A "meek" and "ineffectual" middle-aged man who escapes his dull life through daydreams. Mrs. Mitty:
: Contrast between Walter's submissive reality and his brave, command-taking alter-egos (e.g., Navy Commander, Ace Pilot). index of secret life of walter mitty
| Character | Actor | Archetype | Index Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Ben Stiller | The Dreamer | The protagonist. He represents the gap between who we are and who we want to be. | | Cheryl Melhoff | Kristen Wiig | The Muse | The catalyst. She isn't just a love interest; she is the embodiment of courage. | | Sean O’Connell | Sean Penn | The Taoist | The magician. He represents the pure pursuit of beauty without ego. | | Ted Hendricks | Adam Scott | The Philistine | The antagonist. He represents corporate greed destroying artistry. | | Edna Mitty | Shirley MacLaine | The Anchor | Walter’s mother. She holds the literal key (the missing wallet) and the emotional history of Walter’s absent father. | A "meek" and "ineffectual" middle-aged man who escapes