Soul (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Soul takes place in two main locations: The Great Before, an ethereal afterlife realm where souls are prepared for life, and Earth, specifically New York City where Joe Gardner lives and works as a middle school music teacher.

• setting
• locations
• new york city
• great before
• afterlife

The Great Before is a whimsical, otherworldly realm where unborn souls prepare for life on Earth. Guided by counselors called Jerry, souls like 22 undergo personal development and discover their unique personalities before being sent to live on Earth.

• great before
• afterlife
• soul realm
• jerry
• soul preparation

Soul is set in contemporary, modern-day America. The story takes place in present time, with Joe Gardner living and working in New York City, though the afterlife realm of The Great Before exists outside of linear time.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern day
• present time

Soul explores two central themes: self-discovery and passion for life. The film follows Joe Gardner's journey to find meaning beyond his musical ambitions, while 22 learns to appreciate thejoys of existence itself. Together they discover that true fulfillment comes from embracing everyday moments rather than chasing grand achievements.

• themes
• self-discovery
• passion
• purpose
• meaning of life

Soul suggests that purpose is not about achieving a single career goal or major accomplishment. Instead, the film portrays purpose as finding joy in ordinary moments, building connections with others, and appreciating the simple act of living itself. Joe's realization that his 'spark' was never about becoming a famous jazz musician redefines what it means to live a meaningful life.

• purpose
• spark
• meaning
• fulfillment
• life lessons

Joe Gardner is the protagonist of Soul, a middle school music teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. Voiced by Daveed Diggs, Joe feels stuck in his teaching job and jumps at the chance at musical stardom when given an opportunity, only to discover what truly matters in life.

• joe gardner
• protagonist
• music teacher
• jazz
• daveed diggs

22 is a cynical and reluctant soul who has resided in The Great Before for centuries without finding her spark or purpose. Voiced by Tina Fey, 22 is notorious for refusing to go to Earth until she finds something that makes life worth living. Her journey with Joe becomes a transformative exploration of existence and self-acceptance.

• 22
• soul 22
• tina fey
• character
• spark

Dorothea Williams is a renowned jazz musician and Joe's mentor who gives him a chance to perform with her band. Voiced by Angela Bassett, she represents the pinnacle of success Joe has always chased and serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the external achievements that don't guarantee happiness.

• dorothea williams
• angela bassett
• jazz musician
• mentor

Libba is Joe's mother, a seamstress who disapproves of her son's passion for jazz. Voiced by Phylicia Rashad, Libba represents traditional values and parental expectations, pushing Joe toward a stable career rather than pursuing uncertain artistic dreams. Her concerns reflect the practical realities many artists face.

• libba
• mother
• phylicia rashad
• parental expectations
• family

The spark is a concept in The Great Before representing the thing that makes each soul want to live. It's not a talent or career goal, but rather an appreciation for life itself. The film reveals that having a spark doesn't mean knowing your purpose, it means being excited about the experience of being alive.

• spark
• purpose
• life
• passion
• soul theory