Alright, buckle up because we’re diving deep into Encanto characters—yeah, those magical folks in the movie who kind of stole our hearts and maybe made us wish our family dinners had some literal fireworks. Spoiler: there’s more to these characters than just sparkly powers and catchy songs.
Abuela Alma: The Real Boss (Without a Superpower)
Okay, so here’s the deal. Abuela Alma doesn’t have a flashy magic like “grow a tree outta nowhere” or “lift a car with your pinky.” Nope, she’s the candle keeper—the OG magic source. She’s kinda like the family CEO, but instead of a corner office, she has a candle that’s, well, magical.
But, man, her high standards? Whew. They’re heavy. I swear, my own grandma’s guilt trips could be powered by that candle alone. Abuela’s pressure cooker vibes made me realize that sometimes, being the glue in the family isn’t about having a magic gift, but about keeping everyone in line—even when they’re losing it.
Also, don’t overlook that part where her trauma from the past seeps into her expectations. It’s like when your aunt still won’t let go of that burnt Thanksgiving turkey incident from 1997—except this is way more intense and magical.
The Triplets: Cooking, Storms & Creepy Visions
Julieta: Mama Who Heals With Food
Julieta’s gift? Healing through food. Yep, you eat her arepas and suddenly, you’re good as new. I tried to be like Julieta once with my attempt at making chicken soup. Let’s just say, it healed nothing except my confidence.
Her power reminds me of my neighbor Maria, who swears her homemade tamales fix everything from bad days to minor heartbreaks. Seriously, food as medicine? I’m onboard.
Pepa: The Weather is All in Her Head
Pepa’s got this mood-weather connection thing going on. Happy? Sunny skies. Mad? Storms, thunder, the whole shebang. Watching her say “clear skies” over and over made me think of my own pep talks when I’m about to face a stressful Zoom meeting.
Here’s a tidbit: did you know that in some cultures, weather was thought to be controlled by spirits? Pepa basically embodies that old belief, but with a modern teen twist—mood swings and all.
Bruno: The Outcast with Future Sight
Bruno. Man, Bruno is like the family ghost story everyone whispers about but won’t admit they miss. He sees the future, but instead of being the cool oracle, he’s the “weird uncle” who lives in the walls. Classic family drama.
I’ve had a Bruno moment too—like when I predicted a disaster and everyone ignored me until it hit (hello, forgotten umbrella during a downpour). Their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged. Anyway, Bruno’s power is a lesson on how sometimes, knowing too much ain’t always a blessing.
Next Gen Powers: Gifts and Their Not-So-Pretty Side
Isabela: The Perfectionist Plant Whisperer
Isabela’s ability to make plants grow is wicked cool—flowers everywhere, all perfect and prim. But she’s stuck in this “golden child” rut, kinda like that one cousin who’s always winning awards and making you look bad at family reunions.
The kicker? She breaks free by making weird, wild plants instead of just roses. Reminds me of the time I tried to paint by numbers and accidentally spilled paint everywhere. Beautiful messes FTW.
Luisa: Strong as an Ox, Fragile as Glass
Luisa’s strength is next-level. Like, she can lift a house… but emotionally? She’s carrying the family on her back. Her song “Surface Pressure” hits home because, honestly, who hasn’t felt like they’re about to snap after saying “I got this” way too many times?
Side note: my old gym buddy used to say, “Don’t carry the world on your shoulders,” but here’s Luisa proving sometimes you just gotta flex those muscles.
Dolores: The Eavesdropper Extraordinaire
Dolores hears everything. Not in a creepy stalker way, but in a “I-can-hear-your-gossip-from-20-miles-away” way. I remember hearing my neighbors’ argument about the best pizza place—yeah, thanks Dolores.
Her gift is a blessing and a curse, kinda like owning a smartphone with unlimited data but no patience for group texts. The constant noise is overwhelming. Shout out to the cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave—Dolores probably heard it break before I even noticed.
Camilo: Master of Disguise, Maybe a Bit Lost
Camilo shapeshifts, which is wicked fun. But I bet sometimes he wonders, “Who am I, really?” Identity crises, anyone? I’ve been there pretending to know what I’m doing at a party while inside screaming.
Fun fact: Victorian England believed shapeshifting was tied to witchcraft. Camilo’s probably just a misunderstood teen, but hey, keep the jokes coming.
Antonio: Animal Whisperer Extraordinaire
Antonio talks to animals. Cute, right? He’s the baby of the family, and his ability is all about innocence and hope. It’s like when my dog gave me that look after a rough day, and suddenly, life felt better.
I gotta say, his friendship with the jaguar gave me chills—and a serious case of “I want a pet jaguar” envy.
Mirabel: The Gifted ‘Giftless’ Wonder
Mirabel’s the one who, honestly, stole the whole show. No powers, but all the heart. She’s the reminder that you don’t need magic to be the hero—sometimes just caring enough to fix what’s broken is enough.
I learned the hard way that being “different” can actually be your superpower. Remember that time I was the only one at the family BBQ who didn’t burn the burgers? No? Yeah, me neither.
Anyway, Mirabel’s journey is a breath of fresh air—no magic wand, just guts.
Hidden Stuff You Probably Didn’t Catch
Trauma? Check.
The whole family’s baggage? Totally real. Abuela’s trauma from losing her home shapes everything. It’s like when you carry a suitcase of old grudges and never unpack. Spoiler: it weighs heavy.
This gave me flashbacks to my own family’s “Don’t talk about that” rule. Spoiler: it never helps.
The Weight of “Be Perfect”
So many Encanto characters feel trapped by expectations—Isabela, Luisa, even Pepa. It’s that pressure cooker feeling we all get when relatives start comparing your life to Aunt Linda’s Instagram feed.
Psst… if you want a laugh, check out my failed attempt at homemade tamales. Spoiler alert: not pretty.
Being Your Weird, Wonderful Self
By the end, the Madrigals realize it’s cool to be weird and imperfect. That’s the good stuff. Like how I finally stopped pretending I knew how to use TikTok and just danced like nobody’s watching (or at least tried to).
The Real Magic
Look, the real magic in Encanto isn’t just in the gifts—it’s in how messy, complicated, and real families are. I mean, my own family tree has enough twists to rival a telenovela.
Fast forward past three failed attempts to write this article—Encanto characters taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect. Heck, sometimes, the best magic is just showing up.
Final thought (for now)
So next time you watch Encanto, pay attention to those little cracks and quirks. The powers? Cool. The secrets? Even cooler.
And if you ever feel like you’re the “Mirabel” in your family, just remember—sometimes, the real magic is in the love you bring, not the gifts you have.
