Studio Ghibli movies are characterized not only by their whimsical animation style and emotional stories, but by their multifaceted and intelligent protagonists too.
Whether they're demonstrating smarts in the intellectual, social, or worldly sense of the word, Studio Ghibli protagonists are more often than not capable and reflective characters. Those presented here are not done so in any particular order, but all have an intelligence that aids them in some way throughout their respective stories.
Jiro Horikoshi - The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises' protagonist Jiro Horikoshi is a fictionalized version of the real-life figure of the same name, an aircraft engineer whose designs were used by Japan in World War II.
In the movie, Jiro's study of planes and his ion for them drive the narrative, and he is motivated throughout his career to design something beautiful. Not everything is smooth sailing for Jiro though, as multiple flight test failures and the co-opting of his designs by the military show, but nonetheless Jiro perseveres to achieve his vision.
Shizuku - Whisper Of The Heart
Despite the film's underrated status, Whisper of the Heart's teenaged protagonist Shizuku is one of the best female characters in Studio Ghibli's history.
Shizuku is both an avid reader and aspiring writer, a ion she pursues not only in the development of her novel over the course of the movie, but also in lyric writing. Though her daydreamer tendencies are shown to have a negative impact on her school life, Shizuku has a fixed focus when it comes to her writing, and learning the skills to balance the two is an important part of her story.
Seiji - Whisper Of The Heart
The male lead in Whisper of the Heart, Seiji shares Shizuku's love of books—though this is to some extent influenced by his crush on her—but also has his own ions as a violin player and aspiring violin maker.
Seiji spends much of his spare time practicing his craft and is shown to be very driven in this undertaking, applying and later traveling all the way to Italy in order to apprentice under a master luthier. Seiji's developing skills act as a mirror to Shizuku's own, showing the pair's shared desire to excel in their respective fields.
Chihiro - Spirited Away
In Spirited Away Chihiro is thrust into an unfamiliar world, and though initially overcome with nerves and fear, she finds a place in Yubaba's bathhouse through her social interactions and keen observational skills.
A moment that particularly proves Chihiro's intelligence comes when she's asked by Yubaba to find her parents amongst a crowd of pigs, where her insight correctly leads her to answer that none of the animals present are her transformed relatives. Additionally, throughout the movie, Chihiro's approach when interacting with spirits of all appearances shows her kindness and social aptitude.
Sophie - Howl's Moving Castle
At the heart of Howl's Moving Castle is Sophie's journey to break the curse put on her by the Witch of the Waste, but along the way she uncovers far more than she set out to find.
Among the many small details in Howl's Moving Castle is the fact that Sophie's friendship with Calcifer is indicative of her developing relationship with Howl. Throughout the movie, Sophie illustrates her common sense, contrasted with Howl's whimsy to great effect, and also plays a crucial part in breaking not only her own curse but the bargain affecting Howl and Calcifer too.
Howl - Howl's Moving Castle
The titular wizard of Howl's Moving Castle, Howl has a flair for the dramatic that's aided by his great magical prowess.
The impressive heights of Howl's power are most obvious when his young age is contrasted with that of his enemy, the Witch of the Waste, and his teacher Madame Suliman. Howl's relative youth suggests his prodigious skills, further proven not only by his construction of the moving castle, but his frequent uses of magic for both defensive and offensive purposes.
Kiki - Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service sees young witch Kiki leave her home and move to a new town, as is tradition for witches to do in order to continue their training.
Upon finding a new home for herself in a seaside city, where her cat Jiji is the only familiar face, Kiki demonstrates her resourcefulness by finding work as a delivery girl, later establishing her own business that makes use of her flying talents. Despite setbacks, Kiki makes use of the assets available to her, showing that she was ready for her move away from home.
Fio - Porco Rosso
an underrated Studio Ghibli movie, and the same could be said about one of the movie's main characters, Fio Piccolo.
Porco Rosso first meets Fio when his airplane is in dire need of repairs, and despite his initial skepticism of the young woman's talents, Fio soon shows her expertise. Talented not only as a mechanic but also as an engineer, Fio proves invaluable to Porco Rosso over the course of the film, and is later shown to have taken over her family's business.
Ashitaka - Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke's Ashitaka is a prince of the Emishi village inflicted with a curse that he wishes to rid himself of, leading him towards Iron Town and the unrest there.
Contributing to his status as one of the most likable Studio Ghibli characters, Ashitaka navigates the complex history and conflict between San and Lady Eboshi with deftness. Never succumbing to the intense hatred that fuels some of his fellow human's actions, Ashitaka has a mature personality that reflects his understanding nature, despite his sometimes stern disposition.
Sheeta - Castle In The Sky
Castle in the Sky's female lead Sheeta has had a very eventful life at the movie's outset despite her young age, owing to her secret heritage and status as heir to Laputa.
Throughout the story, Sheeta and Pazu's search for the lost floating island brings them face to face with all manner of enemies, and Sheeta shows her bravery against them numerous times. Her intelligence is used to accomplish her mission in the movie, keeping Laputa out of the hands of those who would use its resources for ill, encapsulating her dignified ideals.
