The Royal Tenenbaums/Characters

Royal Tenenbaum
(Gene Hackman)

A former lawyer. The patriarch, distant and boozing, he treats his kids very unequally. Is separated from Etheline.


 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Royal treads the line between this and full blown Jerkass.

Etheline Tenenbaum
(Anjelica Huston)

An archeologist. She spent most of her early life schooling her three genius children.

Chas Tenenbaum
(Ben Stiller)

A financial wizard. He went into business for himself at an early age selling Dalmatian mice. Had his father disbarred for stealing bonds out of his safety deposit box.


 * Overprotective Dad: Chas, ever since his wife died.

Margot Tenenbaum
(Gwyneth Paltrow)

A playwright. Known for her secrecy (isn't that an oxymoron?). Hasn't written a play in years. Spends most of her time smoking in the bathroom.


 * Bi the Way: Margot's background file shows that she had many lovers, one of which was a woman.
 * Emotionless Girl
 * Four-Fingered Hands: Margot, after an accident.
 * Gene Hunting: Margot attempts this at 14. It doesn't end well (see above).
 * Love Dodecahedron: Margot is desired by no fewer than three men in the movie itself, and we see flashbacks to several other failed relationships.
 * Pretty in Mink: Margot. She always seemed to have a mink coat she would wear whenever she felt like it, even as a girl.
 * The Unfavorite: Margot, who is never allowed to forget that she's adopted, and that she's not a "real" member of the family.

Richie Tenenbaum
(Luke Wilson) A famous tennis player, known as The Baumer. Secretly in love with his adopted sister Margot. Very hairy and very sad.

Eli Cash
(Owen Wilson)

Richie's childhood friend. Now a famous author.


 * Braids, Beads, and Buckskins

Raleigh St. Clair
(Bill Murray)

Margot's neurologist husband.

Henry Sherman
(Danny Glover)

The new object of Etheline's affection, also an accountant.

Pagoda
(Kumar Pallana)

The Tenenbaums' servant. He both saved and endangered Royal Tenenbaum's life.