Titanic was critically lauded upon its release in the late 1990s. Its reputation has lasted, and many fans call Titanic one of James Cameron’s best movies. Furthermore, the film launched the careers of established actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet into the next tier of stardom.
Some viewers might say it is because of their memorable characters. The personalities of The Titanic’s passengers cover a widespread range. Some are devious like Caledon Hockley while others are kind and relatable like Jack Dawson. These characters show their likability in their actions and attitudes.
Spicer Lovejoy
Spicer is one of the lesser developed main characters in the film, played by David Warner. He is a right-hand man to Cal and acts as his lackey. He is rarely shown smiling and presents a grumpy attitude. Spicer is perhaps the film’s most unlikable character.
He seems to exist only to perform unpleasant deeds. He goes after Jack and Rose with a gun. He helps frame Jack, getting him arrested. Perhaps worst of all, he does this blindly following Cal’s orders and doesn’t think for himself.
Caledon Hockley
Cal is one of the main antagonists in Titanic. He is Rose’s wealthy fiancé. He is characterized by his villainous behavior. He lashes out at Rose both verbally and physically. He is snide and talks down to Jack and others in presenting his pompous attitude.
Cal showcases a cheery personality at times. However, it is a façade, usually for his own benefit. He tries to act kind at dinner among Rose’s family to get into their good graces. Perhaps his most heinous moment is when he lies to cut women and children in line to make it on one of the ship’s few lifeboats.
Thomas Andrews
Victor Garber’s Thomas Andrews is the builder of the Titanic. Audiences meet him in strolls with Rose, Ruth, Cal, and the other elites aboard the ship. However, unlike the cold Ruth and ghoulish Cal, Andrews presents a pleasant attitude lacking judgment.
However, he proves to be complacent in the ship’s design. He tells Rose he was “overruled” when he suggested putting the appropriate amount of lifeboats on the ship. However, he is apologetic and takes responsibility for the ship’s failure. He tells Rose he’s sorry for not building a stronger ship.
Ruth DeWitt Bukater
Frances Fisher’s Ruth is Rose’s mother. She acts as an antagonist. She is an elitist. She condescends to Jack when they meet at dinner. She is an unsupportive mother. She dismisses Rose’s feelings when she eludes to her distaste for Cal and feelings for Jack.
She is rude to Molly Brown. Molly shows her only kindness but she excludes her from her activities after judging her as gaudy and improper. When the lifeboats are filling up amid disaster as the ship sinks, all Ruth can ask is if the lifeboats will be boarded according to class.
Rose DeWitt Bukater
Rose is one of the main protagonists in Titanic. Kate Winslet plays Rose in one of her highest-rated roles. She is forced into engagement with Cal after her family loses its fortune. She presents a few unlikable qualities. She can be rude to others like her mother, Jack, and Cal.
At first, she judges Jack for his status much like her mother Ruth. However, she shows her open-mindedness when their relationship grows. She shows selflessness in going to find Jack instead of boarding a lifeboat with Cal and her mother. She is friendly and kind to Jack’s friends in the lower decks of the ship.
Jack Dawson
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack is one of the film’s protagonists. Many fans say Jack gives Titanic some of its most memorable quotes. He is a poor drifting artist from the Midwest. He shows his likable qualities in some of his first actions.
Unlike the jaded upper class, he is ecstatic and appreciative to be on the massive ship. He saves Rose from nearly falling from the ship. He sacrifices himself to save rose, letting her survive on a floating piece of its interior. He is cheerful and respectful to most people he interacts with.
Fabrizio
Fabrizio, played by Danny Nucci, is Jack’s Italian friend. The two board the Titanic together after Jack wins a lucky hand in poker. He is one of the less developed characters aboard the ship. However, he is almost always shown in a pleasant light in his few moments on screen.
He is enthusiastic and appreciative to be on the ship. He is often displayed with a smile on his face. He is kind to others he interacts with like his and Jack’s friend Tommy Ryan.
Margaret “Molly” Brown
Molly is played by Kathy Bates and is one of Titanic‘s most likable characters. Some fans say Titanic is one of Kathy Bates’ best movies. Molly represents “new money” on the ship. Unlike Ruth and her friends, Molly doesn’t judge others with less than her, despite her upper-class status.
Molly is kind and cheerful. She is pleasant and happy to help others. She lends her son’s suit to Jack when he is asked to dinner with the wealthy elite. She preps him for the dinner out of kindness. She even treats Ruth and her friends with respect, despite their nasty behavior and judgmental remarks toward her.
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