Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s most successful franchises. It owes this, in large part, to the abundance of iconic characters and their unique personalities. Main man Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with numerous characters as he sets sail across the seven seas and always uses his witty personality to get himself out of trouble.
Across the five films, some unforgettable characters are introduced and their personalities couldn’t be more different. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they all have signature quotes that perfectly summarise who they are.
Henry Turner
"I'll Never Stop, And If You Throw Me Over, I'll Come Straight Back."
Henry Turner was a devoted son and his character was driven by the idea of saving his father. He displayed his intelligence from a young age when he managed to locate the flying Dutchman. Although he had a caring nature and was the picture of innocence, he never backed out of a fight.
Henry’s intentions were always honorable, and he showed many of the same character traits that Will possessed when he was Henry’s age, for example, his kind-hearted nature and his desire to save the ones he loved.
Carina Smyth
"I Am A Woman Of Science."
In a world full of men who believed she was a witch, Carina Smyth was a headstrong woman who had expert knowledge of science. Even though she was undermined by several pirates, she was able to use her intelligence to find the Trident of Poseidon, something no man had done.
Carina was so invested in being an astronomer that she didn’t believe in supernatural beings because they couldn’t be ed by science. When she eventually saw them in real life, her stubbornness shone through as she couldn’t bring herself to apologize to Henry for being right.
Cutler Beckett
"It's Just Good Business."
Cutler Beckett was an arrogant man who abused his power whenever he could. His deep hatred of pirates was evident throughout the films, although he still went to great lengths to make deals with them if it would benefit him.
Although he usually got other people to carry out his acts of violence, he was cruel, and this was shown by him ordering Governor Swann’s execution. He often referred to crimes like this as good business and never showed remorse for his actions, cementing his role as a true villain.
James Norrington
"I'd Rather See Her At The Bottom Of The Ocean Than In The Hands Of A Pirate."
Barbossa took the role of the main villain in Curse of the Black Pearl, however, James Norrington was another antagonist who tried on several occasions to send Jack to the gallows. He was loyal to his position as commodore and took great pride in his service to the Royal Navy.
When Jack steals The Interceptor, Norrington resorts to firing at his own ship because he can’t bear the thought of a pirate commanding his ship. Although he verged on piracy during Dead Man’s Chest, he regained his position as commodore and his strong dislike for pirates always remained.
Davy Jones
"Life Is Cruel, Why Should The Afterlife Be Any Different?"
A complex character, to say the least, Davy Jones was the harsh ruler of the seven seas. When it came to the punishment of others, he was ruthless, ordering the Kraken to drag Jack to the depths after he couldn’t settle a debt. He was driven by anger and revenge and wherever he went, destruction followed.
Once a pirate captain who looked after those who died at sea, Jones turned into a monster covered in tentacles after he cut out his own heart. He had a brutal outlook on life, evidenced in this quote, and was cruel to everyone around him - even his own crew.
Joshamee Gibbs
"Well, I'll Tell You."
Once a British sailor, Gibbs turned pirate and was Jack’s first mate. He was fiercely loyal and stuck with Jack through all his endeavors. He had expert knowledge in all things piracy and his down-to-earth nature meant he was liked by many.
Gibbs was a superstitious man and offered detailed information on many things like Jack’s past, the Kraken, and the green flash. Whilst he arguably has a more practical outlook on life, he understands that many people don’t believe in the same things he does.
Hector Barbossa
"Dying Is The Day Worth Living For."
It was hard to imagine Barbossa being anything but a villain after the first film, but he managed to push past that and become one of the best characters in the POTC franchise. He had subtle charm and still displayed a humorous personality, even when he was at his darkest.
Good or evil, Barbossa was a natural leader and when he returned as the hero, he was someone that the crew could look up to in Jack’s absence. He never shied away from a fight and captained the Black Pearl in the immense battle during At World’s End.
Will Turner
"Every Step I Make For My Father Is A Step Away From Elizabeth."
Will Turner is arguably the greatest swordsman in the franchise and always tried to go after what he wanted. Honest and loyal, saving the people he loves seems to be his main personality trait, even if it wasn't intended.
He goes on quite the journey throughout the movies. Starting as the innocent blacksmith trying to save Elizabeth, he ends up a pirate intent on saving his cursed father. Saving everyone around him became Will’s core purpose in the films, however, he often found himself torn between his loyalties. This pertinent quote illustrates that perfectly.
Elizabeth Swann
"I Have Had More Than Enough Experience Dealing With Pirates."
The idea of piracy was engraved in Elizabeth Swann after she first saw the Black Pearl when she was 11 years old. She started the franchise as a damsel in distress but later turned into a fierce fighter who no longer needed rescuing.
Elizabeth was headstrong and showed no fear towards pirates in the later films, perhaps because she spent so much time with them. She made some bad choices when she was around pirates and although she was always fascinated by them, it was never the life she wanted.
Jack Sparrow
"Me? I'm Dishonest, And A Dishonest Man You Can Always Trust To Be Dishonest, Honestly."
Captain Jack Sparrow is arguably the most iconic pirate of all time. This is largely down to Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the character and the way he has carved his distinctive personality. He is hilarious, eccentric and the master of improvisation, something that always helps him when it comes to getting out of a tricky situation.
When trying to get people to trust him, Jack often words it in a way that confuses people to gain an advantage. He by no means believes he is an honest man; however, he suggests that there is still honesty weaved within his dishonesty.
