About “Moana” in a few words:

“Moana” is an animated Disney film that follows the story of a spirited and determined young girl named Moana. As her island’s resources diminish, she embarks on a daring journey across the Pacific Ocean to find the demigod Maui and restore balance to her home. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges, discovers her true calling, and learns the value of heritage and storytelling.

Meet the characters from Moana

Moana

Moana is a fireball of curiosity and stubborn kindness — the kind of heroine who will stare down an ancient curse and then get distracted by a shiny shell. She’s fiercely responsible (you can almost hear the duty-buzz in her head) but also has that wild “I gotta see what’s over the reef” streak that makes her leap before she thinks. The ocean has this weird mutual-thing with her — like it’s a friend that remembers her name and sometimes tugs her sleeve; she’s both calming and slightly chaotic because of it. A leader who messes up and apologizes, who sings like it’s therapy and sometimes forgets the lyrics on purpose. Also she has a chicken companion who may or may not be helpful, and yes she loves coconuts and also hates the sand in them, I think.

Maui

Maui is showy, loud, and cranked-up charisma in demigod form — a walking tattoo exhibit with a colossal ego and a surprisingly soft center. He boasts about everything (literally everything) and then melts into insecurity when someone points out the one thing he can’t fix, which is oddly endearing. His shape-shifting and giant magical hook are ridiculous and glorious; also his tattoos gossip about him, apparently. He steals scenes, sings his heart out, brags, then does the heroic thing at the weirdest, most dramatic moments. Oh and he probably collects tiny shells for reasons he won’t admit — tiny contradicted hobbies, classic Maui.

Tala

Tala is the kind of grandma who knows the island’s gossip, the old legends, and how to sneak you a cookie when your dad says no. She’s equal parts wise elder and mischievous instigator — always a half-smile, full of stories that somehow carry way more truth than you expect (and sometimes a footnote about baking). She’s basically the story’s secret compass, nudging Moana toward the messy, beautiful truth and occasionally setting metaphorical fires to shake things loose. Shows up in person or as this hauntingly comforting spirit, and probably keeps an absurd stash of shells, trinkets, and terrible puns.

Chief Tui

Chief Tui is all hard edges, deep loyalty, and that “I’ve seen storms worse than you” stare — official island-dad energy with rules stapled to his chest. He’s protective to the point of stubbornness and very practical (if it’s not safe, it’s not allowed), but there’s a soft undercurrent — he loves his people and his daughter in a way that makes him try to be brave even when he’s scared. His leadership is steady, sometimes maddening, and occasionally unexpectedly funny when he gets riled up over something tiny like a bent paddle. He forbids wild sea adventures but tells so many slightly embellished bedtime stories that you get the sense he once dreamed of sailing himself — or maybe I’m misremembering, but it feels true.