Psychological Analysis of The Characters in The Lion King Movie

Abstract

The researcher observed that each literary work was created with a specific purpose in mind, such as teaching positive values through the characterization of the characters. Included in the animated film The Lion King, which has become a favourite children’s film since its release in 1994. This study aimed to analyse psychological aspects of characters in the movie. The psychological analysis was based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory which consists of physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs. The researcher applied a qualitative approach and a descriptive method for this research. The researcher found that the psychological needs felt by the characters in The Lion King film were related to the basic needs for food and space based on the findings of the analysis. The security needs were always related to the need for the characters’ lives to be safe. The need for closeness and attention from family and friends is related to the need for love and belonging. In the researcher's analysis, esteem needs were related to the need for recognition and strength, particularly in the characters of Simba and Mufasa. The most dominant psychological aspect in the characters, Simba, is his strong need of self-actualization. He desired to prove his existence and ability to a great king, as his father.