Trolls (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The Trolls live in a vibrant, colorful tree known as Troll Tree, which symbolizes their joyful and celebratory existence. This setting contrasts sharply with Bergen Town, where the gloomy Bergen inhabitants reside. The surrounding forest serves as both a refuge and a place of wonder and danger for the Trolls.

• troll tree
• bergen town
• setting
• locations

Bergen Town is a dark, gloomy settlement inhabited by creatures called Bergens who believe they can only experience happiness by consuming Trolls. Unlike the vibrant Troll Tree, Bergen Town is devoid of joy and color, representing an unfulfilling existence where the Bergens are trapped in their own misery.

• bergen town
• bergens
• setting
• villains

The story takes place 20 years after the Trolls' initial escape from the Bergens. During these two decades, the Trolls have successfully established a new community in their vibrant tree, while the Bergens have remained trapped in their unhappy existence without access to Trolls.

• 20 years
• timeline
• bergens
• escape

The pursuit of happiness is the central theme. The movie demonstrates that true happiness comes from community, friendship, and self-acceptance rather than from external sources. Through songs and celebrations, the Trolls show that genuine joy originates from connection and love, not from consuming others.

• happiness
• theme
• friendship
• community

Sacrifice appears through Branch's traumatic past, specifically the loss of his grandmother, which has left him emotionally guarded. The characters throughout the movie must also make choices about protecting their loved ones, illustrating how deep emotional currents define their relationships and motivations.

• sacrifice
• branch
• trauma
• family

Transformation is portrayed most clearly through Bridget's character arc, who evolves from an invisible scullery maid to the confident Lady Glitter Sparkles. This theme emphasizes self-discovery and the powerful changes people undergo when motivated by love and supported by friends.

• transformation
• bridget
• character growth
• self-discovery

Poppy is the leader of the Trolls, voiced by Anna Kendrick. She is exuberant, optimistic, and embodies the essence of happiness. Her role involves organizing celebrations and rescuing her friends from the Bergens. Her unwavering belief in joy and connection makes her a unifying force who brings other Trolls together.

• poppy
• leader
• troll
• main character

Branch is the only grey, pessimistic Troll, voiced by Justin Timberlake. Unlike other Trolls who embrace joy, Branch prefers isolation and lives in a bunker. His unique appearance and attitude stem from past trauma involving his grandmother's death. Throughout the story, he learns to embrace happiness despite his guarded nature.

• branch
• troll
• pessimistic
• trauma

Bridget is a sympathetic Bergen character, voiced by Zooey Deschanel, who works as a scullery maid and yearns for acceptance from King Gristle. Her arc revolves around self-discovery and empowerment, as she gains confidence through the Trolls' support and transforms into Lady Glitter Sparkles.

• bridget
• bergen
• lady glitter sparkles
• character

Chef, voiced by Christine Baranski, is the main antagonist. She is obsessed with capturing Trolls to provide happiness for the Bergens, viewing them as a food source. Her years of pursuit have left her disheveled but determined, representing a complex character driven by her need for control and power.

• chef
• antagonist
• villain
• bergen