Firefly/Serenity, Layer 3
Nine characters. Three sets of three character types, all working
together to create a compelling cast of characters. This is the final
installment, the final layer of body, mind and spirit in Joss Whedon's
'Firefly' series.
Inara is a 'registered companion.' In the world of Firefly, prostitutes have a social hierarchy, and registered companions are at the top of the heap. They only accept the highest of society as clients and are revered by much of society. The fact that Mal has a registered companion operating on his ship gives him access to some of the more reputable ports in the galaxy. Mal, however, sees no distinction between a common whore and a registered companion. They both represent loveless and purely physical relationships to him.
Inara never sweats, never gets dirty, and always looks her finest. While this may not be a universally true statement, it's clear enough in the series to warrant acknowledgment. In one episode, she was supposed to have dug through a garbage dumpster to pick out a piece of merchandise the crew had stolen. Immediately after, her clothing was immaculate, her hair was perfect, and there was not a smudge anywhere on her skin.
Shepherd Book recently left a monastery and is now out to see the world. Not only is he a preacher (as his names suggests), he has a mysterious past. He knows things that soldiers, politicians, outlaws - but not preachers - should know. Both characteristics are common in spirit characters.
Shepherd Book explains faith to River, who can't comprehend anything that she believes to be illogical. He also explains the important of 'belief,' even though it may not have anything to do with God, to Mal.
In the pilot episode, Book faces a crisis of faith. The man he was sworn to protect is killed. He intended to save a life, but then isn't sure that Mal's killing the man wasn't the right thing to do.
In the classic form of the spirit character, Shepherd Book is continually concerned with what is right, even when he can't be sure.
One line in the entire series defines River as a mind character: "I can kill you with my brain."
That's not the only evidence, though. River's brother, Simon, is the second layer mind character, and despite the attributes which make him a mind character, he considers himself an idiot compared to the intellect River possesses.
River is also a psychic, or a 'reader' as Mal calls her. She sees things before they happen, which comes in handy in the motion picture.
In one episode, she peeks around a corner for a second, spots three bad guys and then steps out and fires, killing all three, each with a single shot, with her eyes closed.
River's memories are just as important to the story as her ability to see the future. In one episode, she keeps repeating the phrase, "Two by two, hands of blue." Later, special Alliance agents appear in the plot. They travel in pairs and they wear blue latex gloves. River gives the audience a deeper insight into the characters and storyline we never see on screen.
The Body Character: Inara Serra (Morena Baccarin)
Inara is a 'registered companion.' In the world of Firefly, prostitutes have a social hierarchy, and registered companions are at the top of the heap. They only accept the highest of society as clients and are revered by much of society. The fact that Mal has a registered companion operating on his ship gives him access to some of the more reputable ports in the galaxy. Mal, however, sees no distinction between a common whore and a registered companion. They both represent loveless and purely physical relationships to him.
Inara never sweats, never gets dirty, and always looks her finest. While this may not be a universally true statement, it's clear enough in the series to warrant acknowledgment. In one episode, she was supposed to have dug through a garbage dumpster to pick out a piece of merchandise the crew had stolen. Immediately after, her clothing was immaculate, her hair was perfect, and there was not a smudge anywhere on her skin.
The Spirit Character: Shepherd Book (Ron Glass)
Shepherd Book recently left a monastery and is now out to see the world. Not only is he a preacher (as his names suggests), he has a mysterious past. He knows things that soldiers, politicians, outlaws - but not preachers - should know. Both characteristics are common in spirit characters.
Shepherd Book explains faith to River, who can't comprehend anything that she believes to be illogical. He also explains the important of 'belief,' even though it may not have anything to do with God, to Mal.
In the pilot episode, Book faces a crisis of faith. The man he was sworn to protect is killed. He intended to save a life, but then isn't sure that Mal's killing the man wasn't the right thing to do.
In the classic form of the spirit character, Shepherd Book is continually concerned with what is right, even when he can't be sure.
The Mind Character: River Tam (Summer Glau)
One line in the entire series defines River as a mind character: "I can kill you with my brain."
That's not the only evidence, though. River's brother, Simon, is the second layer mind character, and despite the attributes which make him a mind character, he considers himself an idiot compared to the intellect River possesses.
River is also a psychic, or a 'reader' as Mal calls her. She sees things before they happen, which comes in handy in the motion picture.
In one episode, she peeks around a corner for a second, spots three bad guys and then steps out and fires, killing all three, each with a single shot, with her eyes closed.
River's memories are just as important to the story as her ability to see the future. In one episode, she keeps repeating the phrase, "Two by two, hands of blue." Later, special Alliance agents appear in the plot. They travel in pairs and they wear blue latex gloves. River gives the audience a deeper insight into the characters and storyline we never see on screen.
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