Tools of Characterization

Characterization in Pan's Labyrinth

Props

The first time we see Mercedes roll her paring knife up in her apron we think: "Hey, that seems a bit dangerous…but maybe that's how they did things in 1940s Spain."

But the second time we get a knife close-up we know that del Toro's trying to tell us something. The knife not only foreshadows Mercedes use of it during the storeroom scene with Vidal, it also serves to tell us something about who Mercedes is. She is not to be underestimated; she is dangerous although her power is concealed to Vidal by her womanhood. The paring knife is both a symbol of her femininity and her power.

Then there's the Faun, with his cryptic book and his fairies, both of which he lends to Ofelia to "help" her on her journey. These things show us that the Faun's a knowledgeable, ancient creature who, although hierarchically below Ofelia the Princess, is above her in his understanding of the fantasy world and its dangers.

Later, he's seen with a piece of meat that he's snacking on (a weird choice for a half-goat if you ask us) and, finally, with the blade to be used for the sacrifice. Both of these increase our wariness of the Faun and hint at his (potentially) evil intentions.

Lastly, how could we forget about Vidal's father's watch? (He certainly can't.)

At first the watch serves to characterize his obsession with rule and order and regularity; he's upset that the caravan is fifteen minutes late. Then, when we realize the watch isn't even functional, this only increases our understanding of his obsession. The watch serves no purpose other than to remind him of who is father was.

Physical Appearances

We'll admit it: every time we see the Faun, we get pretty creeped out. He might just be our friendly half-goat pal but his horns and his grey skin and filthy body definitely put us on edge…which is the idea.

But the Faun's physical appearance actually changes throughout the movie and, while the change is gradual, if you look at him in his first and last scene you'll be able to see a pretty big difference.

So how does he change? At first he's old and decrepit. His movements and his voice are jerky and a bit out of his control. He stumbles around and wrings his hands and we can see his hair is very white and his eyes are clouded over.

But his voice and his movements become more regular. His eyes lose their cloudiness and become a distinct blue. His hair changes from hoary to a reddish-brown. All in all he becomes younger and more appealing as the movie progresses.

Maybe this is just because he awoke from a long sleep and his body needs time to readjust and get some of its old luster back. But to Ofelia, the Faun's inverse aging it meant to instill trust and confidence. The Faun gets more attractive and (slightly) less scary.

We can't imagine Ofelia running into his arms when she first meets him in the labyrinth, but that's exactly what happens when she meets him in her room on that fateful night.

But despite his improving looks, Ofelia must resist the Faun. We doubt she would even consider giving her brother to an ugly half-goat she doesn't know, but at the movies climax this decision is complicated in part by the Faun's change in appearance.