An Analysis of Dr.

John Dolittle, The Main Character of Dolittle

Movie by Stephen Gaghan

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SARJANAWIYATA TAMANSISWA UNIVERSITY
2021
 Aninda Pratiwi
English Education Department
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa University
anindapratiwi5510@gmail.com

Abstract

The paper entitled "An analysis of Dr. John Dolittle, the main character in Dolittle movie ”is
to analyze the character of the main character in the Dolittle film, played by Robert Downey Jr. In this
film he plays the main character who is strong but also fragile so badly hit. The writer focuses this
paper on the characteristics and development process of the character Dr. John Dolittle. This character
change begins because of a bad incident that happened to him, from an adventurous, loving, and
helpful person, to being someone who closes himself from the world. The writer analyzes this
character from a psychological aspect through the qualitative method of structuralism and
characteristic theory.
 In this paper, the writer finds that the main character has a dynamic character in which this
character has a special change from the beginning of the film to the end. From this research, the writer
found several Dr. John Dolittle was discovered by the writer as a great doctor, strong, adventurous,
helpful, fragile, and traumatized by the death of his wife. This paper is expected to provide more
information about the main character of this film.

Keywords:Character, qualitative approach, structuralism theory, characteristic

Abstrak

Makalah berjudul “An analysis of Dr. John Dolittle, the main character in Dolittle movie”
adalah untuk menganalisis karakter dari pemeran utama di film dolittle yang diperankan oleh Robert
Downey Jr. Dalam film ini dia berperan sebagai pemeran utama yang kuat tetapi juga rapuh begitu
ditimpa keburukan. Penulis memfokuskan makalah ini pada karakteristik dan proses perkembangan
dari karakterPria Dr. John Dolittle. Perubahan karakter ini bermula karena adanya sebuah kejadian
buruk yang menimpanya, dari seorang yang suka berpetualang, penyayang dan penolong, menjadi
seseorang yang menutup diri dari dunia.Penulis menganalisis karakter ini dari aspek psikologi melalui
metode kualitatif teori strukturalisme dan karakteristik.
Dalam Makalah ini, penulis menemukan bahwa sang pemeran utama memiliki karakter
dinamis yang mana karakter ini memiliki perubahan khusus dari awal film hingga akhir. Dari
penelitian ini, penulis menemukan beberapa karakter Dr. John Dolittleyang ditemukan oleh penulis
yaitu dokter hebat, kuat, sang petualang, penolong, rapuh,dan trauma akibat kematian
istrinya.Makalah ini diharapkan dapat memberikan informasi lebih tentang karakter utama dari film
ini.

Kata kunci: Karakter, pendekatan kualitatif, teori strukturalisme, karakteristik.

 Introduction

Literature is a form of human expression. These expressions can be expressed in words or in

writing. In the form of writing, it can be technical, scientific, and journalistic informative.
Universally, certain forms of writing are considered as belonging to literature and as art. Literature is
a work of fiction produced by the emotions of the creator and the expression of the aesthetic aspects
of both language and meaning (quoted in Mukarovsky, E.E. Cummings, and Sjklovski). It can be
concluded that literature is the expression of one's emotions and expressions through various activities
and works of art, both fiction and non-fiction. These expressions can contain moral messages or
simply convey emotions. Literature itself can be in the form of songs, paintings, poetry, or films.
Films are literary works of moving images recorded with sound and telling a story, shown on
television, cinema, and theater. Films are literary works that arise from the director and are made into
fiction, nonfiction, or science fiction. Film literature is not only entertaining but also a source of
learning about the phenomena of human life, especially the character of every human being.

Therefore, in this paper, the writer chooses a literary film entitled Dolittle as research
material.
Dolittle is a sequel to the film adapted from the children's book series by Hugh Lofting in
1920. Besides, this film is also a reboot of the film Dolittle (1998). This adaptation film was made by
director Stephen Gaghan. This film tells the story of a well-known doctor who treats everything, has a
unique and rare ability to communicate with animals, and likes to travel with his wife and animal
friends. Dr. John is originally a male protagonist who is adventurous and helpful. Until one day his
wife died while on an expedition to remote parts of the world and Dolittle went into exile in his
mansion with his animal companions who didn't want to treat anyone anymore and could not recover
from his wife's death.
This movie was chosen as the object of research because Dolittle has a unique character,
namely the ability to communicate with animals and his intelligence. He is described as a doctor who
is great at treating patients because of the abilities he has and also because of the experiences he has
had while traveling to the islands. Character development is an issue chosen by the writer. This
problem illustrates the change from Dolittle's character from a doctor who famously loves to treat
anyone, to a man who isolates himself from humans. In this paper, the writer focus on Dolittle's
character development using structuralism and characteristic theory. Following the previous
explanation, the purpose of this paper is to describe Dolittle's character and Dolittle's character
development.

Theoritical part
1. Qualitative Approach
 Qualitative research methods are research procedures that produce descriptive data
including written or spoken words of observed behavior towards others (quoted in Bogdan and
Taylor 5). A qualitative approach leads to the background and the individual as a whole.
Qualitative research relies on human observation and relates to people in a certain scope (Kirk
and Miller in Moeleong 3). Qualitative research focuses on terms with the values of social
experience and the acquisition of meaning that has not been measured in terms of quantity or
does not involve calculation through statistical procedures.
Qualitative research tends to produce findings obtained through data collected by
various means, such as interviews, observations, documents or archives, and tests. In qualitative
research, it is necessary to go through the stages of a scientific-critical thinking process, namely
thinking inductively to capture facts and social phenomena that occur in the field through
observation. Qualitative methods can assist in conducting in-depth descriptions and analyzes of
a particular case. What is meant by a case here can be a person, a group, a program, an
institution, a certain society, or a certain policy. For example, a case study of a particular school
that has succeeded in becoming a favorite school even though its origin was a school that
experienced many difficulties when it was just founded.
In some fields of study, the use of qualitative approaches or methods is suggested in
studies related to the analysis of experiences of people who change religions, drug dependence,
increased enthusiasm for learning, growing motivation, and so on. Cases like this can
encourage critical-scientific thinking to reveal the reasons behind the incident through
qualitative methods.

2. Structuralism theory
Structuralism is included in the idealistic cultural theory because structuralism
examines thoughts that occur in humans. Structuralism analyzes the human thinking process
from concepts to the emergence of symbols or signs to form a language system.
This structuralism was developed by Ferdinand De Saussure who explained the concept
of language. Structuralism is a concept for analyzing the subject of literary texts such as
actions, characters, stories, themes, and so on (quoted in Pettit 42). This structuralism approach
is suggested to be used in narrative elements such as character development, plot, and thematic.

3. Intrinsik Element
According to Wellek and Warren, in starting the interpretation and analysis of the
content of literary works, the intrinsic elements are the starting point before continuing further
analysis (139). These intrinsic elements present the main content of literary works such as plot,
characters, settings, themes, and points of view. Chatman explains in his book Narrative Fiction
that narrative is built through two basic components, namely story and writing (18).
 This intrinsic element is very important in making literary works to build a whole story.
The intrinsic element is the element that builds the literary work itself (quoted in Nurgiyanto
23)

3.1. Character
Character is important for life because it is one part of every human being. Character
is required in the intrinsic element (quoted in Rosenheim 79). A character can carry moral,
emotional, and appearance values. According to Chatman character is "a process for analyzing
natural human actions, actions that include attitudes using narrative elements" (108).
A character has a relationship with the plot, setting, and point of view. Likewise,
characters and points of view show relationships by influencing the character itself through the
perspectives of other characters. Characters play an important role in making the stories in
films look more alive (quoted in Pope 86). A character in the movie has an important role and a
big influence to represent important things. For example, conveyed through the various moral
messages contained in the movie.

3.2. Characterization
Characterization is the process of creating a character or feature in a narrative (quoted in
Chatman (60). There are two types of characterization, namely direct and indirect. The process
shown by the narrator through actual words and distinctive adjectives is called direct
characterization, and the process that is shown through speech and thought by the character is
called indirect characteristics (Chatman 61).
Characterization is needed in literary works to build characters, such as in terms of
appearance, speech, and conversation. DiYanni states that characterization is "the way the
writer presents and expresses the character" (56). According to this definition, it can be
concluded that characterization can expose the characteristics of each character a player has
according to the author's creations.
There is also an understanding according to Kenan "characterization as part of a literary
element that explains character traits" (61). Kenan “divided four indicators of indirect
presentation they are action, speech, external appearance and environment”. Action is a trait
where the character shows an action. Kenan explains that "these actions are added to one of
three categories consisting of commission actions (something that a character does), acts of
neglect (something the character shouldn't have done), and contemplated actions (unrealized
plans or intentions of characters)" (63).
While speech is an indicator that presents indirectly in a conversation, usually showing
character traits through content and form (Kenan 64). Speech style is a way to show
 characterization in narrative text with accented language of characters describing these
characteristics (quoted in Kenan 64).
Furthermore, characterization can also be demonstrated through style. This style can be
shown through the origin, place of residence, social class, and even profession. Outward
appearance is usually an indicator used to describe traits through outward appearance, namely
the physical appearance of a character including character, clothing, and appearance (quoted in
Kenan 67)
Through characterization in literary works, writers can develop characters and create
character images for the audience in a literary work. Besides, according to Bennet and Royle,
"the writer can express his character in a work of fiction or a characterization method" (65).
Also, it is very helpful for analyzing the development of the main character.

3.3. Types of Character

According to Sutton, "characters in fiction are divided into four types, namely flat characters,
round characters, static characters, and dynamic characters" (9).
a. Flat character
Flat characters tend to be simple, dominant, and predictable. These characters are
complex in temperament and motivation and are represented with subtle specificities. Flat
characters don't grow or change from the beginning to the end of the story.
b. Round character
Round characters often play the main character in a story. The characters can change
or be developed from the beginning to the end of the story. Usually, this character is called a
hero or heroine. Many of these characters are referred to as neutral protagonists. Writers often
develop this character completely, starting from physical, mental, emotional, and other details
that look real.
c. Static characters
The static characters stay the same throughout the film just like the flat characters.
Usually, the actions of these characters do not have a significant effect on their lives. A static
character is rather important for the comedy and character development is very important for
some serious literary works especially drama (Sutton 10). However, this character does not
change throughout the work.
d. Dynamic character
Dynamic characters are characters where the person changes significantly during the
course of the story. These changes include changes in views, understanding, changes,
commitments, and changes in values. By what Sutton stated, "changes in the form of physical
states do not take effect unless they produce a change in the character itself. Almost always the
protagonists are dynamic characters ”(12).
3.4. Character Development
Chatman in his book explains that character is a set of traits that represent a variety of
identities and personalities (58). Meanwhile, according to Taylor character development is a
change or a process of character personality growth that brings to particular attributes (66).
With this, it can be concluded that character development is a transformation or personality
change that is processed by the character. For example, from bad character to evil character, or
vice versa caused by psychological influences or intrinsic elements.
According to Taylor, there is one factor that influences character development is the plot
(66). Meanwhile, character development requires a combination of character development in
the story. It is the same with the viewpoint of the readers. From the reader's point of view, it
can describe the degree of character development and have an impact on the character (quoted
in Taylor 66).
3.5. Plot
A plot is an event that occurs in literature such as novels, films, and dramas. A plot is the
events in a story that used to find out the chronology (quoted in Chatman 20),. The plot is an
important thing in a story and is arranged into a sequence of related events. A narrative plot
usually consists of a beginning, middle, and end which is called anticipate (quoted in Chatman
63). The anticipate is divided into four stages, namely introduction, increased action or
complication, climax or conflict, and conclusion.

3.6. Setting
According to Chatman, this one intrinsic element is in the form of an interpretation of
the place or background of the incident that describes how an event could have happened (63).

3.7. Point of view

The point of view can also be referred to as the narrator's thoughts. Usually describes
the characters and events in a story. Chatman said there are two types of points of view,
namely, filter characters and slanted narrators. Filter character means the point of view
presented as a monologue writer and serves to change the awareness of the character that
occurs in events that have an impact on a character ”(quoted in Chatman 130). Meanwhile,
oblique speakers are also called a point of view which is an attitude towards events and figures
(quoted in Chatman 134).
4. Practical Part (Discussion)
1. Characteristics of Dr. John Dolittle in the movie Dolittle
The findings from this study relate to the dominant characterization of Dr. John
Dolittle. Several important points show the differences in the characters at the beginning and
the end of the story. The writer finds that the main character, Dolittle is a shop protagonist who
has dynamic characteristics with which the characters develop as the story progresses. Her early
character shows that she is a well-known person with a strong adventurous spirit, a helper who
loves to treat both human and animal patients. The development of his character occurred when
he suddenly exiled himself and hid in his mansion when his wife Lily died lost at sea during an
expedition he undertook to an ocean he had never visited. He spent his days hiding from the
world chatting with his animal friends, fragile and unable to recover from his wife's death and
constantly feeling guilty. It is seen from the words and actions.
"I should never let you go".
He said this while looking at a photo of his late wife. He was also reluctant to meet
other humans and treat those who were injured when Lady Rose asked him to come and treat
Queen Victoria who was dying.
"I told you, I am closed for business".
John Dolittle's most prominent and dominant character is his character who can talk to
animals, likes to be adventurous with his wife, and his character as a famous doctor who helps
treat anyone who is injured. These characteristics are found through important indicators such
as action, conversation, external appearance, and the environment which can be reviewed
through qualitative methods with structuralism and intrinsic elements.
Not only that, Dr. John Dolittle again grew to be a person who was more courageous to
come out of his sadness. He again dared to show himself to the world and started doing
expeditions to treat people and find medicine himself. In the movie, he finally managed to get
out of his mansion to find out about the queen's illness and on an expedition to find an antidote
to the poison that was in the queen's body. It was during the expedition that he had to come
back to face his past so that he could make peace with his trauma.
Many of the plots in the movie help to develop the characterization of the main
character well. One of the plots that helps character development is where when the wife dies.
The thrusts of the storyline and the existing plot recount the missing characters in her and form
new characters. Besides, the father-in-law's point of view of the events of his son and the
setting of the scene, namely his wife's hometown and a series of events that Dr. John Dolittle
also encouraged the development of his character. Conversations, actions, and outward
appearances such as the existence of an expedition to a part of the world in the movie help
analysis activities through structuralism methods and intrinsic elements are easier to discuss.
 From the discussion using this method, it was revealed that characterization is indeed
an interesting thing that is used to analyze the characteristics of characters in a literary work.
Not only that, but characterization research also helps readers and connoisseurs of literature to
better understand the characterization of characters in a story.

2. Influence of Intrinsic Elements on Agatha’s Character Development

Based on the previous explanation, Dr. Dolittle has a different character because of
the development in the character he has. He is described as a doctor known for being great at
treating both humans and animals.
Intrinsic elements are benchmarks that present the main content of literary works, such as
storylines, settings, and points of view, and play an important role in the characters in the
story.
Dr. John Dolittle is a character who has a big influence on the story because his
character development comes along with the events in the story. The setting of the place as
described earlier and the conditions also explain how the development of his character
emerged. The places he visited while on an expedition, the trauma he experienced, and his
identity were very important from the character development of Dr. John Dolittle.
One of the places he visited was his wife's hometown. It was there that he had to face his
biggest problem, namely dealing with his father-in-law who was not good since his wife
died. This setting is the backdrop in which Dr. John Dolittle can come to terms with himself
and his past.
Based on this explanation, the setting affects the character development in this story.
The explanation above shows that the intrinsic element influences the character development
of Dr. John Dolittle and has an important role in the development of his character. Likewise,
the plot and point of view also influence the development of the characters. The plot
describes the transformation process, from beginning to end of the story. This tells her
condition from being a good doctor, great, and happy to be adventurous.
Conversely, the point of view shows the development of the character through the
perspective of a different character. The point of view of his father-in-law who thought his
son died because of Dr. John Dolittle. His perspective had a devastating effect on Dr. John
Dolittle and changed his guilt-ridden life.

5. Conclusion
The writer concludes the characteristics of this character through two theories. First, the
writer found several characteristics in Dr. John Dolittle by using the characteristic theory. The
writer found the characteristics possessed by Dr. John Dolittle were kind, great, helpful,
compassionate, strong, fragile, courageous, and adventurous. From this, it can be concluded
that he has different characters. These characters are depicted directly and indirectly through
their actions, speech, external appearance, and environment.
The writer found the influence of intrinsic elements on character development through
the method of structuralism theory. The intrinsic element contained in this movie is the plot
which makes the characterization of the main character develop and change. The plot of the
story describes the transformation process from the development of the characters from
beginning to end. At first, Dr. John is described as a well-known doctor who likes to treat
anyone and likes to take new journeys. Then, the death of his wife had a bad impact on Dr.
John. He isolated himself from the world. Besides, the point of view of his father-in-law made
him feel guilty about his wife's death.
Furthermore, the character Dr. John is again transformed into a great and brave figure
to come out of the worst times. This is influenced by the intrinsic element of setting the place in
which the incident occurred. That incident made Dr. John faced his trauma so that he finally
came to terms with the situation.
Thus, it can be concluded that structuralism theory and characteristic theory are highly
recommended for analyzing film literature. The contents of these literary works can be
analyzed through actions, speech, outward appearance, and environment.
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