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Back to my Character In Review series with another one of my favorites, Pocahontas! I was originally planning on doing them in chronological order, but I decided to go in order of favorites instead because that seemed more interesting. I'm also going to structure this a little bit differently than my last one, but I hope you still enjoy ^^ Anyway, without further ado, the article!


Pocahontas is great in many ways, but I think there was one instance that really struck me as remarkable, and solidified my love for her. That scene is the one when Nakoma tells Pocahontas that she sent Kocoum after Pocahontas, which ultimately got Kocoum killed, and John Smith sentenced to exile. Pocahontas could've back-lashed, but instead she says, "This is all my fault!" I find that extremely admirable, and something that is often over-looked when people describe her. It's a unique trait to Pocahontas, since most princesses would've either back-lashed, or cried, Pocahontas admitted that she was the one that got everyone into this, and wasn't in the least mad at Nakoma. I found that astounding, and oh so refreshing. Also, even after this mess, Pocahontas just doesn't mope around. She takes responsibility, and realizes that she's the only one that can stop this. She's very proactive, even if a bit slow to get there.



Nakoma in general just brings out the best in Pocahontas. I absolutely love the opening scene we see of Pocahontas, where she's standing on the rock, having one of her infamous dramatic poses, and dives down into the water. It shows how adventurous and fun she is. Then, we get to see her spit water at Nakoma, which I loved seeing. I love how her relationship with Nakoma is light-hearted and fun, yet they can rely and trust each other, and they know what's best for one another. I love how there are so many traits to Pocahontas. She doesn't fit into the cookie cutter "fun" princess, but neither does she fit into the "serious" type princess. She has characteristics of both, which I find really fun and interesting to watch. Pocahontas handles herself with such elegance and grace, but at the same time jumps off cliffs, how awesome is that? Also, although she has knowledge that really is foreign for her age, she still makes mistakes, and isn't a superwoman.



"I especially love his smile!" I love that line and how it shows Pochaontas' more sarcastic side. She then talks to her father about her dream. He tells her that Kocoum wants to marry her, but it doesn't make Pocahontas happy at all. Instead of wanting a strong or secure husband, Pocahontas wants someone who she can have fun with. Pocahontas then sings the song "Just Around the Riverbend". I love this song and the things what it shows about Pocahontas. It really introduces her indecisiveness, my favorite quality of her. Some may think that's her most annoying quality, but I find it to be her most realistic quality, and I love the journey she takes in the movie to overcome it. She ends the song by choosing the more dangerous path, which goes back to the beginning when she chooses the cliff too.



She then consults Grandmother Willow. I love how she goes to Grandmother Willow for help and guidance. Some people think that needing help makes you weak, but I think it grounds Pocahontas and makes her more realistic. She talks about not knowing her path which really resonates since I have no idea what I want to be when I'm older. After that, she stalks John Smith for a while, displaying more of her curious side. She runs away from John Smith, realizing he could be dangerous, and then puts up a front that she can't understand him. She doesn't wait to talk to him until she knows that it's the right path in her heart. This shows she's more cautious than some may believe. I love the naivety she shows when talking with John Smith. I find it really endearing and interesting. I love how she then tries to run away when Pocahontas calls her people savages. It shows that she isn't a pushover and won't take crap from anyone. When John tries to force her into staying, she doesn't dismiss and give up, she jumps in the tree.



I really love the scene "Colors of the Wind". I love Pocahontas's knowledge and wisdom and how she can be indecisive yet full of wisdom at the same time. She then realizes that she shouldn't be there and runs away, only to go back to him later. I think her going back to a thing that she knows she shouldn't be going to is realistic and relatable. I love how Pocahontas wants to help, wants to stop the war, but has a tough time figuring out how. She isn't some super princess who can magically fix everything. She's realistic in her problems and flaws. While Kocoum was being killed, Pocahontas tries to stop everything. She doesn't cower in the background and watch it happen, she actually does something! Her next scene is one of my all time favorites of hers. It's when she talks to Nakoma and Nakoma is telling her that she sent out Kocoum, but Pocahontas shushes her tells her that it's all her fault. It really shows how she takes responsibility for her actions.



Later when talking to Grandmother Willow we finally see Pocahontas break free of her indecisive chains and figure out her path. She was on the brink of giving up, but then she finally took charge. I absolutely love this scene. Her development is realistic and doesn't just come out of no where. I love how it happens gradually and she doesn't just figure it all out easily, but has to struggle and go through a lot of doubt to figure it out. I love how she doesn't know what to do, but knows that she must do something. When she risks her life for John it again shows her selflessness and bravery, which is again shown in her staying after for the good of her people. She gets rid of her personal desires and think about the best of her people, which is so admirable.



The compass scene where it points her to the right direction is such a powerful scene in my opinion, since it symbolizes how Pocahontas finally knows her path. I love how Pocahontas isn't scared to take the path less followed, and how she welcomes change. That's something that I wish I could do, since often I feel I'm stuck in a rot and can't get out. Pocahontas lacks some common sense, since she doesn't even try to explain to her father the situation, but I find that's a quality that makes her more realistic, and human. Sometimes something is starring me straight in the face, but I wait till it's almost too late to do anything, since I'm scared that something might go wrong, and Pocahontas is clearly the same. I'm glad they gave this trait to Pocahontas, because many fictional characters in general just seem to figure everything out way too quickly and unrealistically.

All in all, Pocahontas is incredible. I love the development she goes through, how it's realistic and relatable. I also love how she's diplomatic and well-spoken, yet indecisive and can't see things that stare at her right in the face. I love how she's very proactive, yet has times where she does nothing due to fear and uncertainty. She's such an amazing, well-rounded character and will forever be a favorite of mine. Well, that's the article! I hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!