For this task, I have completed character break downs for some of the chearcteters from Michael Bays’s 2001 film, Pearl Harbour
Main characters:
Raif McCawley (Captain)
Back story-
Raif was born and raised on a farm in Tennessee, in 1917.
He lived next door to another young boy named Danny, the two become lifelong best friends- almost like brothers.
The two boys went from playing pretend pilots, to joining the US Army Air force together, and eventually fought alongside each other during the Second World War.
Furthemore, the two were even promoted to captain together.
Raif’s parents were always hard working on the farm, leaving him to occupy himself most of the time. His close bond with Danny made him feel Danny was the only real family he had.
Personality-
Raif may appear very cocky, fearless and reckless upon first impression.
However, deep down he is a very loving, caring character, who has an extremely cheeky, childish side.
Furthermore, Raif is protective over those he loves, and is willing to do anything in order to protect them.
Appearance-
Raif is tall and strong, with dark blonde hair and brown eyes.
Although he may appear intimidating at first, Raif is a really fun loving and kind character.
His tall, slick back hair and masculine figure helps portrey his confident character.
Daniel ‘Danny’ Walker (Captain)
Backstory-
Danny was born in 1918, and raised on a farm in Tennessee.
This farm just happens to be next to the home of Raif McCawley, the man who becomes like a big brother to Danny- and protects him throughout his whole life.
Danny has a strong passion for flying, that stems from administration for his father, a World War One pilot.
Furthermore, because of his fathers past, Danny was also vividly aware of the extreme realities of war, as his father suffered with extreme PTSD.
Facing these realities through his father, Danny was forced to mature from a very young age. This made Danny a sensible, grounded young man- making him the practical one of the duo, despite Raif’s older age.
Personality-
Danny’s childhood made him a very laid back, quiet and shy character.
However, Danny is extremely thoughtful and caring towards those he loves.
Furthermore, he is sensible – which helps keep him, and Raif, out of trouble.
Appearance-
Danny is tall, and muscular with dark hair and brown eyes.
Although he may seem like the confident ladies man upon first glance, Danny’s looks shell a shy and cautious personality.
Danny’s hair has a fringe that sweeps across his face. This helps give the impression that he is shy, and that there is more to him than what meets the eye.
Evelyn Johnson
Backstory-
Born some time in between 1918 and 1920, Evelyn is the daughter of a First World War fighter pilot.
Her father shared many special memories with Evelyn during his time with her, and taught her to always find the good in a bad situation.
Inspired by her fathers wisdom, Evelyn decided she wanted to help those like him, and enlisted as a nurse in the US Navy.
Personality-
Evelyn is a kind, caring, loyal and funny character who looks out for all those around her.
Evelyn fulfills her duty as a loyal friend and partner to the extreme, making it clearly obvious she will do anything to help those she loves – leading them through their darkest days.
Appearance-
Evelyn has long, brown hair and brown eyes.
She is of a tall, slim build, with radiant and elegantly beautiful looks.
Her strong, confident personality is shown by her wear of bold, red lipstick.
Betty Bayer
Backstory-
Born in 1924, Betty Bayer was the product of an extremely broken home.
As she grows, Betty decides she wants to provide the love and care she has always craved, but never recieved.
This leads Betty to run away from home and lie about her age, to enlist as a Nurse – Second Lieutenant, of the United States Navy.
Personality-
Despite her extremely troubled past, Betty is a fun, sweet and bubbly character.
Her ditsy ways, combined with her confidence, made her the focus of any room – and the topic of everyones conversations.
Appearance-
Betty has medium length, wavy blonde hair that perfectly frames her radiant, and youthfully flawless skin.
Furthermore, she is of a tall, slim- yet curvy- build, with blue eyes and fair skin.
Betty looked like a typical Hollywood star of the 1940’s, making her the girl every man wants, and every woman wants to be.
Blusher is used to help imply the youth, and innocence of Betty’s character.
Other characters;
Red Winkle
Red is one of Raif and Danny’s fellow pilots.
His nickname, Red, comes from the color of his hair.
He is best known for stuttering his speech when he is nervous.
Furthermore, Red is also engaged to Nurse Betty.
Gooz
Gooz is another fellow pilot, on Raif and Danny’s team.
He is confident and humorous, and is often sorting feuds between other members of the group.
Nurse Sandra
Nurse Sandra is a shy, and laid back character of the group.
The others are often encouraging her to come out of her shell, but she seems very certain that she knows what she wants- and doesn’t want to just follow the societal norms.
Her fringe helps to portray her shy, and closed off nature.
Lieutenant, Colonel James ‘Jimmy’ Doolittle
Head of the air force team consisting of Danny, Raif and the others… Jimmy is a strong leader, who pushes his boys to do their absolute best.
Danny’s father
This character is included to help poetry the true realities, and life long impacts that war has on its people, and those around them.
Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller
Giving historical context to the film, this character is included to portray an important real- life person from the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Doorey Miller’s incredible efforts in this battle were recognised, and he was the first Black American to be awarded the cross.
Japanese pilots
Additional characters were dropped into this film to help show both sides of the story, exploring the actions and preparations for this battle that both sides may have taken.
Megan Hoff 