CHARACTER NAME: TINTIN

ABOUT THE CHARACTER:

Tintin is a fictional chracter created by Belgian comics writer and artist Georges Prosper Remi,
better known by the pen name Herg, for his comic series 'The Adventures of Tintin'.
Tintin is an adventurous investigative journalist, who finds himself in an extraordinary adventure in
the mountains of Nepal, while searching for his Chinese friend Chang Chon who is reported to be
dead in a plane crash in the Gosain Than massif in the Himalayas. On this journey to Nepal and
India, Tintin is accompanied by his faithful dog Snowy and his best friend and companion, Captain
Archibald Haddock.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS:
Physically, Tintin is described as a short boy with simple features: round head, buttoned nose, two
dotted eyes and a quiff on his head. He looks young and cheerful with his unique features.
He is very active and fit as he enjoys going on mountain walks, while hes out on a vacation in
Vargese with his friends Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and his loyal dog Snowy. Tintin is a
smart chap who bases his reasoning over logic. However, he believes in his weird dream and
follows it to the other end of the world in Kathmandu. He sees his young Chinese friend Chang
fighting for life amidst the wreckage of the crashed aircraft in this dream. Despite the news of
Chang's death in a plane crash, Tintin believes with absolute certainty that his friend is alive based
on his horrible nightmare. He also believes in the vision of an old monk named Blessed Lightening
who sees Chang being held by the abominable Yeti on a mountain near a certain village. This also
shows that Tintin is positive minded and always hopes for the best in everything.
Tintin depicts all the qualities of a pure friendship when he sets out in the hopes of finding his
friend Chang alive and well against all odds, no matter who tries to tell him that theres absolutely
no chance that Chang survived the plane crash and found food and shelter against the harsh
conditions. Another display of friendship is Tintin's brave act to save drunk Snowy from flowing
along the river and hanging on to the rope when Captain Haddock falls off while climbing the rocks
while on their way to a cave. He declines to cut the rope on which Captain Haddock hung who even
asked Tintin to go and save himself, and finally they were rescued by Sherpa Tharkey who
accompanied them to their journey right from the start. Battling against the odds and the laws of
probability, Tintin displays the qualities of bravery and determination. He doesn't fear the
Abominable Yeti or Migou and the heavy snowfall or the huge rocks and harsh weather conditions.
He sets out all alone in the Yetis cave near the Horn of the Yak where he has captured Tintins
friend Chang and fights back his way out of the cave safely with Chang alive but weak. The head
monk of the Buddhist monastery, Grand Abbot gifts him a silk cloth of ritual value, praising him for
his display of courage and the strength of his friendship for Chang.
Tintin is shown as calm and friendly person who is supported and liked by his friends Captain and
Snowy who'll never leave him alone. Even while Captain Haddock is unable to understand Tintins
faith, he stays beside him and follows him everywhere throughout their journey. Haddock isnt there
because he believes they can find Chang. Hes there because he believes Tintin needs a friend to
accompany him. Tintin is also friendly with other characters like Sherpa Tharkey and Chang's
relatives in Nepal. They all like him and want to help him with his search of Chang. Tintin is calm
and cool and handles the situations with ease without getting into much trouble. He is smart and
spontaneous as he manipulates Haddock by his alcoholism to stay with him by bribing with bottle
of whiskey, when Haddock and Tharkey were leaving Tintin alone in the mountains. Also when the
cliff falls and Tintin and Haddock are badly injured, he finds a way to get help by sending Snowy
with a written message of help to the monastery.
Tintin is truly an epitome of optimism and hope because he shows the desire to prevail and
Character Analysis by: Fatehjeet Singh Sra [B11013]

overcome all obstacles at all costs despite opposition hoping for things to turn out for the best.
Never once during the journey does he lose his hope and determination. His ray of hope brightens
when he discovers Changs name carved on a rock in a cave showing that Chang had survived the
crash. Everybody else seems intent to convince Tintin that Chang is dead. Even the Tibetan monks,
living among the mountains cannot fathom that Chang might have survived. But Tintin keeps his
faith, hes the only one with any real belief that Chang might still be alive out there, and hes
pushing against the weight of everybody elses opinion. And finally he finds sick Chang in a cave
guarded by Yeti and rescues him from there bravely.
Near the conclusion of their adventure, the Grand Abbot proclaims Tintin as Great Heart which I
think is a suitable title for him as it personifies his character traits deservedly. In Tintin in Tibet,
Herg has highlighted Tintin as a beacon, something that he wants his readers to aspire towards in
every walk of life.

Character Analysis by: Fatehjeet Singh Sra [B11013]