| Character Previews |
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| Page music selection "The Wings No Longer Beat" remix by J.D.Michaels. |
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| Welcome! Below, you'll find some brief commentary and analyses of the primary characters featured in the original Balto. A profile for Balto's daughter, Aleu is also provided (with more comprehensive coverage of the Balto sequel in store for the near future). For those of you who have yet to view the sequel, Aleu's analysis has been provided at the very bottom so that you do not have to review the piece. |
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| Character: Balto Appearances: "Balto" & "Balto 2: Wolf Quest" Appx. Age: 18 to 20 (human years) / 30 (sequel) Personality Traits: good-natured, reserved, self-denying, sensitive |
| An energetic wolf-dog, Balto realistic hero of his title series. The preeminent genius behind this character is the realism provided by his distinct personal conflicts and his capacity to overcome these difficulties in order to bring hope to others. Most distinct among these self-disputes is his attempt to gain self-realization and acceptance of his wolf-heritage. Although his self-realization was apparently achieved by the end of the original film, during the course of the sequel, we find Balto again facing significant denial of his wolf-heritage, especially as it is applied to his daughter Aleu. This distinct inner turmoil does not, however, lessen the impact that Balto has as a character. Rather, with this shortcoming, viewers can better relate to Balto and can better appreciate his heroic deeds in braving the wintery reaches of central Alaska. |
| Character: Jenna Appearances: "Balto" & "Balto 2: Wolf Quest" Appx. Age: 19 to 25 / 30 to 35 (sequel) Personality Traits: kind, mature, optimistic, sociable |
| Contrasting to her love, Balto, Jenna is a well-adjusted purebred huskey who features impressive strengths as a female character. Foremost, unlike stereotypical beautiful women of fiction, Jenna possesses considerable intellect and maturity. Furthermore, by having characteristics such as modesty (not flaunting that she is the most gorgeous female dog in Nome) and a deep sense of kindness, Jenna becomes simply magnificent and is elevated to a remarkably inspirational character. Unlike Balto, Jenna knows exactly who she is and is not the least hesitant to assert herself. With these qualities, Jenna provides strengths to overshadow Balto's weakenesses. By this, perhaps Jenna is a less advertised hero of the original film, but is nevertheless a significant contributor to the story outcome. |
| Character: Steele Appearances: "Balto" Appx. Age: 20 to 22 Personality Traits: dominant, group-dependant, self-centered |
| Although Balto's significant oppressor, Steele cannot be fully considered evil. Rather, this sled dog possesses substantial leadership qualities that constitute his role on the sled teams and compliments his behavior in the film. Steele is an alpha in canine society, and with this he is unafraid to assert himself at any threat. Since Steele recognizes Jenna as his choice mate, this sled dog regards Balto as a threat to this and his territory. In a human sense, Steele's deep self-assurance could rapidly become something troublesome and degenerate his ability to effectively lead. For canine social structures, however, these very traits allow Steele to be a distinct leader. |
| Portraits Coming Soon! |
| Character: Boris Appearances: "Balto" & "Balto 2: Wolf Quest" Appx. Age: 50 to 60 Personality Traits: honest, humble, realist, wise |
| Boris acts as the sole parental figure to Balto. As such, the goose is both caring and stern with the wolf-dog, and is further noted to frequently give advice. We find Boris providing realistic rationality and a degree of humility that sometimes contrasts with Balto's behavior (particularly vivid during Balto's first confrontation of Steele). However, the goose's firm ideals that focus on a realistic outlook on life often become too pessmistic for Balto's full abilities. Although having some contrasts, Boris is - like Balto - somewhat of an outcast (a goose who does not fly south for the winter) and is similarly isolated from society. At a most basic level, Boris and Balto form a perfect team, for these two individuals hold contrasting abilities that allow them to be excellent compliments to their respective strengths and weaknesses. |
| Portraits Coming Soon! |
| Character: Aleu Appearances: "Balto 2: Wolf Quest" Appx. Age: 16 to 19 Personality Traits: bold, confident, liberal, optimistic |
| Balto's only wolf-looking daughter, Aleu represents change and hope for the future. Despite being a young female, Aleu is very quick to voice herself and her pure ideals. This promotes her as a strong leader, as is confirmed by the end of the sequel film where she takes control of the wolf pack. Despite such abilities, Aleu lacks world wisdom, but this is to be expected of an individual of her young age. Even with such a minor flaw, Aleu makes such a prominent leader that she perhaps surpasses her father's abilities. |
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