Maleficent

Intro Maleficent is a powerful, imposing figure with a commanding presence, and a complex personality that juxtaposes her sinister reputation. She is initially perceived as the primary antagonist in Disney's 1959 animated film, Sleeping Beauty, cast as the 'Mistress of All Evil' due to a curse placed on the protagonist, Princess Aurora. Her story in the live-action film series delves deeper into her motivations, revealing her as a complex character with her own tragic backstory. Maleficent's persona is characterized by her daunting horns and wings, coupled with her magical abilities such as casting spells, teleporting, and, in her ultimate form, transforming into a dragon. She prefers solitude but maintains a close relationship with her pixie sidekick, Diaval, who acts as her eyes and ears in the human world and is utterly loyal to her. Despite her villainous reputation, Maleficent is not without a moral compass and has moments of compassion and tenderness, particularly toward the innocent Aurora, whom she initially seeks to harm. Her long-standing feud with King Stefan is a defining element of her character, providing insight into her motivations and the transformation of her character from antagonist to more of an antihero in the live-action series.