Clifford (1994) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Los Angeles and Honolulu, with a pivotal scene set in a Catholic school in 2050. Los Angeles serves as the main urban setting where most of the family drama unfolds, while Honolulu appears during key moments involving the theme park.

• los angeles
• honolulu
• setting
• locations

The story toggles between two time periods: Clifford's 1990s childhood and a 2050 frame where an elderly Father Clifford recounts those events to a young boy named Roger. The 1990s sequences show the original mischief and family conflict, while the 2050 scenes provide the reflective narration.

• 1990s
• 2050
• time period
• timeline

The film explores three major themes: Forgiveness (seeking and granting reconciliation, symbolized by 287 apology letters), Family (the bonds and conflicts across generations between Clifford, Martin, and Sarah), and Ambition (how Martin's drive to prove himself leads to consequences that strain personal relationships).

• forgiveness
• family
• ambition
• themes

Martin Short plays Clifford Daniels, a 10-year-old boy who is sent to live with his uncle Martin Daniels after his father leaves for business trips. As an adult, Clifford becomes a priest who narrates his childhood misdeeds to Roger in the 2050 setting.

• martin short
• clifford
• character
• priest

Martin Daniels (played by Charles Grodin) is Clifford's uncle, a renowned architect who takes in his nephew. His professional ambition to prove himself becomes entangled with personal failures as Clifford's mischievous behavior threatens his career and reputation.

• martin daniels
• charles grodin
• uncle
• architect

Dinosaur World is a famous theme park in Los Angeles that becomes the focal point of Clifford's obsession. Martin, an engineer who helped design the park, plans a trip there for Clifford. The park's centerpiece ride, Larry the Scaby Rex, becomes a crucible for the film's climactic conflict.

• dinosaur world
• theme park
• larry the scary rex

Sarah Davis (played by Mary Steenburgen) is Martin's coworker who becomes Clifford's mother figure. She longs for a family and ultimately marries Martin, becoming part of the couple's dynamic. Her presence anchors the emotional stakes and drives key decisions throughout the story.

• sarah davis
• mary steenburgen
• character

The forgiveness theme centers on seeking and granting reconciliation between Clifford and his uncle Martin. As an elderly priest, Father Clifford emphasizes admitting fault and choosing mercy over bitterness. The pursuit of 287 apology letters symbolizes the healing power of forgiveness and the chance to mend broken family bonds.

• forgiveness
• apology letters
• reconciliation
• redemption

The 2050 timeline shows an elderly Father Clifford recounting his childhood misdeeds to a young boy named Roger. This framing device adds narrative complexity and allows the story to frame the tale as a moral lesson about forgiveness and redemption, with the adult Clifford reflecting on his youthful transgressions.

• 2050
• father clifford
• framing device
• narration

Roger is the young boy whom elderly Father Clifford mentors and coerces in the 2050 timeline. He serves as the emotional catalyst for the film's discussion of forgiveness and growth. His decision to write forgiveness letters frames the movie's moral arc.

• roger
• boy
• forgiveness letters
• mentor