John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch) is a protagonist in John Carter.
Former Confederate captain transported to Mars via a Thern medallion. Adapts to lower gravity with super strength and jumping ability. Allies with the Tharks, rescues Princess Dejah Thoris, becomes Thark leader by defeating Tal Hajus, commands the army to victory, marries Dejah, and outsmarts Matai Shang to return to Barsoom permanently. Dejah Thoris (played by Lynn Collins) is a protagonist in John Carter.
Princess of Helium engaged in a millennium war with Zodanga. Escapes an arranged marriage to Sab Than and is rescued by Carter. Reluctantly agrees to the wedding to save her city but plans for Carter's escape. Later marries Carter after he wins the war, becoming his royal partner. Sola (played by Samantha Morton) appears in John Carter.
Daughter of Thark Jeddak Tars Tarkas. Assists Carter and Dejah in discovering that Thern medallions are powered by a ninth ray and seeks a way for Carter to return to Earth. Captured alongside them, returns to the Tharks to help Carter reclaim leadership, and aids in the final battle. Matai Shang (played by Mark Strong) appears in John Carter.
Leader of the Therns, an ancient race that manipulates planetary civilizations and feeds off their resources. Arms Sab Than with a powerful weapon and orchestrates the war. Forces Carter to return to Earth as a challenge, but is ultimately outwitted by Carter, who kills him near the tomb and uses his medallion to return to Mars. Edgar Rice Burroughs (played by Daryl Sabara) appears in John Carter.
Tars Tarkas (played by Willem Dafoe) appears in John Carter.
Jeddak of the nomadic Thark tribe. Initially captures Carter but later allies with him. Overthrown by Tal Hajus, survives an arena battle alongside Carter, and aids the Thark army in storming Zodanga and defending Helium. Sab Than (played by Dominic West) appears in John Carter.
Jeddak of Zodanga who proposes a ceasefire by marrying the Princess of Helium. Armed with a special weapon from Matai Shang, he attempts to claim Dejah Thoris. His forces are defeated by Carter's Thark army, and he is killed during the final assault on Helium.
John Carter (2012) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
John Carter
(played by Taylor Kitsch) — protagonist
Former Confederate captain transported to Mars via a Thern medallion. Adapts to lower gravity with super strength and jumping ability. Allies with the Tharks, rescues Princess Dejah Thoris, becomes Th...
Dejah Thoris
(played by Lynn Collins) — protagonist
Princess of Helium engaged in a millennium war with Zodanga. Escapes an arranged marriage to Sab Than and is rescued by Carter. Reluctantly agrees to the wedding to save her city but plans for Carter'...
Sola
(played by Samantha Morton) — supporting
Daughter of Thark Jeddak Tars Tarkas. Assists Carter and Dejah in discovering that Thern medallions are powered by a ninth ray and seeks a way for Carter to return to Earth. Captured alongside them, r...
Matai Shang
(played by Mark Strong) — supporting
Leader of the Therns, an ancient race that manipulates planetary civilizations and feeds off their resources. Arms Sab Than with a powerful weapon and orchestrates the war. Forces Carter to return to...
Edgar Rice Burroughs
(played by Daryl Sabara) — supporting
Tars Tarkas
(played by Willem Dafoe) — supporting
Jeddak of the nomadic Thark tribe. Initially captures Carter but later allies with him. Overthrown by Tal Hajus, survives an arena battle alongside Carter, and aids the Thark army in storming Zodanga...
Sab Than
(played by Dominic West) — supporting
Jeddak of Zodanga who proposes a ceasefire by marrying the Princess of Helium. Armed with a special weapon from Matai Shang, he attempts to claim Dejah Thoris. His forces are defeated by Carter's Thar...
Key Relationships
Matai Shang → Sab Than
(Alliance Patron)
Tars Tarkas → Sola
(Family Father)
Dejah Thoris → Sola
(Alliance Ally)
Dejah Thoris → Sab Than
(Conflict Forced Fiance)
John Carter → Sab Than
(Conflict Rival)
John Carter → Matai Shang
(Conflict Arch Enemy)
John Carter → Sola
(Alliance Ally)
John Carter → Tars Tarkas
(Alliance Commander)
John Carter → Dejah Thoris
(Romantic Husband)
John Carter → Edgar Rice Burroughs
(Family Uncle)
Story Analysis
A Civil War captain is transported to Mars, where he navigates interplanetary war, forms alliances, and chooses between two worlds.
Plot Progression
Earthly Origins & Accidental Transport
Barsoom Alliances & Captivity
Thark Rebellion & Strategic Shift
Final Confrontation & Eternal Return
Directed by Andrew Stanton
John Carter (2012) · 6.4/10 · action, adventure, science-fiction
