THE ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF HEROIC WOMEN IN DISNEY MOVIES: MOANA AND RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

This research investigates the character development of heroic women in Disney
Movies: Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon, through the Hero’s Journey
framework proposed by Christopher Vogler (2007). It explores how Moana and
Raya evolve into heroic figures by undergoing personal growth and facing internal
and external challenges. The presentation of qualitative research data is descriptive,
as it focuses on providing a detailed explanation. Moana transforms from a doubtful
girl into a confident heroine by progressing through ten out of twelve stages of the
Hero’s Journey. The analysis highlights that Moana’s heroism is not defined by
physical strength alone, but by emotional resilience and self-determination. Indeed,
Raya transforms from a girl who trust no one to a hero who restores peace through
trust, completing nine out of twelve Hero’s Journey stages. Raya’s heroism is
defined by emotional courage, the willingness to trust again, and the ability to lead
with empathy. This study demonstrates how modern animated films construct
empowering narratives around female characters, portraying heroism as a journey
shaped by self-discovery and inner strength.
Keywords: Hero, Character Development, Hero’s Journey