Shrek is one of the best animated franchises of all time. DreamWorks Animation created the movies based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book. The franchise is about the life of a big green ogre who lives in a swamp. Shrek characters have excellent personalities. Meet some of the most iconic ones.
Shrek characters are known for their humour and the relatable emotions they display to bring the beauty of the story. They have a unique physical appearance, humour and level of intelligence that makes them popular among fans. The colorful personalities of these characters make the franchise highly engaging and entertaining.
Table of Contents
- Shrek
- Princess Fiona
- Donkey
- Doris
- Prince Charming
- The Fairy Godmother
- Lord Farquaad
- King Harold
- Dragon
- King Arthur Pendragon
- The Big Bad Wolf
- Queen Lillian
- Snow White
- Cinderella
- Goldilocks
- Puss in Boots
- Gingerbread Man
- Three Little Pigs
- The Three Blind Mice
- Sleeping Beauty
- Merlin
- Rumpelstiltskin
- Rapunzel
- Cyclops
- Brogan
- Pinocchio
- Cookie the Ogre
- Kitty Softpaws
- Gretched
- Captain Hook
- Farkle, Fergus and Felicia
- Mabel the Ugly Stepsister
- Humpty Dumpty
Shrek
Shrek is a green ogre whose king sends him on a mission, which he must complete to get his land back. He is proud, intelligent and has a strong sense of knowing right and wrong. Although he puts himself before anyone else, he saves Donkey countless times. Over the course of the franchise, the viewers can note significant character development from him.
Character Traits
Shrek's character showcases growth and challenges, emphasizing themes of friendship and acceptance. His journey from a solitary ogre to a loving husband and father resonates with audiences, making him a beloved character.
Princess Fiona
Princess Fiona is the redhead from Shrek. She is an unforgettable character introduced as a beautiful princess placed under a curse that transforms her into an ogre at night. Her voice makes the birds explode every time she sings. Princess Fiona defies stereotypes associated with princesses and helps people understand that beauty is in the heart, not physical appearance.
Breaking Stereotypes
Fiona's character challenges traditional fairy tale narratives, showcasing strength and independence. Her evolution throughout the series inspires viewers to embrace their true selves and reject societal norms.
Donkey
Donkey is an unforgettable character because of his humour and ability to talk non-stop. He is highly observant of what is happening around him. Eddie Murphy's energetic and comedic performance brings the character to life with charm, jokes and humour. He is Shrek’s best friend, even though his non-stop chatter annoys him sometimes.
Friendship and Loyalty
Donkey represents the importance of friendship, often providing comic relief while supporting Shrek through thick and thin. His unwavering loyalty and positivity highlight the value of companionship in overcoming challenges.
Doris
Doris is the man-lady from Shrek. She is one of the secondary characters. She first appears in Shrek 2 when King Harold secretly enters the Poison Apple Club, where she works as a bartender. She has a tall, masculine body and a deep voice. Doris is one of Cinderella's stepsisters.
Unique Character Design
Doris adds diversity to the character lineup, showcasing different interpretations of femininity and strength. Her design and personality contribute to the humorous and vibrant world of Shrek.
Prince Charming
Prince Charming is the blonde guy from Shrek. He is a recurring antagonist of the franchise. He competes for Fiona's love to the extent of trying to steal her away from her husband. He was raised to believe that he would be the one to save Princess Fiona and break her curse. He is portrayed as a selfish and arrogant mama's boy.
Character Flaws
Prince Charming's character serves as a foil to Shrek, highlighting themes of true love versus superficial attraction. His flaws and eventual downfall provide important lessons about humility and the essence of genuine love.
The Fairy Godmother
She is known for her manipulative nature, which makes her an intriguing character. The Fairy Godmother is supposed to do justice to her name but is instead given a dramatic twist in the film. She loves her son, Prince Charming, and is determined to make him king by marrying him to Fiona. Despite her being quite evil, most Shrek fans recognise her as the icon she is.
Power and Influence
The Fairy Godmother embodies the darker side of fairy tales, showcasing how power can corrupt. Her character reinforces the message that true happiness comes from love and acceptance, not manipulation.
Lord Farquaad
Lord Farquaad, known as the short guy from Shrek, is also a character that every franchise fan will remember. He is a ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is determined to become a king, looking for a princess to marry. He is arrogant and yearns for a ‘perfect world’ free of all things magical. His strange haircut and short stature make him an unforgettable character.
Representation of Tyranny
Lord Farquaad's character satirizes tyrannical rulers, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness. His desire for a flawless kingdom contrasts sharply with Shrek's acceptance of imperfection.
King Harold
King Harold is Princess Fiona's father. He is ready to do anything to ensure his daughter is happy and content with her life. He was born a frog and sought the Fairy Godmother's help, who gave him a potion that turned him into a human. He hires Puss in Boots to kill Shrek. Finally, he admits his mistakes and accepts him as a son.
Parental Love
King Harold's journey highlights the lengths a parent will go to for their child's happiness. His eventual acceptance of Shrek showcases the importance of love and understanding in family relationships.
Dragon
Dragon, also known as Donkey's wife, amazes fans with how she can comprehend humans without struggling. Fans remember her as the famous dragon first introduced as an antagonist in the franchise, guarding Princess Fiona. She captivates audiences with her personality and unexpected romance with Donkey.
Unlikely Relationships
Dragon's relationship with Donkey adds an unexpected twist to the story, illustrating that love can come in various forms. Their dynamic
