50 greatest Disney characters of all-time ranked
By Mark Lynch
30. Maui
"“So, what can I say except you’re welcome!” -Maui"
Maui was a demigod dealing with a very mortal issue. He wanted to be loved. That left him feeling insecure and doing things that almost destroyed a Hawaii island. If the issue was left unchecked, it may have spread further.
Disney does a great job of humanizing and humbling deities. Maui had everything he wanted but was never satisfied. That’s something you’d expect from a mortal. Nevertheless, he couldn’t get past his insecurities. Of course, Maui was funny and had a memorable song, but his faults made him better. Otherwise, he’d be just another character. Hopefully, Maui’s personality will remain the same in the live-action version.
29. Tiana
"“The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” -Tiana"
Three words describe Tiana. Strong, independent, and stubborn. She was raised by a father who worked harder than anyone she knew. His work ethic was passed down to her. This trait gave her the idea to open her restaurant and do it on her own. The problem is she forgets that even she needs a break. There was even a song where she’s being told that it’s ok to be herself. She takes from that to work even harder. It’s a commendable attribute, but everyone needs a break.
On a positive note, Tiana’s influence helped Prince Naveen. The prince didn’t know what it was like to work hard for anything. Being with Tiana for a short amount of time changed everything about him. In the end, you see that he’s happy to do actual work. Prince Naveen gets to live happily ever after because of her.