Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Supergirl (1984) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Supergirl (1984) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1984 · 105 min · English
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Jeannot Szwarc
Starring
Faye Dunaway, Peter O'Toole, Mia Farrow, Peter Cook, Brenda Vaccaro, Helen Slater

A remarkable young woman dominates the competitive powerlifting circuit, but her incredible strength reveals a hidden, extraordinary ability. As Naomi Kutin gains recognition and fame, her life takes an unexpected turn, forcing her to confront a destiny far beyond the world of sports. Her loved ones must come to terms with this incredible transformation and the challenges it brings.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 The book behind the movie
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Supergirl
  9. 9 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

3 main characters · contains spoilers

Supergirl Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Supergirl (1984), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Kara Zor-El / Supergirl

    played by Helen Slater

    Kara Zor-El is a courageous teenager from Krypton who becomes Supergirl, embracing her superpowers to defend both Argo City and Earth. Naive yet determined, she evolves from a sheltered girl into a formidable hero willing to sacrifice for her loved ones. Her dual identity leads to a unique journey of discovery and responsibility.

    • 🦸‍♀️ Superhero
    • 👧 Teenager
    • 🌟 Brave
  • Selena

    played by Faye Dunaway

    Selena is a manipulative fortune teller who becomes a significant antagonist in the film. Driven by ambition, she seeks to use the Omegahedron to enhance her magical capabilities and achieve world domination, showcasing both cunning and desperation. Her character embodies the dangers of unchecked ambition and jealousy.

    • 🧛‍♀️ Villain
    • ✨ Ambitious
    • 🔮 Sorceress
  • Ethan

    played by Hart Bochner

    Ethan is a charming groundskeeper caught in the web of magic and love, becoming the object of both Kara's and Selena's affections. His character represents the allure of romance amidst chaos, and his eventual connection with Supergirl highlights themes of bravery and inner strength. Ethan's journey mirrors the human experience of love and choice.

    • 💖 Romantic Interest
    • 🧑‍🌾 Charming
    • 🌪️ Unwitting Hero

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Supergirl Take Place?

The setting of Supergirl (1984): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary period following the destruction of Krypton, highlighting themes of adventure and the clash of worlds. The events unfold in a time when magic and science intersect, reflecting the cultural and societal norms of the late 20th century. This backdrop sets the stage for a battle between Supergirl and dark forces while exploring heroism.

Location

Argo City, Earth, Midvale, Illinois

Argo City is a Kryptonian enclave that exists in a mysterious dimension known as 'inner space', flourishing with advanced technology and culture until its destruction looms without the Omegahedron. Midvale, Illinois, is presented as a vibrant Earth town where Kara, transformed into Linda Lee, navigates the challenges of teenage life while hiding her superpowers. The setting plays a crucial role in the contrast between Kara's origins and her new life on Earth.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌏 Earth
  • 🌆 Urban

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Supergirl Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Supergirl (1984) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heroism

    The theme of heroism is central to Supergirl's journey as she embraces her powers to save her city and friends. Kara’s transformation into Supergirl signifies taking responsibility and fighting against evil forces. Her bravery during confrontations with Selena demonstrates her dedication to protecting others, echoing her Kryptonian legacy.

  • Magic vs Science

    The film juxtaposes the realms of magic and science, portrayed through Selena's dark magic and Supergirl's Kryptonian powers. As Selena attempts to wield the Omegahedron for her nefarious purposes, Kara represents the scientific and heroic journey, balancing these contrasting forces. This theme emphasizes the importance of courage and wisdom in overcoming uncertainty and chaos.

  • Love

    Romantic complexities arise, particularly through Selena's obsession with Ethan and the love potion that backfires. Kara’s relationship with Ethan highlights the innocent struggles of youth and unrequited love. This theme explores how love can inspire noble actions and, conversely, lead to jealousy and rivalry.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:24

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Supergirl Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Supergirl (1984): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Argo City located and what is 'inner space'?

Argo City is a Kryptonian enclave situated in a mysterious dimension called 'inner space', separate from both Earth and the regular universe. It exists as a floating city with advanced Kryptonian technology and culture, but it becomes uninhabitable when the Omegahedron is removed, leading to its destruction.

  • argo city
  • krypton
  • inner space
  • dimension
  • omgahedron
Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

The film is set in a contemporary period following the destruction of Krypton, reflecting late 20th century cultural and societal norms. While no specific year is given, the setting features a blend of magical and scientific elements typical of 1980s fantasy storytelling.

  • time period
  • 1980s
  • contemporary
  • late 20th century
Q3

What is the Omegahedron and why is it important?

The Omegahedron is a powerful Kryptonian artifact that sustains Argo City and its inhabitants. When Selena steals it, the city faces destruction, forcing Supergirl to retrieve it. The artifact represents the intersection of science and magic, as it can enhance both Kryptonian powers and dark magic.

  • omgahedron
  • artifact
  • krypton
  • argo city
  • power source
Q4

Who is Selena and what are her motivations?

Selena is a manipulative fortune teller and the film's main antagonist, played by Faye Dunaway. She seeks the Omegahedron to amplify her dark magic and achieve world domination. Her character embodies unchecked ambition and jealousy, particularly her obsessive desire for Ethan.

  • selena
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • fortune teller
  • magic
Q5

What is the magic vs science theme in Supergirl?

The film contrasts Selena's dark magic with Supergirl's Kryptonian powers, representing the clash between mystical and scientific forces. While magic is associated with manipulation and villainy, Kryptonian science represents heroic protection. The theme emphasizes that courage and wisdom can balance these opposing forces.

  • magic
  • science
  • krypton
  • selena
  • supergirl
  • theme
Q6

Why does Kara become Supergirl?

Kara transforms into Supergirl to save her home of Argo City and protect the people she cares about on Earth. After arriving on Earth and living as the human Linda Lee, she embraces her Kryptonian heritage and powers to battle Selena, representing her journey from a sheltered girl to a responsible hero.

  • kara zor-el
  • supergirl
  • transformation
  • heroism
  • origin
Q7

Where does Kara live while on Earth?

Kara lives in Midvale, Illinois, where she adopts the secret identity of Linda Lee to navigate teenage life while hiding her superpowers. This Earth setting provides a contrast to her Kryptonian origins in Argo City, highlighting her dual existence between two worlds.

  • midvale
  • illinois
  • linda lee
  • earth
  • home
Q8

What role does romance play in the story?

Romance serves as a subplot involving a love triangle between Ethan, Kara, and Selena. Selena uses a love potion to win Ethan's affection, but it backfires. Kara's genuine feelings for Ethan highlight innocent youthful struggles, while the theme explores how love can inspire both noble actions and destructive jealousy.

  • ethan
  • love
  • romance
  • love triangle
  • selena
  • kara
Q9

What happens to Argo City without the Omegahedron?

Without the Omegahedron, Argo City becomes uninhabitable and faces destruction. This crisis drives Supergirl's mission to retrieve the artifact from Earth, creating the central conflict between protecting her Kryptonian home and battling Selena on Earth.

  • argo city
  • destruction
  • omgahedron
  • survival
  • krypton
Q10

What does the heroism theme represent in the film?

The heroism theme centers on Kara's acceptance of responsibility to protect both Argo City and Earth. Her transformation from a naive teenager into Supergirl represents taking on the burden of fighting evil. Her bravery against Selena demonstrates dedication to protecting others, echoing her Kryptonian legacy as a hero.

  • heroism
  • bravery
  • protection
  • kara
  • supergirl
  • responsibility
Q11

Who is Ethan and what is his role in the story?

Ethan is a charming groundskeeper who becomes the object of both Kara's and Selena's affections. His character represents human romance amidst supernatural chaos. Through his eventual connection with Supergirl, the film explores themes of inner strength and genuine connection beyond physical transformation.

  • ethan
  • groundskeeper
  • romance
  • human connection

Movie threads

More Movies Like Supergirl, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Supergirl tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whimsical superhero adventures like Supergirl

Lighthearted and playful superhero stories with magical worlds and youthful energy. If you enjoyed the lighthearted and magical feel of Supergirl, you'll love these movies. This list features energetic, family-friendly superhero stories with fast pacing, whimsical plots, and a hopeful, happy tone. Find more films that capture a similar sense of fun and fantastical adventure.

  • whimsical
  • adventurous
  • magical
  • energetic
  • hopeful
  • playful
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a classic hero's journey with a clear, often magical, antagonist. The protagonist, often discovering their powers for the first time, navigates a world of wonder and peril, leading to direct confrontations and a triumphant resolution. The focus is on adventure and discovery rather than moral complexity.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared tone of whimsy, their light emotional weight, and their energetic, optimistic approach to the superhero genre. They provide a cohesive viewing experience defined by playful escapism and a straightforward, satisfying narrative structure.

Coming-of-age power discovery movies like Supergirl

Stories of young heroes discovering their identity and powers in a world of magic. Looking for films similar to Supergirl's story of a young woman discovering her incredible powers? This collection features movies about teenagers and young adults coming to terms with a magical or superhuman identity. These stories blend personal growth with fantastical adventure in an uplifting way.

  • coming of age
  • empowering
  • magical
  • youthful
  • hopeful
  • discovery
  • Tone: hopeful, youthful
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern centers on a young protagonist who stumbles upon or inherits great power. Their journey involves learning to control these abilities, understanding their place in a larger world, and ultimately using their power to overcome a threat, all while navigating the typical challenges of growing up.

Why they belong together: These films share a core focus on the 'coming of age' theme intertwined with supernatural or superhuman discovery. They are united by a blend of youthful perspective, themes of identity and empowerment, and a narrative that uses fantastical elements as a metaphor for personal growth and acceptance.

If you liked this

Movies Like Supergirl

Similar movies to Supergirl: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Supergirl (1984) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Supergirl in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app