Joe Gardner (played by Jamie Foxx) is a protagonist in Soul.
A middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist who dies after falling into a manhole. He travels to the Great Before, accidentally swaps bodies with 22, and returns to Earth to rediscover the true meaning of life and living. 22 (played by Tina Fey) is a protagonist in Soul.
A cynical soul residing in the Great Before for thousands of years who refuses to go to Earth. After swapping bodies with Joe, she experiences mundane life on Earth, discovers the joy of living, and eventually learns that a spark is simply the desire to live. Moonwind (played by Graham Norton) appears in Soul.
A sign twirler who frequently enters the Zone to rescue lost souls. He assists Joe and 22 in locating Joe's body in a hospital and arranges a meeting at the jazz club to facilitate Joe's return to his physical form. Terry (played by Rachel House) appears in Soul.
The entity responsible for tracking and counting souls. He detects an irregularity in the count after Joe's accidental body swap, pursues Joe to Earth, and is later distracted by a Jerry to allow Joe to return to life. Counselor Jerry (played by Richard Ayoade) appears in Soul.
Libba Gardner (played by Phylicia Rashād) appears in Soul.
Joe's mother who encourages him to accept a full-time teaching position at the middle school. She later interacts with 22, who is inhabiting Joe's body, sharing a poignant conversation that deepens 22's understanding of life. Curly (played by Questlove) appears in Soul.
Dez (played by Donnell Rawlings) appears in Soul.
Joe's barber in New York City. He engages in meaningful conversations with 22 while she temporarily occupies Joe's body, contributing to her growing appreciation for everyday human experiences.
Soul (2020) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Joe Gardner
(played by Jamie Foxx) — protagonist
A middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist who dies after falling into a manhole. He travels to the Great Before, accidentally swaps bodies with 22, and returns to Earth to rediscover the...
22
(played by Tina Fey) — protagonist
A cynical soul residing in the Great Before for thousands of years who refuses to go to Earth. After swapping bodies with Joe, she experiences mundane life on Earth, discovers the joy of living, and e...
Moonwind
(played by Graham Norton) — supporting
A sign twirler who frequently enters the Zone to rescue lost souls. He assists Joe and 22 in locating Joe's body in a hospital and arranges a meeting at the jazz club to facilitate Joe's return to his...
Terry
(played by Rachel House) — supporting
The entity responsible for tracking and counting souls. He detects an irregularity in the count after Joe's accidental body swap, pursues Joe to Earth, and is later distracted by a Jerry to allow Joe...
Counselor Jerry
(played by Richard Ayoade) — supporting
Libba Gardner
(played by Phylicia Rashād) — supporting
Joe's mother who encourages him to accept a full-time teaching position at the middle school. She later interacts with 22, who is inhabiting Joe's body, sharing a poignant conversation that deepens 22...
Curly
(played by Questlove) — supporting
Dez
(played by Donnell Rawlings) — supporting
Joe's barber in New York City. He engages in meaningful conversations with 22 while she temporarily occupies Joe's body, contributing to her growing appreciation for everyday human experiences.
Dorothea
(played by Angela Bassett) — supporting
A renowned jazz musician who runs a quartet. She auditions Joe at a jazz club, is impressed by his piano playing, and hires him for the night's performance, which becomes the catalyst for his journey.
Key Relationships
22 → Counselor Jerry
(Professional Mentee)
Joe Gardner → Curly
(Professional Bandmate)
Joe Gardner → Dez
(Social Friend)
Joe Gardner → Dorothea
(Professional Employer)
Joe Gardner → Moonwind
(Alliance Ally)
Joe Gardner → Terry
(Conflict Antagonist)
Joe Gardner → 22
(Professional Mentor)
Joe Gardner → Libba Gardner
(Family Son)
Story Analysis
A journey of self-discovery about finding meaning in life's simple moments
