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Characters Characters

Pocahontas

Bad portrayal
Free-spirited, wise Powhatan princess, loves nature

Based on a real person (Matoaka), but depicted as a young adult in a romance with John Smith. Historically, she was a child (around 10-12) when they met; the romance and her portrayal are heavily fictionalized.

Captain John Smith

Bad portrayal
Adventurous English explorer, falls for Pocahontas

Based on the real leader, but shown as a young romantic hero. Historically much older than Pocahontas, the romantic relationship is fabricated, and his famous rescue story is likely exaggerated or untrue.

Governor Ratcliffe

Bad portrayal
Greedy, ruthless English governor obsessed with gold

Loosely based on Captain John Ratcliffe, a real Jamestown leader. The film turns him into a one-dimensional villain driven solely by greed, which is a significant distortion of the historical figure and context.

Chief Powhatan

Partly historic
Wise, protective leader of the Powhatan tribe

Based on Wahunsenacawh, Pocahontas's father and paramount chief. The film portrays his leadership role but simplifies the complex political relationship between the Powhatan Confederacy and the English settlers.

Kocoum

Partly historic
Stern Powhatan warrior betrothed to Pocahontas

Pocahontas did have a husband named Kocoum later in life, but little is known about him. The film's portrayal of him as a fiancé during the time of John Smith's arrival, and his death, is fictional.

Thomas

Not historic
Young, inexperienced English settler, Smith's friend

Thomas is a fictional character created for the film, serving as a friend to John Smith and playing a key role in the fictional conflict involving Kocoum's death.

More characters

Nakoma

Not historic
Pocahontas's cautious best friend

Nakoma is a fictional character created to serve as Pocahontas's friend and confidante within the narrative.

Grandmother Willow

Not historic
Ancient, talking willow tree spirit

Grandmother Willow is an entirely fictional, supernatural element representing wisdom and a connection to nature, with no basis in historical accounts or Powhatan beliefs in this form.

Meeko

Not historic
Mischievous, food-loving raccoon

Meeko is a fictional animal sidekick character created for comic relief and companionship for Pocahontas.

Flit

Not historic
Protective, energetic hummingbird

Flit is a fictional animal sidekick character, providing companionship and often acting as a foil to Meeko.

Percy

Not historic
Pampered pug dog belonging to Ratcliffe

Percy is a fictional animal character belonging to Governor Ratcliffe, mainly used for comic effect.

Wiggins

Not historic
Ratcliffe's bumbling, loyal manservant

Wiggins is a fictional character serving as Governor Ratcliffe's servant and providing comic relief.

Ben

Not historic
Gruff, friendly English settler

Ben is a fictional character representing the ordinary English settlers in the Jamestown colony.

Lon

Not historic
Tall, friendly English settler

Lon is another fictional character representing the ordinary English settlers accompanying John Smith.

Story Story

John Smith's role and relationship with Pocahontas

Bad depiction

The romanticized relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith depicted in the film is largely fictional. Smith's accounts of his interactions with Pocahontas are disputed by historians.

Pocahontas saving John Smith's life

Probably false

The famous story of Pocahontas saving Smith's life is highly debated by historians. Many believe it was a ritualistic adoption ceremony rather than a literal saving from execution, and some doubt it happened at all.

The Jamestown settlement

Partly true

The establishment of the Jamestown settlement and the early interactions between the English settlers and the Powhatan people are based on historical events. However, the film simplifies the complexities of these interactions and the motivations of both sides.

The conflict between the settlers and the Powhatan

True

The film acknowledges the conflict and tension that existed between the English settlers and the Powhatan people, which is a crucial aspect of the historical context.

The depiction of John Smith as a heroic figure

Bad depiction

The film portrays John Smith as a heroic and virtuous figure, which is a highly romanticized and inaccurate representation of his role in the Jamestown settlement. His writings are often self-serving.

Setting Setting

The depiction of Native American culture

Bad depiction

The film's portrayal of Native American culture is highly romanticized and stereotypical. It often relies on pan-Indian imagery and does not accurately represent the specific culture of the Powhatan people.

The film's portrayal of colonialism

Bad depiction

The film largely avoids addressing the harsh realities of colonialism and the impact of European settlement on Native American populations. It presents a sanitized and romanticized version of history.

The role of disease in the decline of the Powhatan

Unfortunate omission

The film does not adequately address the devastating impact of European diseases on the Native American population, which was a major factor in the decline of the Powhatan Confederacy.

 Overall

The film's overall historical accuracy

Bad depiction

The film takes significant liberties with historical events and character portrayals, particularly regarding the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. It prioritizes entertainment over historical accuracy.