep connection to his late sister, and his artistic abilities serve as a form of expression and escape.

Stella

Stella was born in the wild but was later captured and forced to perform in the circus. Her experiences have made her wise and resilient, and she serves as a pillar of strength for the group.

Ruby

Ruby was separated from her family in the wild and brought to the mall as a result. Her youthful energy and innocence bring a sense of hope to the confined animals.

Bob

Bob's background as a stray dog is not explicitly detailed, but his resourcefulness and loyalty indicate a history of overcoming adversity.

Julia

Julia has grown up in the environment of the shopping mall due to her father's work as the custodian. Her genuine empathy and understanding of the animals make her a crucial ally in their journey.

Mack

Mack's background as the mall's owner portrays him as a character driven by ambition and profit, initially at the expense of the animals' well-being.

Character Arcs

Ivan

Ivan's character arc revolves around his journey to rediscover his identity as a silverback gorilla and an artist. His growth leads him to find the courage to fight for a better life for himself and his friends.

Stella

Stella's arc involves her transition from a reluctant performer to a symbol of hope and determination. Her guidance and wisdom influence the group's collective journey.

Ruby

Ruby's arc centers on her adaptation to life at the mall and her growth from a scared and lost elephant to a source of joy and optimism for the others.

Bob

Bob's arc is characterized by his unwavering loyalty and his willingness to go to great lengths to support his friends, ultimately finding a sense of belonging in the group.

Julia

Julia's arc revolves around her evolving understanding of the animals' emotions and her role in advocating for their well-being, despite the challenges she faces.

Mack

Mack's arc is one of redemption, as he confronts the consequences of his actions and seeks to make amends for the mistreatment of the animals under his care.

Relationships

Ivan and Stella

Ivan and Stella share a deep bond, with Stella serving as a maternal figure to Ivan. Their friendship is built on mutual support and understanding.

Ivan and Ruby

Ivan becomes a mentor and protector to Ruby, guiding her through the challenges of life at the mall and nurturing her youthful spirit.

Ivan and Bob

Ivan and Bob share a playful and lighthearted friendship, with Bob providing comic relief and unwavering loyalty to Ivan.

Ivan and Julia

Ivan and Julia develop a unique friendship, with Julia playing a crucial role in helping Ivan rediscover his identity and purpose.

Stella and Ruby

Stella takes Ruby under her wing, providing comfort and guidance to the young elephant as she adapts to her new environment.

Mack and the Animals

Mack's dynamic with the animals evolves from one of exploitation to one of remorse and reconciliation as he begins to understand the depth of their emotions and experiences.

In conclusion, "The One and Only Ivan" features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Through their individual arcs and interconnected journeys, the characters contribute to a compelling narrative that explores themes of empathy, friendship, and the power of hope.