Tarzan (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds in the Ugandan jungle and surrounding forests of Africa. This lush, meteor-modified landscape features a semi-active volcano and serves as home to mountain gorillas. The setting highlights the clash between pristine nature and human intrusion, with a remote base used by modern explorers representing the tension between the natural world and industrial ambition.

• uganda
• african jungle
• setting
• location
• forest

The film uses mixed timelines, beginning in prehistoric times after an asteroid crash that creates the meteor and shapes Tarzan's origin with the gorillas. The main narrative takes place in the present day, following Jane's conservation work and the conflict with Clayton over the meteor's energy. This structure connects Tarzan's jungle upbringing to his later role as protector of the forest.

• time period
• timeline
• present day
• prehistoric
• era

The film explores three core themes: Environment, as the forest serves as a living stage with its beauty, dangers, and fragility, focusing on conservation and human impact on nature; Romance, depicting how Tarzan and Jane's bond grows from curiosity to love, bridging their different worlds; and Conflict, driven by greed versus guardianship as corporate ambition threatens the jungle and its inhabitants.

• themes
• environment
• romance
• conflict
• conservation

Tarzan is raised in the African jungle by the gorilla Kala after his parents die in a plane crash. He grows into a capable survivor who learns to navigate gorilla society and ultimately discovers his human identity. His journey centers on protecting his forest family while forming a bond with Jane, leading him to become the jungle's defender against human threats.

• tarzan
• main character
• protagonist
• Kala

Jane is a conservation-minded scientist who enters Tarzan's world and awakens his feelings for her. She fights to protect wildlife and the jungle ecosystem, learning to trust Tarzan while navigating the dangers of the wilderness. Her bond with Tarzan represents a merging of human and animal perspectives, catalyzing their alliance against the threats facing the forest.

• jane
• character
• scientist
• conservationist

Clayton is the ambitious CEO of Greystoke Energies who sees the meteor as a profit source. He funds mercenaries to seize control of the meteor site, demonstrating greed that endangers Tarzan's world and Jane's conservation efforts. His ruthless pursuit of power leads to violent clashes with Tarzan and the gorillas, culminating in his downfall when the volcano erupts.

• clayton
• villain
• ceo
• greedy
• antagonist

Kala is Tarzan's adoptive ape mother who protects and raises him among the gorillas after the meteor crash. She serves as a guardian of the gorilla clan and anchors Tarzan's deep connection to his jungle origins. Her courage and sacrifice put her at risk when she intervenes to defend Tarzan and Jane, highlighting the theme of family and protection.

• kala
• ape mother
• gorilla
• adoptive mother

The meteor is a prehistoric asteroid that crashed in the Ugandan jungle, creating a unique, mutant ecosystem that shapes the film's world. Its energy becomes the focus of corporate exploitation by Clayton, who seeks to profit from its power. The meteor-modified landscape creates dangerous mutants that threaten the natural balance, driving the conflict between conservation and exploitation.

• meteor
• asteroid
• volcano
• energy
• ecosystem

Their relationship evolves from initial curiosity and mutual distrust to deep love. Jane represents the human world entering the jungle, while Tarzan bridges two cultures. Their bond motivates brave acts that protect both people and the jungle, with love serving as a bridge between different worlds. This connection drives key decisions throughout the story.

• tarzan
• jane
• romance
• love
• relationship

Greystoke Energies is a company founded by John Greystoke, whose scientific curiosity about the meteor foreshadows the corporate drive that Clayton later exploits. The company represents the conflict between exploration and exploitation. Clayton inherited the company and seeks to capitalize on the meteor's energy, positioning corporate ambition against the protection of the forest and its inhabitants.

• greystoke energies
• company
• corporation
• john greystoke

Tarzan is driven to protect his home, the African jungle and its inhabitants, particularly his gorilla family led by Kala. His loyalty extends to both his forest family and his human companion Jane. The central tension comes from human threats: mercenaries sent by Clayton and the exploitation of the meteor, which endanger the delicate balance of the ecosystem Tarzan calls home.

• protection
• jungle
• forest
• family
• home