Princess of Mars (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place on two worlds: modern-day Afghanistan where John Carter serves as a US Army sniper, and Barsoom, an alien planet in the Alpha Centauri system where a warrior race called the Tharks lives. Barsoom is a desert world that requires an atmospheric air-cleaning station to remain habitable.

• barsoom
• mars
• setting
• afghanistan
• tharks
• alien planet

Barsoom is the alien world where most of the film takes place. Located in the Alpha Centauri system far from Earth, it is a harsh desert planet home to the Tharks, a green-skinned warrior race. The planet relies on a massive air-cleaning station to survive, which becomes central to the story's conflict.

• barsoom
• mars setting
• tharks
• alien world
• alpha centauri

The film begins in present-day Afghanistan during John Carter's military deployment. After a teleportation experiment, he is transported to Barsoom, where the story unfolds in a timeless alien context rather than a specific historical era.

• time period
• modern day
• afghanistan
• present day

John Carter is a US Army sniper deployed in Afghanistan who is mysteriously transported to Barsoom after being wounded. His exceptional combat skills and adaptability allow him to navigate Thark society, eventually rising from enslavement to earn military rank and influence their warrior culture.

• john carter
• protagonist
• us army sniper
• earth soldier

Dejah Thoris is a human-looking princess of Barsoom who becomes John Carter's key ally. She is courageous and resourceful, guiding Carter through Thark society while helping unite different factions against common threats. Her relationship with Carter is central to the story's romantic and political elements.

• dejah thoris
• princess
• barsoom
• human
• ally

The Tharks are a green-skinned, four-armed warrior race that dominates Barsosoom. They live in a culture built on combat, honor, and ritual duels for leadership. Their society is led by varying degrees of authority, with Tars Tarkas serving as a key leader who mentors Carter.

• tharks
• green-skinned warriors
• barsoom
• four arms
• warrior culture

The film explores three core themes: Leadership, as Carter transforms from outsider to respected leader among the Tharks; Culture Clash, as his Earthborn soldier mindset collides with Barsoom's customs and honor codes; and Freedom and Secrecy, as Carter chooses to protect Barsoom by keeping its existence hidden from Earth.

• themes
• leadership
• culture clash
• freedom
• secrecy
• barsoom

The culture clash theme examines how John Carter's modern military ethics and problem-solving approach contrast with Barsoom's ritual combat, codes of honor, and different priorities. Through his relationships with Dejah Thoris and the Tharks, Carter must adapt while maintaining his core values, ultimately building alliances across radically different cultures.

• culture clash
• adaptation
• barsoom customs
• thark society
• alliances

Carter chooses not to disclose Barsoom's existence when returning to Earth because he fears colonial exploitation and wants to protect the planet's independence. The air-cleaning station's revival becomes a symbol of Barsoom's survival, and Carter's decision reflects the theme of ethical responsibility that comes with discovery.

• secrecy
• barsoom protection
• earth
• colonialism
• air-cleaning station

Tars Tarkas is the leader of the Tharks who mentors John Carter during his time on Barsoom. He respects Carter's combat abilities and strategic thinking, eventually working with him to challenge the authority of Tal Hajus. Their collaboration is pivotal in reorganizing Barsoom's leadership and defending the planet.

• tars tarkas
• thark leader
• mentor
• john carter
• alliance

Tal Hajus is a dominant and aggressive Thark leader who serves as an antagonist in the film. He initially clashes with John Carter and resents the status Carter gains among the Tharks. His downfall marks a turning point in Thark politics and demonstrates Carter's growing influence.

• tal hajus
• antagonist
• thark leader
• villain
• conflict

The movie portrays a dual world: a grounded modern military setting in Afghanistan and a sprawling science-fiction alien world on Barsoom. The planet features desert landscapes, warrior cultures, and advanced technology like the air-cleaning station, combined with elements of fantasy through the Tharks' physical characteristics and rituals.

• world
• setting
• barsoom
• desert
• science fiction
• fantasy