“I try to build a full personality for each of our cartoon characters – to make them personalities.”
- December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966
- Born in the United States
- Animator, film director, entrepreneur, producer
- Best known as the creator of Mickey Mouse, he established the animation film industry. As the founder of Disneyland, he is globally recognized as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
Quote
“I try to build a full personality for each of our cartoon characters – to make them personalities.”
Explanation
In this quote, Walt Disney reveals his commitment to creating deeply developed and relatable characters in his animated films. Rather than simply designing characters for the sake of plot advancement or visual appeal, Disney believed in giving each character their own distinct personality, backstory, and traits that made them feel authentic. This approach helped transform his characters from mere illustrations into believable, multi-dimensional figures, capable of connecting with audiences on a deeper emotional level. His belief was that well-crafted characters could drive emotional investment in the stories, allowing them to resonate with viewers of all ages.
Historically, Disney’s emphasis on character development was revolutionary in animation. At the time, many animated films relied on archetypal characters that lacked complexity. Disney’s work, starting with Mickey Mouse and continuing through classics like Snow White, Pinocchio, and Cinderella, showcased characters with more nuanced personalities. This focus on making characters more human-like was part of his broader vision to elevate animation as an art form, making it accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. By giving characters their own traits, desires, and motivations, Disney created timeless figures that audiences could relate to, laugh with, and even empathize with.
In the modern context, Disney’s philosophy continues to influence animation and storytelling. Characters from Pixar films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out are notable for their rich personalities and the emotional journeys they undergo. These characters, like those created by Disney, are designed to evoke empathy and laughter, showing that character development remains a core part of successful storytelling. Disney’s focus on building fully realized characters has set a standard for animation studios today, with characters becoming central to the marketing and emotional success of films and series worldwide.
