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The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 130 min · English
JustWatch #2,989 41
Directed by
Harald Zwart
Starring
Lily Collins, Jemima West, Robert Sheehan, Kevin Zegers, Jamie Campbell Bower
Budget
$60M

When teenager Clary Fray discovers she's the last descendant of Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to protecting the world from demons, her ordinary life is shattered. Drawn into a dangerous, hidden realm known as Downworld, she must confront a legacy she never knew existed. Alongside a group of Shadowhunters, Clary battles powerful demons, warlocks, and other supernatural beings while uncovering the truth about her family and her own extraordinary abilities.

Action Adventure Drama Mystery Fantasy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  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 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
  9. 9 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Where can you watch The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix, YouTube Free and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013), 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.

  • Clary Fray

    played by Lily Collins

    Clary is a spirited teenager who evolves from innocence to a skilled Shadowhunter over the course of the film. Her determination to rescue her mother and uncover her true identity drives the story forward. She's brave, intelligent, and resourceful, possessing the ability to inscribe magical runes, making her a formidable asset in battle.

    • 🧙‍♀️ Shadowhunter
    • 🌸 Brave
    • 🔍 Curious

  • Jace Wayland

    played by Jamie Campbell Bower

    Jace is a skilled and confident Shadowhunter who becomes Clary's protector and romantic interest. He struggles with his own past and the burdens of his lineage as he trains Clary in the ways of their kind. His complex nature adds depth to his character, revealing layers of vulnerability hidden behind his bravado.

    • 🗡️ Protector
    • 💔 Love Interest
    • 🦸‍♂️ Hero

  • Simon Lewis

    played by Robert Sheehan

    Simon is Clary's loyal best friend who provides comic relief amidst the dark events of the story. His unwavering support for Clary highlights his character's bravery, even as he navigates his own insecurities. As he undergoes changes throughout the film, Simon's evolution reveals deeper layers of his character and the challenges posed by the supernatural world.

    • 😄 Best Friend
    • 🌱 Transformation
    • 🎸 Nerd

  • Valentine Morgenstern

    Valentine is the enigmatic villain driving the conflict in the story, aiming to obtain the Mortal Cup. His past as a Shadowhunter turned rogue adds complexity to his character, showcasing the lengths to which he will go to achieve power. His manipulation of familial ties draws Clary into a web of betrayal, making the climax deeply personal for her.

    • 👿 Antagonist
    • 🔥 Power-Hungry
    • 🧛‍♂️ Manipulator

  • Alec Lightwood

    Alec is a serious and capable Shadowhunter who serves as a protector for those he cares about. His dedication to his mission and the Shadowhunter cause demonstrates his strong sense of duty. As he confronts his fears and loyalties, Alec's character experiences significant growth throughout the film.

    • 🛡️ Guardian
    • ⚔️ Stoic
    • 😐 Loyal

  • Isabelle Lightwood

    Isabelle is a fierce and ambitious Shadowhunter, known for her combat skills and determination. She is an empowering source of strength for Clary, sharing her wisdom through experience. Her character embodies courage and resilience, making her an indispensable ally in the battle against evil.

    • 💪 Warrior
    • 🌟 Empowering
    • 👗 Stylish

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:59

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Setting

Where and When Does The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Take Place?

The setting of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013): 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 unfolds in contemporary times, as technological advances clash with ancient myths and the supernatural. This modern setting allows for a blend of everyday life with a hidden world of Shadowhunters battling evil forces.

Location

New York, Shadowhunter Institute, City of Bones, Brooklyn

The movie takes place primarily in New York, a vibrant city known for its diversity and busy lifestyle. The Shadowhunter Institute is a hidden sanctuary located within an ancient cathedral where the heroes gather and train. The City of Bones serves as a crypt-like underworld where many dark secrets are unveiled, filled with danger and revelations.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏰 Institute
  • ⚰️ Crypt

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:59

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3 major themes

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Identity

    Identity plays a crucial role in Clary's journey as she discovers her heritage among the Shadowhunters. The struggle to understand oneself amidst chaos is depicted through Clary's evolution and her connection to her powers. Additionally, themes of belonging and familial ties weave through the narrative, challenging Clary to reconcile her past and present.

  • Good vs. Evil

    The eternal battle between good and evil is at the forefront of the film, with Clary and her friends fighting against the malevolent Valentine. The moral complexities faced by the characters reflect the struggles of choosing sides and understanding their true enemies. Characters grapple with their loyalties as they navigate a world filled with demons and treachery.

  • Love and Betrayal

    Romantic feelings complicate friendships as Clary finds herself at the center of a love triangle involving Jace and Simon. The theme of love is intertwined with betrayal, especially when hearts are tested amidst the chaos of the Shadowhunters' world. Clary's emotional journey highlights how relationships can shape one's destiny, both positively and negatively.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:59

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Character & theme questions

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013): 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 The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones set?

The movie primarily takes place in New York City, blending the everyday urban landscape with a hidden supernatural world. Key locations include the Shadowhunter Institute, a hidden sanctuary housed within an ancient cathedral where the Shadowhunters train and gather, and the City of Bones, a crypt-like underworld where dark secrets are revealed.

  • new york
  • shadowhunter institute
  • city of bones
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

What is the Shadowhunter Institute?

The Shadowhunter Institute is a hidden sanctuary located within an ancient cathedral in New York City. It serves as the headquarters where Shadowhunters gather, train, and prepare for their mission to protect the world from demons and other supernatural threats.

  • shadowhunter institute
  • cathedral
  • training
  • headquarters
Q3

What is the City of Bones in the movie?

The City of Bones is a crypt-like underworld featured in the film, serving as a dangerous location filled with dark secrets and revelations. It plays a significant role in uncovering truths about the characters' pasts and the film's central mysteries.

  • city of bones
  • underworld
  • crypt
  • secrets
Q4

When does The Mortal Instruments take place?

The film unfolds in contemporary times, set in the modern day. This setting allows the story to blend everyday life with a hidden world of Shadowhunters battling evil forces, creating a contrast between technological advances and ancient supernatural mythology.

  • modern day
  • contemporary
  • time period
  • present day
Q5

What are the main themes in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones?

The film explores three core themes: Identity, as Clary discovers her Shadowhunter heritage and learns who she truly is; Good vs. Evil, with the battle against the villain Valentine and the moral complexities of choosing sides; and Love and Betrayal, featuring a love triangle that tests loyalties amid supernatural chaos.

  • identity
  • good vs evil
  • love
  • betrayal
  • themes
  • meaning
Q6

How does the theme of identity play out in the movie?

Identity is central to Clary's journey as she discovers she's the last descendant of Shadowhunters. Her struggle to understand herself amidst chaos drives her evolution from an ordinary teenager to a skilled Shadowhunter, while she reconciles her past with her present.

  • clary
  • identity
  • self discovery
  • heritage
  • shadowhunter
Q7

How is the good vs. evil theme portrayed in The Mortal Instruments?

The eternal battle between good and evil is depicted through Clary and her allies fighting against the malevolent Valentine. Characters face moral complexities as they navigate a world filled with demons and treachery, questioning their loyalties and understanding their true enemies.

  • valentine
  • good
  • evil
  • battle
  • moral
  • demons
Q8

What are Shadowhunters in the movie?

Shadowhunters are warriors dedicated to protecting the world from demons and other supernatural threats. They possess special abilities, including the power to inscribe magical runes, and operate in a hidden realm called Downworld, separate from the ordinary human world.

  • shadowhunters
  • demons
  • runes
  • warriors
  • downworld
Q9

Who is Clary Fray in The Mortal Instruments?

Clary Fray is the protagonist, a spirited teenager who discovers she's the last descendant of Shadowhunters after her ordinary life is shattered. She possesses the ability to inscribe magical runes, making her a formidable asset in battle, and her determination to rescue her mother and uncover her true identity drives the story.

  • clary fray
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • runes
  • shadowhunter
Q10

Who is Jace Wayland in the movie?

Jace Wayland is a skilled and confident Shadowhunter who becomes Clary's protector and romantic interest. He struggles with his own past and the burdens of his lineage while training Clary, revealing layers of vulnerability hidden behind his bravado.

  • jace wayland
  • shadowhunter
  • romantic interest
  • protector
Q11

Who is Valentine Morgenstern in The Mortal Instruments?

Valentine Morgenstern is the film's enigmatic villain who drives the conflict by seeking the Mortal Cup. Once a Shadowhunter turned rogue, his past adds complexity to the story. His manipulation of familial ties creates a deeply personal betrayal for Clary, as he has a shocking connection to her family.

  • valentine
  • morgenstern
  • villain
  • mortal cup
  • antagonist
  • rogue shadowhunter
Q12

What is Downworld in the movie?

Downworld is the hidden supernatural realm where Shadowhunters operate, separate from the everyday human world. It encompasses various locations including the Shadowhunter Institute and the City of Bones, serving as the battleground where Shadowhunters fight demons, warlocks, vampires, and werewolves.

  • downworld
  • supernatural realm
  • hidden world
  • fantasy world

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, by Mood & Story

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

Dark urban fantasy movies like The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Modern cities hide ancient magical worlds and monstrous threats. Find more movies like The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones where modern cities hide magical worlds. This thread features similar fantasy stories with hidden supernatural societies, monster hunting, and teenage heroes discovering their dangerous destinies.

  • dark
  • adventurous
  • suspenseful
  • hidden world
  • supernatural
  • dangerous
  • Tone: dark, adventurous, suspenseful
  • Pacing: fast, action-oriented
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically begin with an ordinary protagonist discovering a hidden magical world coexisting with our own, often in an urban setting. They are drawn into a conflict involving ancient factions, uncover hidden powers, and must battle supernatural evils while navigating this dangerous new reality.

Why they belong together: These films share a core premise of a hidden world within our own, a dark and dangerous tone, fast-paced action, and a focus on a protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment against supernatural threats.

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The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

2013
Underworld movie poster

Underworld

2003
Dark Angel: The Ascent movie poster

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1994
Wicked City movie poster

Wicked City

1987
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Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

2000
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1989
Day Watch movie poster

Day Watch

2007
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1994

Teenage hero and found family stories like The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Young outsiders discover their power and find a new family to fight for. If you liked the themes in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, explore movies about teenage heroes discovering powers and finding a new family. These stories blend coming-of-age drama with action, romance, and the emotional weight of uncovering destiny and secrets.

  • coming of age
  • found family
  • romantic tension
  • discovering destiny
  • melodramatic
  • teenage identity
  • Tone: dark, romantic, melodramatic
  • Pacing: fast, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative centers on a teenage protagonist's coming-of-age journey, triggered by a discovery of hidden powers or a dangerous legacy. They grapple with identity, face familial betrayal or secrets, and find strength and belonging in a supportive group of allies who join their fight.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped by their focus on a teenage protagonist's empowering arc, the emotional themes of found family and self-discovery, a blend of high-stakes action with romantic tension, and a tone that balances dark threats with moments of camaraderie and hope.

Warriors of Virtue movie poster

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1997
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2007
Ator, the Fighting Eagle movie poster

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1982
Last Action Hero movie poster

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1993
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2004
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2013
The Boy and the Beast movie poster

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2015
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Every angle

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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