Tag: characters explained

The main Howl’s Moving Castle characters are best understood as different responses to fear: Sophie hides inside duty, Howl hides inside beauty and escape, Calcifer hides inside a bargain, and the Witch of the Waste hides inside appetite and control.

Kiki’s Delivery Service ends with Kiki regaining her ability to fly because she stops forcing confidence and acts from care. Jiji’s changed voice is not a plot hole. It marks Kiki growing into a more independent relationship with herself and the world.

The safest starting points for younger children are My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo and Kiki’s Delivery Service, while older kids can gradually move into Castle in the Sky, The Secret World of Arrietty and selected fantasy adventures with more danger or sadness.