Encanto is an animated musical film that tells the story of a magical family in Colombia called the Madrigal family. Each member of the family has a unique power, except for the protagonist, Mirabel. However, the character of Dolores stands out as the villain of the film. In this essay, I will explain why Dolores is considered the villain of the movie Encanto.
To begin with, Dolores is the only member of the Madrigal family who does not have a special power. While her siblings possess extraordinary abilities like super strength, shape-shifting, and even control over plants, Dolores feels left out and ignored. This lack of recognition causes Dolores to feel bitter and resentful towards her family members. As a result, she develops a toxic and manipulative personality that allows her to control her family members’ perceptions of her.
One example of Dolores’ manipulative behavior is her interaction with the family’s youngest member, Luisa. Luisa is the only one in the family who still adores Dolores, despite her flaws. Dolores uses this to her advantage by pretending to be Luisa’s confidant and manipulating her into keeping secrets from the rest of the family. Dolores’ manipulation of Luisa showcases her desire to have control over others and to feel superior to her family members.
Another aspect that makes Dolores a villain is her willingness to harm others for her own benefit. Dolores is willing to cause harm to her siblings and even her niece, Mirabel, to achieve her goals. For example, Dolores tricks Antonio, the family’s strongest member, into doing her bidding by offering him a new power. She also tries to manipulate Isabela into using her power to break the Madrigal curse, even though it could put Isabela in danger. Dolores’ actions demonstrate her willingness to harm others to achieve her goals, which is a hallmark of villainous behavior.
Furthermore, Dolores’ selfishness and entitlement make her a villain in Encanto. Dolores feels that she deserves recognition and special treatment from her family, even though she does not possess a unique power. She also believes that her siblings owe her something, given that they have special powers while she does not. Her entitlement to her siblings’ recognition and admiration causes her to feel jealous and resentful towards them, leading her to become a manipulative and selfish person.
In addition, Dolores’ actions have a direct impact on the Madrigal family’s well-being. Her manipulation and control of the family cause divisions and mistrust among the family members. Dolores’ actions result in the family members’ inability to communicate and work together to solve their problems. In the movie, Dolores’ selfishness and manipulation almost cause the Madrigal family to lose their home, further emphasizing her villainous nature.
Finally, it is essential to note that the depiction of Dolores as the villain is not meant to suggest that she is irredeemable. The movie portrays her as a complex character with her own motivations and desires. Her desire for recognition and special treatment stems from her feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. However, her actions and behavior towards her family members are still harmful and villainous.
In conclusion, Dolores is the villain of Encanto due to her manipulative behavior, willingness to harm others, entitlement, and selfishness. Her actions cause divisions within the Madrigal family and put their well-being at risk. However, it is important to note that her villainous behavior does not make her a one-dimensional character. The movie portrays her as a complex character with her own motivations and desires, making her a compelling antagonist in the story.