Governor John Ratcliffe is a fictional character and the main antagonist in the Disney animated film “Pocahontas” (1995). He is the governor of the English colony of Jamestown, Virginia, and is depicted as a ruthless, ambitious and power-hungry man who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means destroying the lives of the Native Americans.
In the film, Governor Ratcliffe is shown as being deeply obsessed with finding gold in the New World, and is willing to exploit the land and its inhabitants in order to do so. He is also portrayed as being very racist towards the Native Americans, referring to them as “savages” and “heathens” and showing little regard for their lives or well-being.
Despite his villainous nature, Governor Ratcliffe is also shown to be a charismatic and convincing leader, able to rally his men behind him and persuade them to follow his lead. He is also depicted as being very intelligent and cunning, able to outmaneuver his opponents and keep them off-balance.
Throughout the film, Governor Ratcliffe’s actions ultimately lead to a series of conflicts between the English colonists and the Native Americans, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, in the end, it is Pocahontas and her love for John Smith that ultimately bring an end to the hostilities and bring about peace between the two groups.
In terms of character development, Governor Ratcliffe starts as a man convinced of his own righteousness and the moral superiority of his way of life. He is convinced that the native people are inferior and this is the reason why he is willing to exploit them. As the story progresses, he becomes more and more obsessed with his desire for gold, and his ruthless behaviour becomes more and more pronounced, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Overall, Governor John Ratcliffe is a complex and well-written villain, who serves as an interesting and engaging antagonist to the film’s protagonist, Pocahontas. He is a great representation of the greed and racism that existed during the time of the colonial expansion of the Americas.
Governor John Ratcliffe costume
Governor John Ratcliffe’s costume in the Disney animated film “Pocahontas” (1995) is a representation of the attire worn by wealthy and powerful men of the 17th century. It is an accurate representation of the fashions of the time, and reflects the character’s status and power as the governor of the English colony of Jamestown, Virginia.
The costume consists of a long, dark-colored coat with gold buttons and a high collar. The coat is often paired with a matching pair of breeches, stockings and shoes. The governor also wears a white ruffled shirt with a high collar, and a black hat with a feather. The hat is a symbol of his status and authority, and is often adorned with a gold band.
In addition to his clothing, Governor Ratcliffe also wears a gold chain around his neck, which serves as a symbol of his wealth and power. The character is also often seen with a sword, which serves as a symbol of his military authority and ability to defend his colony.
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