From witty pirate Captain Jack Sparrow to cruel sea monster Davy Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean is filled with unique characters who each have distinctive personalities. Across the five films, each character encomes specific personality traits that have turned them into the iconic characters that the audience loves today.
The majority of the time, what the characters say and do reflect their personalities. However, there are times when the characters get themselves into certain situations which results in them saying things that go against who they truly are.
Henry Turner
"I'm Not In Love With Her."
As the son of Will, it’s no surprise that Henry Turner shares many of the same personality traits as his father. He has a kind nature and has shown on several occasions that he will go to the ends of the earth to protect the ones he loves.
Much like Will, Henry wore his heart on his sleeve and it’s clear he had an interest in Carina from the moment he met her. Although he is one of the most innocent characters, he will still endanger himself if it means protecting others, especially Carina, so him saying he doesn't love her feels out of character.
Carina Smyth Barbossa
"Fine, Then I Will Apologize."
Carina Smyth makes it no secret that she is a woman of science. As an astronomer and a horologist, it's no surprise that she has expert knowledge in many things. Whilst most men think she is guilty of witchcraft, she was simply a woman ahead of her time.
Carina is stubborn and only believes in things if they can be scientifically proven. Even when she knows she is wrong; she finds it difficult to apologize and tries to find ways around it. Eventually, she has no choice but to accept that supernatural beings and ghosts do exist and not everything needs a scientific explanation.
Cutler Beckett
"I Personally Find It Distasteful To Even Contemplate The Horror Facing All Those On Board."
A true villain of the franchise, Cutler Beckett was driven by his deep hatred of pirates and stopped at nothing to try and get rid of them all, even sending children to the gallows. He had a ruthless approach to life and showed no remorse for any of his actions.
Although he never murdered anyone himself, he gave the order to Davy Jones and several others who did it for him. He caused mass death and destruction and often abused his power as Governor to get what he wanted, so he's certainly not worrying about how the horrors that others face.
James Norrington
"Do Not Go To Shipwreck Cove. Beckett Knows Of The Meeting Of The Brethren."
James Norrington took great pride in his position as commodore and always did what he felt was right. He often had a serious demeanor and his dislike for pirates was displayed frequently, as shown by his several attempts to arrest Jack.
Like many characters, Norrington went on a tricky journey throughout the films. Although he started as an antagonist and was quite unlikeable, he managed to find redemption when he warned Elizabeth about Beckett. Norrington’s loyalties always lied with the Royal Navy, so it was surprising when he switched sides.
Davy Jones
"Ten Years I Devoted To The Duty You Charged Me. Ten Years I Looked After Those Who Died At Sea."
From the moment he was introduced, it was easy to see that Davy Jones was a monster who had a cruel nature. He was a heartless man who devoted his life to making the people around him miserable. Punishing people came easy to him and he found satisfaction in hurting others.
In At World’s End, fans get a glimpse of who Jones was when he was human. Ultimately, he looked after those who died at sea for his first term but after a betrayal, he became ruthless and heartless.
Joshamee Gibbs
"I'm Sorry Jack, But We've Reached The End Of Our Horizon."
Gibbs was the light-hearted and loyal first mate of Jack. He had never-ending knowledge of all things piracy and was the person people turned to every time they needed an explanation. Even when it meant getting him into questionable situations, Gibbs always valued his friendship with Jack.
When Jack died, Gibbs was one of the first to react to the loss of his friend, noting that the world wasn’t the same without him. Despite all the things Jack did, Gibbs never left his side, except nearly on one occasion, which is when he uttered this line.
Hector Barbossa
"Where's The Harm In ing The Winning Side?"
Starting as a heinous villain, Barbossa soon turned into one of the best characters in the franchise. There is a subtle hilarity about his character and no matter what side he played for, he was a natural leader that many looked up to.
Barbossa had strong morals and always fought for what he believed in. Even when the odds were stacked against them in their fight against Beckett, Barbossa never chose to side with him just because he was on the winning side, unlike other pirates.
Will Turner
"I Said To Myself, Think Like Jack."
Surrounded by a world of piracy and dishonesty, Will Turner had a genuine heart and always tried to take the honest route. Saving the people he loved the most seemed to be a common personality trait for him and although Will had his faults, he always tried to keep the promises he made.
Driven by honor and honesty, Will couldn’t be more opposite to Jack in of their personality traits, however, in a moment of desperation, he resorts to thinking like Jack as a way of attempting to free his father.
Elizabeth Swann
"Because I Was Afraid That You Were A Pirate, That Would've Been Awful."
Through no fault of her own, Elizabeth Swann spends more time than she would like surrounded by pirates. In Curse of the Black Pearl, she is naïve and often needs saving, however, as time goes on, she turns into an independent fighter who has no trouble taking care of herself.
Elizabeth was always fascinated by the idea of piracy and although she once feared them, she overcame this and fell in love with Will. She initially worried that he was a pirate, seeing it as a negative but ultimately adored it.
Jack Sparrow
"She's Just A Ship Mate."
Captain Jack Sparrow is everyone’s favorite pirate, and this is because of the personality he encomes. His hilarity and unconventional ways of life mean he is unique, to say the least. Like many pirates, Jack always goes after what he wants, despite the consequences.
One thing that drives Jack is his love for The Black Pearl. It is his most prized possession and plays a pivotal role in all his adventures. When it is about to get taken away from him once more, Jack does the one thing he never does and gives up on the thing he loves most.
