Coming to America (1988) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in two main locations: the fictional African kingdom of Zamunda, which serves as Prince Akeem's royal homeland, and Queens, New York City, where Akeem travels to find true love. The contrast between the lavish royal palace of Zamunda and the working-class neighborhood of Long Island City in Queens drives much of the film's comedic and romantic tension.

• zamunda
• queens
• new york
• setting
• locations

Zamunda is a fictional African kingdom created for the film, portrayed as a wealthy nation with rich culture, vibrant traditions, and royal heritage. It serves as the lavish backdrop for Prince Akeem's privileged upbringing and represents the royal traditions and expectations that Akeem seeks to escape.

• zamunda
• fictional kingdom
• african
• royal palace

The film is set in contemporary times, specifically the late 1980s. The story addresses themes relevant to that era, including social norms around royal duties, romantic autonomy, and the tension between traditional expectations and modern desires.

• 1980s
• contemporary
• time period
• 80s

The film explores three central themes: love as a force that transcends social status and wealth, identity and the struggle between royal duty and personal authenticity, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. These themes interweave as Akeem discovers who he truly is outside his royal role.

• themes
• love
• identity
• tradition
• modernity
• self-discovery

Prince Akeem Joffer is the charming and idealistic Crown Prince of Zamunda who yearns to escape royal expectations. He travels to America disguised as an ordinary man, working at a fast-food restaurant to find a partner who will love him for himself rather than his royal status. His journey represents a quest for self-discovery and authentic love.

• akeem
• prince
• crown prince
• zamunda
• protagonist

Semmi is Prince Akeem's loyal friend and confidant who accompanies him to America. Portrayed by Eddie Murphy, Semmi provides comic relief throughout the journey. Though he struggles with the hardships of living as an ordinary person in Queens, his character learns valuable lessons about humility and the true meaning of friendship.

• semmi
• eddie murphy
• friend
• companion
• comic relief

Lisa McDowell is the independent and charming woman from Queens who captures Akeem's heart. She represents a progressive voice, advocating for her choices in love and life. Her character embodies strength and resilience as she navigates her complicated feelings while challenging Akeem to embrace his true self.

• lisa mcdowell
• love interest
• independent
• strong female character

The central message about love is that genuine affection transcends social status and wealth. Akeem specifically seeks a partner who values him for himself rather than his royal lineage. The film shows that true love requires authenticity and personal connection, not material or societal advantages.

• love
• true love
• authentic love
• status
• royalty

Identity is explored through Akeem's struggle between his responsibilities as a prince and his desire for personal authenticity. By disguising himself as a commoner and working a humble job, Akeem confronts who he truly is apart from his royal title. The journey forces him to reconcile his heritage with his individual happiness.

• identity
• self-discovery
• authenticity
• prince
• royal duties

The film contrasts traditional values with contemporary desires, particularly through Queen Aoleon's support for her son's happiness over archaic customs. This theme explores how societal norms evolve and emphasizes the importance of personal choice in shaping one's destiny, showing that traditional expectations can conflict with individual happiness.

• tradition
• modernity
• customs
• royal family
• personal choice

Darryl Jenks is Lisa's initial boyfriend in the film, representing the pressures of conformity and social expectations. His character serves as a foil to Akeem, creating tension in Lisa's life as she evaluates her own desires against societal norms and decides what truly matters in a relationship.

• darryl jenks
• boyfriend
• foil
• social expectations