R.I.P.D. (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

R.I.P.D. is set primarily in Boston, a city known for its rich history and role in American culture. The story unfolds both in the living world, where Nick works as a detective, and in the afterlife realm overseen by the Rest In Peace Department. Boston serves as the main anchor for the narrative's earthly events.

Foreshadowing: Boston is introduced early as Nick walks through familiar streets before his untimely death.

• boston setting
• ripd location
• rest in peace department
• boston afterlife

R.I.P.D. takes place in contemporary times, moving through modern-day Boston while incorporating elements from the 1800s. The 1800s era is referenced through Roy Pulsipher, an ex-U.S. Marshal from that historical period who now works in the afterlife. This blend highlights the contrast between modern crime and the longstanding traditions of law enforcement.

Foreshadowing: Roy's old-fashioned demeanor and references to his past hint at his historical origins from the start.

• time period
• 1800s
• contemporary
• roy pulsipher
• historical era

The R.I.P.D. (Rest In Peace Department) is an afterlife law enforcement agency that polices the spectral realm. Deceased police officers are recruited to patrol as avatars, hunting down malicious spirits called Deados that have escaped the afterlife and taken human form. The department maintains order between the living and dead worlds.

Foreshadowing: The R.I.P.D. is introduced when Nick wakes up dead and is recruited by Roy.

• r.i.p.d.
• afterlife police
• deados
• rest in peace department
• spectral realm

The afterlife in R.I.P.D. is depicted as a spectral realm where deceased law enforcement officers continue working to maintain cosmic balance. Dead agents are assigned avatars, often mismatched in appearance, to blend in while hunting Deados. It explores themes of redemption and unfinished business, with characters striving to resolve their past lives.

Foreshadowing: Nick's transition from death into his new role establishes the afterlife's rules and aesthetics.

• afterlife
• redemption
• spectral realm
• unfinished business
• avatar

R.I.P.D. explores three central themes: the afterlife and redemption through the R.I.P.D. organization; love and loss, particularly through Nick's connection to his wife Julia and his sacrifice; and justice, as the protagonists work to bring down criminal spirits threatening the living. These themes intersect as characters grapple with their pasts and responsibilities.

Foreshadowing: Nick's guilt over his wife's near-death and his desire to protect her runs throughout the narrative.

• themes
• afterlife
• love and loss
• justice
• redemption

Nick Walker is the protagonist, a dedicated Boston detective played by Ryan Reynolds who dies early in the movie and becomes an agent in the R.I.P.D. Struggling with guilt over his wife's near-death, he navigates the surreal afterlife while trying to maintain his connection to the living world. His arc centers on redemption and protecting loved ones even from beyond the grave.

Foreshadowing: Nick's dedication to his wife is established before his death, explaining his determination in the afterlife.

• nick walker
• ryan reynolds
• protagonist
• detective
• afterlife agent

Roy Pulsipher is Nick's partner in the R.I.P.D., played by Jeff Bridges. He is a weathered ex-U.S. Marshal from the 1800s who provides comic relief and wisdom to Nick as they tackle challenges in the afterlife. His deep-rooted history as a lawman adds layers to his character, balancing humor with an understanding of loss and duty.

Foreshadowing: Roy's old-fashioned speech patterns and references to his past hint at his historical origins from their first meeting.

• roy pulsipher
• jeff bridges
• u.s. marshal
• partner
• mentor

Mildred Proctor is the director of the R.I.P.D., played by Mary-Louise Parker. She oversees the activities of the afterlife agents and guides Nick through his new role as a spectral detective. Her firm demeanor and occasional compassion reveal the complexities of maintaining order between the living and dead worlds.

Foreshadowing: Mildred appears early to recruit Nick and explain the R.I.P.D.'s mission.

• mildred proctor
• mary-louise parker
• director
• r.i.p.d. leader
• authority

Bobby Hayes is the main antagonist, played by Kevin Bacon. He was Nick's former partner in the living world whose greed leads him to commit heinous acts even against his former partner. His transformation into a Deado illustrates the consequences of one's choices in both life and afterlife, as he becomes the very evil he once fought as a police officer.

Foreshadowing: Hints of Hayes's greed and moral decay are established during his scenes as Nick's partner.

• bobby hayes
• kevin bacon
• antagonist
• deado
• villain

R.I.P.D.'s core message revolves around redemption and the idea that one's choices in life have consequences that extend into the afterlife. It suggests that duty and love can transcend death, and that even after making mistakes or facing tragedy, there remains an opportunity for redemption and a second chance.

Foreshadowing: Nick's journey from guilt-ridden detective to redeemed afterlife hero embodies this message throughout.

• message
• meaning
• redemption
• second chance
• choices