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[[redirect:Characters/SupermanFilms]]
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Character page for ''Film/SupermanTheMovie'', ''Film/SupermanII'', ''Film/SupermanIII'', ''Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace'' and ''Film/SupermanReturns''.
----
[[foldercontrol]]
!! Main Characters
[[folder:Superman]]
!! [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El ]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/supermanchristopherreeve.png]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"I'm here to fight for truth, justice and the American way."'']]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/brandonrouthsuperman.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one."'']]
->'''Played by:''' Creator/ChristopherReeve (1978-1987), Creator/BrandonRouth (''Superman Returns'')
The Last Son of Krypton and Earth's greatest hero.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Surprisingly, given this is based on his Silver Age version. In the comics at the time, Superman could fly fast enough to break the time barrier but he couldn't change the past. Further, time-travel to any point when he was alive, past or future, saw him become an [[IntangibleTimeTravel invisible phantom]] unable to interact with anyone.
* AdaptationalJerkass: A mild example. While this Superman is still heroic, he's also got a selfish streak. In the sequel he was willing to permanently give up his powers just to consummate his relationship with Lois, despite the world being dependent on him. In ''Returns'', it's revealed that Superman [[spoiler: conceived a child with Lois, but was absent from the boy's life for 5 whole years because he was searching for Krypton and even after discovering the truth, does not show signs of coming out to his son]]. Subverted in ''Returns'' when Superman risks his life to lift an entire island made of Kryptonite and hurl it into space.
* AwesomeAnachronisticApparel: Clark Kent's suit and hat are very fifties, yet he manages to look dashing in them.
* BigNO: Inverted with [[spoiler: Lois' death]] as Superman shakes his head and mutters out a few pained and quiet "no"s before his Skyward Scream.
* ChivalrousPervert: Uses his x-ray vision to check out Lois' underwear. Granted, it was her idea.
* ClarkKenting: Christopher Reeve made Superman's switch between identities incredibly convincing and less dependent on MST3KMantra than in the comics. It's especially apparent during the scene where he nearly reveals himself to Lois in her apartment, and shows the audience what Superman would look like in Clark Kent's suit.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: Superman spins like a top while drilling into Lex Luthor's underground lair and flies around the Earth to make it spin backwards and turn back time. That and the revolving door costume change bit.
* HeroicBSOD: After Superman realizes Lois' car is buried under debris.
* InformedAbility: Clark skills as reporter. We don't ever ''see'' Clark doing his job, the way we did in the George Reeves series. However, we know Perry only hires good reporters who can get stories and make them great. Besides Clark has two irresistible qualities — fast (and accurate) typing and a snappy, punchy prose style. We do hear Perry compliment Clark — right after reminding Lois "there's only one 'p' in 'rapist' — when he says, "Nice job on that shooting scandal, Kent."
* LoadBearingHero: Superman bench-presses the entire San Andreas Fault Zone. And uses his body as temporary train tracks.
* MasterActor: Clark Kent. On top of making audiences believe a man could fly, Christopher Reeve proved that a really good actor can make you believe that Clark Kenting could actually work.
* MessianicArchetype: Setting the standard for future Supermen, his father refers to him as his "only son" sent to guide humanity.
* RealMenWearPink: Or at least like pink, very much.
* SkywardScream: [[spoiler: When Lois dies.]]
* {{Troll}}: Superman. Yes, ''Superman''. Watch carefully after Supes tells Lois that statistically, flying is the safest way to travel. When he turns around, he's ''grinning''. Yes, the Big Blue Boy Scout is just an ''act'', just as Clark's nebbishness is an act. We don't really see the ''real'' man behind the "S" til Lois is found dead.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Lois Lane]]
!!ComicBook/LoisLane
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sexylois.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lois_lane_kate_bosworth.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Margot Kidder (1978-1987), Kate Bosworth (''Superman Returns'')
An intrepid reporter for The Daily Planet.
----
* {{Fainting}}: Lois Lane does the Emotional Faint version after Superman saves her from falling to her death.
* FriendsRentControl: There was no way Lois could afford a fancy penthouse apartment on a reporter's salary.
* MyCarHatesMe: Lois, get gas ''before'' you drive into the middle of nowhere. Seriously, she hits the earthquake, burning (broken) train track, oncoming train, ''and'' the nuclear warhead from that trope's description all in one turn of the key. On the other hand, it's not for want of trying. She stops at a gas station, but it's deserted, and a few seconds later it blows up right next to her.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Despite being an accomplished reporter, Lois is terrible at spelling. This trait was made part of her comics characterization (if not always applied consistently).
[[/folder]]
!! Earth Antagonists
[[folder: Lex Luthor]]
!!ComicBook/LexLuthor
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/hackmanluthor.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lex_luthor_kevin_spacey.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Creator/GeneHackman (1978-1987), Creator/KevinSpacey (''Superman Returns'')
The greatest criminal mastermind the world has ever seen. Or at least, this is how he wants to be seen.
----
* AbusiveParents: Implied with his dad, who apparently told Lex to "get out" when he was only six, although this may have been Lex's idea of a joke.
* BadassBoast: "Lex Luthor! The greatest criminal mind of our time!"
* BaldOfEvil: Played for laughs by Gene Hackman, who wears a series of unconvincing wigs until whipping off the last one to reveal his baldness during his final rant after Superman dumps him in prison.
* BatDeduction: Lex Luthor not only correctly deduces that pieces of Krypton came to Earth, but that they would be harmful to Superman, with no explanation given.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: In spite of his campy moments, Lex is capable of some heinous acts. He was willing to let Zod have Earth as long as he got America for himself and he nearly drowned the entire North American continent by creating his own island.
* BigBad: In the first and fourth films, as well as ''Returns''.
** BigBadWannabe: In the second film. He's easily overshadowed by Zod and his cronies for obvious reasons.
* CardCarryingVillain: Nary a scene goes by where Lex isn't bragging about how devious his schemes are.
* TheChessmaster: In Superman II he morphs into more of a MagnificentBastard.
* {{Egopolis}}: Lex does this a lot. But he is not happy when his henchmen Otis scribbles "Otisburg" on a map.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: When Ms. Teschmacher asked if he thinks that Superman is the real deal, Luthor replies that if he is, he's not from Earth. Granted, Superman ''is'' a HumanAlien, but it does show that Luthor doesn't believe anyone on Earth could be as selfless as Superman.
* EvilIsPetty: Why does Lex want to drown America? So he can corner the real estate market. To Hell with anyone who gets caught in the crossfire.
* {{Facepalm}}: After Lex describes what Kryptonite can do and how to find it, Eve and Otis go off on a tangent about what to wear to Addis Abbaba. Lex's expression says it all.
* InsufferableGenius
* LaughablyEvil: It's a little hard to take him seriously when he's wearing a toupee and a green-and-yellow suit.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Miss Teschmacher]]
!!Miss Eve Teschmacher
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/eve_teschmacher.png]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Valerie Perrine
Lex Luthor's moll.
----
* AmbiguouslyJewish
* DeadpanSnarker
* EvenMooksHaveLovedOnes: Miss Teschmacher didn't like her boss's callous disregard for her mother's life.
** EvenEvilHasStandards: She's not a big fan of how Lex disposes of a police detective in the subway either.
* HighHeelFaceTurn: Miss Teschmacher thanks to Lex. The last straw involved siccing a missile on Hackensack, NJ, Teschmacher's mother's hometown. That led her to save Superman's life in exchange for his stopping the missile which was headed for Hackensack.
* MsFanservice
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Otis]]
!!Otis
->'''Played by:''' Creator/NedBeatty
Lex Luthor's henchman.
----
* BumblingSidekick
* TheDitz
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: Otis's botched reprogramming sent the second missile to hit Hackensack, which is what causes Teschmacher to turn on Lex and save Superman's life.
[[/folder]]
!! Krypton
[[folder: Jor-El]]
!!Jor-El
->'''Played by:''' Creator/MarlonBrando
The biological father of Kal-El and Krypton's chief scientist.
----
* AscendedExtra: This adaptation gave Jor-El unprecedented importance in Superman's origin story beyond just blasting him off to Earth. Superman's superhero career becomes a messianic mission bestowed by Jor-El as God-figure. Jor-El sends Kal-El forth to use his powers as The Paragon for humans, "the light to show them the way to greatness". His Virtual Ghost charges Clark to become Superman and trains him for 12 years. In the comics and most other adaptations since, Jor-El had ''nothing at all'' to do with Clark becoming Superman. Jor-El sent his son to Earth simply to save his life with no ulterior motives for humanity. Earth was chosen simply because it was habitable and Kal-El would fit right alongside humans. The awesome powers were a bonus, and Clark becoming Superman was all due to him being a morally upright, responsible man as raised by the Kents.
* BigGood: Superman's heroic deeds were largely from Jor-El's influence.
* DeathByOriginStory
* ExactWords: "Neither I nor my wife will leave Krypton." Jor-El instead sends his son Kal-El to Earth, thus technically keeping his promise to the Council.
* HugeHolographicHead: Jor-El speaks to and finishes training Kal-El in the Fortress of Solitude using this trope.
* IgnoredExpert
[[/folder]]
[[folder: General Zod]]
!!General Dru Zod
->'''Played by:''' Creator/TerenceStamp
Kryptons military leader and a heinous war criminal.
----
* AndIMustScream: Zod and company did, in the Phantom Zone, described in-universe as "an eternal living death".
* BadassBaritone: Has a very deep voice.
* BigBad: Of ''Superman II''.
* TheComicallySerious: He mistakenly calls Earth "Planet Houston" a few times before someone corrects him.
* ContrastingSequelAntagonist: While Lex Luthor was an Earthling who relied on his intelligence to be a threat, Zod is an alien who uses brute force to get his way. Lex provided moments of levity in spite of his villainy, while Zod is incredibly serious.
* LargeHam
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Ursa]]
!!Ursa
->'''Played by:''' Sarah Douglas
Zod's henchwoman.
----
* DeathGlare: Her default look.
* TheDragon: To Zod
** DragonTheirFeet: [[spoiler: Ursa is killed off mere seconds after Zod.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Non]]
!!Non
->'''Played by:''' Jack O'Halloran
Zod's henchman.
----
* TheBrute: All muscle and hardly any brains.
* {{Expy}}: He's the Kryptonian equivalent to Otis.
[[/folder]]
----
----
[[foldercontrol]]
!! Main Characters
[[folder:Superman]]
!! [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El ]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/supermanchristopherreeve.png]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"I'm here to fight for truth, justice and the American way."'']]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/brandonrouthsuperman.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one."'']]
->'''Played by:''' Creator/ChristopherReeve (1978-1987), Creator/BrandonRouth (''Superman Returns'')
The Last Son of Krypton and Earth's greatest hero.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Surprisingly, given this is based on his Silver Age version. In the comics at the time, Superman could fly fast enough to break the time barrier but he couldn't change the past. Further, time-travel to any point when he was alive, past or future, saw him become an [[IntangibleTimeTravel invisible phantom]] unable to interact with anyone.
* AdaptationalJerkass: A mild example. While this Superman is still heroic, he's also got a selfish streak. In the sequel he was willing to permanently give up his powers just to consummate his relationship with Lois, despite the world being dependent on him. In ''Returns'', it's revealed that Superman [[spoiler: conceived a child with Lois, but was absent from the boy's life for 5 whole years because he was searching for Krypton and even after discovering the truth, does not show signs of coming out to his son]]. Subverted in ''Returns'' when Superman risks his life to lift an entire island made of Kryptonite and hurl it into space.
* AwesomeAnachronisticApparel: Clark Kent's suit and hat are very fifties, yet he manages to look dashing in them.
* BigNO: Inverted with [[spoiler: Lois' death]] as Superman shakes his head and mutters out a few pained and quiet "no"s before his Skyward Scream.
* ChivalrousPervert: Uses his x-ray vision to check out Lois' underwear. Granted, it was her idea.
* ClarkKenting: Christopher Reeve made Superman's switch between identities incredibly convincing and less dependent on MST3KMantra than in the comics. It's especially apparent during the scene where he nearly reveals himself to Lois in her apartment, and shows the audience what Superman would look like in Clark Kent's suit.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: Superman spins like a top while drilling into Lex Luthor's underground lair and flies around the Earth to make it spin backwards and turn back time. That and the revolving door costume change bit.
* HeroicBSOD: After Superman realizes Lois' car is buried under debris.
* InformedAbility: Clark skills as reporter. We don't ever ''see'' Clark doing his job, the way we did in the George Reeves series. However, we know Perry only hires good reporters who can get stories and make them great. Besides Clark has two irresistible qualities — fast (and accurate) typing and a snappy, punchy prose style. We do hear Perry compliment Clark — right after reminding Lois "there's only one 'p' in 'rapist' — when he says, "Nice job on that shooting scandal, Kent."
* LoadBearingHero: Superman bench-presses the entire San Andreas Fault Zone. And uses his body as temporary train tracks.
* MasterActor: Clark Kent. On top of making audiences believe a man could fly, Christopher Reeve proved that a really good actor can make you believe that Clark Kenting could actually work.
* MessianicArchetype: Setting the standard for future Supermen, his father refers to him as his "only son" sent to guide humanity.
* RealMenWearPink: Or at least like pink, very much.
* SkywardScream: [[spoiler: When Lois dies.]]
* {{Troll}}: Superman. Yes, ''Superman''. Watch carefully after Supes tells Lois that statistically, flying is the safest way to travel. When he turns around, he's ''grinning''. Yes, the Big Blue Boy Scout is just an ''act'', just as Clark's nebbishness is an act. We don't really see the ''real'' man behind the "S" til Lois is found dead.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Lois Lane]]
!!ComicBook/LoisLane
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sexylois.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lois_lane_kate_bosworth.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Margot Kidder (1978-1987), Kate Bosworth (''Superman Returns'')
An intrepid reporter for The Daily Planet.
----
* {{Fainting}}: Lois Lane does the Emotional Faint version after Superman saves her from falling to her death.
* FriendsRentControl: There was no way Lois could afford a fancy penthouse apartment on a reporter's salary.
* MyCarHatesMe: Lois, get gas ''before'' you drive into the middle of nowhere. Seriously, she hits the earthquake, burning (broken) train track, oncoming train, ''and'' the nuclear warhead from that trope's description all in one turn of the key. On the other hand, it's not for want of trying. She stops at a gas station, but it's deserted, and a few seconds later it blows up right next to her.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Despite being an accomplished reporter, Lois is terrible at spelling. This trait was made part of her comics characterization (if not always applied consistently).
[[/folder]]
!! Earth Antagonists
[[folder: Lex Luthor]]
!!ComicBook/LexLuthor
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/hackmanluthor.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lex_luthor_kevin_spacey.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Creator/GeneHackman (1978-1987), Creator/KevinSpacey (''Superman Returns'')
The greatest criminal mastermind the world has ever seen. Or at least, this is how he wants to be seen.
----
* AbusiveParents: Implied with his dad, who apparently told Lex to "get out" when he was only six, although this may have been Lex's idea of a joke.
* BadassBoast: "Lex Luthor! The greatest criminal mind of our time!"
* BaldOfEvil: Played for laughs by Gene Hackman, who wears a series of unconvincing wigs until whipping off the last one to reveal his baldness during his final rant after Superman dumps him in prison.
* BatDeduction: Lex Luthor not only correctly deduces that pieces of Krypton came to Earth, but that they would be harmful to Superman, with no explanation given.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: In spite of his campy moments, Lex is capable of some heinous acts. He was willing to let Zod have Earth as long as he got America for himself and he nearly drowned the entire North American continent by creating his own island.
* BigBad: In the first and fourth films, as well as ''Returns''.
** BigBadWannabe: In the second film. He's easily overshadowed by Zod and his cronies for obvious reasons.
* CardCarryingVillain: Nary a scene goes by where Lex isn't bragging about how devious his schemes are.
* TheChessmaster: In Superman II he morphs into more of a MagnificentBastard.
* {{Egopolis}}: Lex does this a lot. But he is not happy when his henchmen Otis scribbles "Otisburg" on a map.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: When Ms. Teschmacher asked if he thinks that Superman is the real deal, Luthor replies that if he is, he's not from Earth. Granted, Superman ''is'' a HumanAlien, but it does show that Luthor doesn't believe anyone on Earth could be as selfless as Superman.
* EvilIsPetty: Why does Lex want to drown America? So he can corner the real estate market. To Hell with anyone who gets caught in the crossfire.
* {{Facepalm}}: After Lex describes what Kryptonite can do and how to find it, Eve and Otis go off on a tangent about what to wear to Addis Abbaba. Lex's expression says it all.
* InsufferableGenius
* LaughablyEvil: It's a little hard to take him seriously when he's wearing a toupee and a green-and-yellow suit.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Miss Teschmacher]]
!!Miss Eve Teschmacher
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/eve_teschmacher.png]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Valerie Perrine
Lex Luthor's moll.
----
* AmbiguouslyJewish
* DeadpanSnarker
* EvenMooksHaveLovedOnes: Miss Teschmacher didn't like her boss's callous disregard for her mother's life.
** EvenEvilHasStandards: She's not a big fan of how Lex disposes of a police detective in the subway either.
* HighHeelFaceTurn: Miss Teschmacher thanks to Lex. The last straw involved siccing a missile on Hackensack, NJ, Teschmacher's mother's hometown. That led her to save Superman's life in exchange for his stopping the missile which was headed for Hackensack.
* MsFanservice
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Otis]]
!!Otis
->'''Played by:''' Creator/NedBeatty
Lex Luthor's henchman.
----
* BumblingSidekick
* TheDitz
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: Otis's botched reprogramming sent the second missile to hit Hackensack, which is what causes Teschmacher to turn on Lex and save Superman's life.
[[/folder]]
!! Krypton
[[folder: Jor-El]]
!!Jor-El
->'''Played by:''' Creator/MarlonBrando
The biological father of Kal-El and Krypton's chief scientist.
----
* AscendedExtra: This adaptation gave Jor-El unprecedented importance in Superman's origin story beyond just blasting him off to Earth. Superman's superhero career becomes a messianic mission bestowed by Jor-El as God-figure. Jor-El sends Kal-El forth to use his powers as The Paragon for humans, "the light to show them the way to greatness". His Virtual Ghost charges Clark to become Superman and trains him for 12 years. In the comics and most other adaptations since, Jor-El had ''nothing at all'' to do with Clark becoming Superman. Jor-El sent his son to Earth simply to save his life with no ulterior motives for humanity. Earth was chosen simply because it was habitable and Kal-El would fit right alongside humans. The awesome powers were a bonus, and Clark becoming Superman was all due to him being a morally upright, responsible man as raised by the Kents.
* BigGood: Superman's heroic deeds were largely from Jor-El's influence.
* DeathByOriginStory
* ExactWords: "Neither I nor my wife will leave Krypton." Jor-El instead sends his son Kal-El to Earth, thus technically keeping his promise to the Council.
* HugeHolographicHead: Jor-El speaks to and finishes training Kal-El in the Fortress of Solitude using this trope.
* IgnoredExpert
[[/folder]]
[[folder: General Zod]]
!!General Dru Zod
->'''Played by:''' Creator/TerenceStamp
Kryptons military leader and a heinous war criminal.
----
* AndIMustScream: Zod and company did, in the Phantom Zone, described in-universe as "an eternal living death".
* BadassBaritone: Has a very deep voice.
* BigBad: Of ''Superman II''.
* TheComicallySerious: He mistakenly calls Earth "Planet Houston" a few times before someone corrects him.
* ContrastingSequelAntagonist: While Lex Luthor was an Earthling who relied on his intelligence to be a threat, Zod is an alien who uses brute force to get his way. Lex provided moments of levity in spite of his villainy, while Zod is incredibly serious.
* LargeHam
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Ursa]]
!!Ursa
->'''Played by:''' Sarah Douglas
Zod's henchwoman.
----
* DeathGlare: Her default look.
* TheDragon: To Zod
** DragonTheirFeet: [[spoiler: Ursa is killed off mere seconds after Zod.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Non]]
!!Non
->'''Played by:''' Jack O'Halloran
Zod's henchman.
----
* TheBrute: All muscle and hardly any brains.
* {{Expy}}: He's the Kryptonian equivalent to Otis.
[[/folder]]
----
to:
----
[[foldercontrol]]
!! Main Characters
[[folder:Superman]]
!! [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El ]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/supermanchristopherreeve.png]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"I'm here to fight for truth, justice and the American way."'']]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/brandonrouthsuperman.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:''"You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one."'']]
->'''Played by:''' Creator/ChristopherReeve (1978-1987), Creator/BrandonRouth (''Superman Returns'')
The Last Son of Krypton and Earth's greatest hero.
----
* AdaptationalBadass: Surprisingly, given this is based on his Silver Age version. In the comics at the time, Superman could fly fast enough to break the time barrier but he couldn't change the past. Further, time-travel to any point when he was alive, past or future, saw him become an [[IntangibleTimeTravel invisible phantom]] unable to interact with anyone.
* AdaptationalJerkass: A mild example. While this Superman is still heroic, he's also got a selfish streak. In the sequel he was willing to permanently give up his powers just to consummate his relationship with Lois, despite the world being dependent on him. In ''Returns'', it's revealed that Superman [[spoiler: conceived a child with Lois, but was absent from the boy's life for 5 whole years because he was searching for Krypton and even after discovering the truth, does not show signs of coming out to his son]]. Subverted in ''Returns'' when Superman risks his life to lift an entire island made of Kryptonite and hurl it into space.
* AwesomeAnachronisticApparel: Clark Kent's suit and hat are very fifties, yet he manages to look dashing in them.
* BigNO: Inverted with [[spoiler: Lois' death]] as Superman shakes his head and mutters out a few pained and quiet "no"s before his Skyward Scream.
* ChivalrousPervert: Uses his x-ray vision to check out Lois' underwear. Granted, it was her idea.
* ClarkKenting: Christopher Reeve made Superman's switch between identities incredibly convincing and less dependent on MST3KMantra than in the comics. It's especially apparent during the scene where he nearly reveals himself to Lois in her apartment, and shows the audience what Superman would look like in Clark Kent's suit.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: Superman spins like a top while drilling into Lex Luthor's underground lair and flies around the Earth to make it spin backwards and turn back time. That and the revolving door costume change bit.
* HeroicBSOD: After Superman realizes Lois' car is buried under debris.
* InformedAbility: Clark skills as reporter. We don't ever ''see'' Clark doing his job, the way we did in the George Reeves series. However, we know Perry only hires good reporters who can get stories and make them great. Besides Clark has two irresistible qualities — fast (and accurate) typing and a snappy, punchy prose style. We do hear Perry compliment Clark — right after reminding Lois "there's only one 'p' in 'rapist' — when he says, "Nice job on that shooting scandal, Kent."
* LoadBearingHero: Superman bench-presses the entire San Andreas Fault Zone. And uses his body as temporary train tracks.
* MasterActor: Clark Kent. On top of making audiences believe a man could fly, Christopher Reeve proved that a really good actor can make you believe that Clark Kenting could actually work.
* MessianicArchetype: Setting the standard for future Supermen, his father refers to him as his "only son" sent to guide humanity.
* RealMenWearPink: Or at least like pink, very much.
* SkywardScream: [[spoiler: When Lois dies.]]
* {{Troll}}: Superman. Yes, ''Superman''. Watch carefully after Supes tells Lois that statistically, flying is the safest way to travel. When he turns around, he's ''grinning''. Yes, the Big Blue Boy Scout is just an ''act'', just as Clark's nebbishness is an act. We don't really see the ''real'' man behind the "S" til Lois is found dead.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Lois Lane]]
!!ComicBook/LoisLane
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sexylois.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lois_lane_kate_bosworth.jpg]]
%%[[caption-width-right:300:some caption text]]
->'''Played by:''' Margot Kidder (1978-1987), Kate Bosworth (''Superman Returns'')
An intrepid reporter for The Daily Planet.
----
* {{Fainting}}: Lois Lane does the Emotional Faint version after Superman saves her from falling to her death.
* FriendsRentControl: There was no way Lois could afford a fancy penthouse apartment on a reporter's salary.
* MyCarHatesMe: Lois, get gas ''before'' you drive into the middle of nowhere. Seriously, she hits the earthquake, burning (broken) train track, oncoming train, ''and'' the nuclear warhead from that trope's description all in one turn of the key. On the other hand, it's not for want of trying. She stops at a gas station, but it's deserted, and a few seconds later it blows up right next to her.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Despite being an accomplished reporter, Lois is terrible at spelling. This trait was made part of her comics characterization (if not always applied consistently).
[[/folder]]
!! Earth Antagonists
[[folder: Lex Luthor]]
!!ComicBook/LexLuthor
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->'''Played by:''' Creator/GeneHackman (1978-1987), Creator/KevinSpacey (''Superman Returns'')
The greatest criminal mastermind the world has ever seen. Or at least, this is how he wants to be seen.
----
* AbusiveParents: Implied with his dad, who apparently told Lex to "get out" when he was only six, although this may have been Lex's idea of a joke.
* BadassBoast: "Lex Luthor! The greatest criminal mind of our time!"
* BaldOfEvil: Played for laughs by Gene Hackman, who wears a series of unconvincing wigs until whipping off the last one to reveal his baldness during his final rant after Superman dumps him in prison.
* BatDeduction: Lex Luthor not only correctly deduces that pieces of Krypton came to Earth, but that they would be harmful to Superman, with no explanation given.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: In spite of his campy moments, Lex is capable of some heinous acts. He was willing to let Zod have Earth as long as he got America for himself and he nearly drowned the entire North American continent by creating his own island.
* BigBad: In the first and fourth films, as well as ''Returns''.
** BigBadWannabe: In the second film. He's easily overshadowed by Zod and his cronies for obvious reasons.
* CardCarryingVillain: Nary a scene goes by where Lex isn't bragging about how devious his schemes are.
* TheChessmaster: In Superman II he morphs into more of a MagnificentBastard.
* {{Egopolis}}: Lex does this a lot. But he is not happy when his henchmen Otis scribbles "Otisburg" on a map.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood: When Ms. Teschmacher asked if he thinks that Superman is the real deal, Luthor replies that if he is, he's not from Earth. Granted, Superman ''is'' a HumanAlien, but it does show that Luthor doesn't believe anyone on Earth could be as selfless as Superman.
* EvilIsPetty: Why does Lex want to drown America? So he can corner the real estate market. To Hell with anyone who gets caught in the crossfire.
* {{Facepalm}}: After Lex describes what Kryptonite can do and how to find it, Eve and Otis go off on a tangent about what to wear to Addis Abbaba. Lex's expression says it all.
* InsufferableGenius
* LaughablyEvil: It's a little hard to take him seriously when he's wearing a toupee and a green-and-yellow suit.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Miss Teschmacher]]
!!Miss Eve Teschmacher
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->'''Played by:''' Valerie Perrine
Lex Luthor's moll.
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* AmbiguouslyJewish
* DeadpanSnarker
* EvenMooksHaveLovedOnes: Miss Teschmacher didn't like her boss's callous disregard for her mother's life.
** EvenEvilHasStandards: She's not a big fan of how Lex disposes of a police detective in the subway either.
* HighHeelFaceTurn: Miss Teschmacher thanks to Lex. The last straw involved siccing a missile on Hackensack, NJ, Teschmacher's mother's hometown. That led her to save Superman's life in exchange for his stopping the missile which was headed for Hackensack.
* MsFanservice
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Otis]]
!!Otis
->'''Played by:''' Creator/NedBeatty
Lex Luthor's henchman.
----
* BumblingSidekick
* TheDitz
* NiceJobFixingItVillain: Otis's botched reprogramming sent the second missile to hit Hackensack, which is what causes Teschmacher to turn on Lex and save Superman's life.
[[/folder]]
!! Krypton
[[folder: Jor-El]]
!!Jor-El
->'''Played by:''' Creator/MarlonBrando
The biological father of Kal-El and Krypton's chief scientist.
----
* AscendedExtra: This adaptation gave Jor-El unprecedented importance in Superman's origin story beyond just blasting him off to Earth. Superman's superhero career becomes a messianic mission bestowed by Jor-El as God-figure. Jor-El sends Kal-El forth to use his powers as The Paragon for humans, "the light to show them the way to greatness". His Virtual Ghost charges Clark to become Superman and trains him for 12 years. In the comics and most other adaptations since, Jor-El had ''nothing at all'' to do with Clark becoming Superman. Jor-El sent his son to Earth simply to save his life with no ulterior motives for humanity. Earth was chosen simply because it was habitable and Kal-El would fit right alongside humans. The awesome powers were a bonus, and Clark becoming Superman was all due to him being a morally upright, responsible man as raised by the Kents.
* BigGood: Superman's heroic deeds were largely from Jor-El's influence.
* DeathByOriginStory
* ExactWords: "Neither I nor my wife will leave Krypton." Jor-El instead sends his son Kal-El to Earth, thus technically keeping his promise to the Council.
* HugeHolographicHead: Jor-El speaks to and finishes training Kal-El in the Fortress of Solitude using this trope.
* IgnoredExpert
[[/folder]]
[[folder: General Zod]]
!!General Dru Zod
->'''Played by:''' Creator/TerenceStamp
Kryptons military leader and a heinous war criminal.
----
* AndIMustScream: Zod and company did, in the Phantom Zone, described in-universe as "an eternal living death".
* BadassBaritone: Has a very deep voice.
* BigBad: Of ''Superman II''.
* TheComicallySerious: He mistakenly calls Earth "Planet Houston" a few times before someone corrects him.
* ContrastingSequelAntagonist: While Lex Luthor was an Earthling who relied on his intelligence to be a threat, Zod is an alien who uses brute force to get his way. Lex provided moments of levity in spite of his villainy, while Zod is incredibly serious.
* LargeHam
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Ursa]]
!!Ursa
->'''Played by:''' Sarah Douglas
Zod's henchwoman.
----
* DeathGlare: Her default look.
* TheDragon: To Zod
** DragonTheirFeet: [[spoiler: Ursa is killed off mere seconds after Zod.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Non]]
!!Non
->'''Played by:''' Jack O'Halloran
Zod's henchman.
----
* TheBrute: All muscle and hardly any brains.
* {{Expy}}: He's the Kryptonian equivalent to Otis.
[[/folder]]
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Character page for ''Film/SupermanTheMovie'', ''Film/SupermanII'', ''Film/SupermanIII'', ''Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace'' and ''Film/SupermanReturns''.
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->'''Played by:''' Creator/ChristopherReeve (1978-1987), Creator/BrandonRouth (''Superman Returns'')
->'''Played by:''' Creator/ChristopherReeve (1978-1987), Creator/BrandonRouth (''Superman Returns'')
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->'''Played by:''' Margot Kidder (1978-1987), Kate Bosworth (''Superman Returns'')
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->'''Played by:''' Creator/GeneHackman (1978-1987), Creator/KevinSpacey (''Superman Returns'')
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->'''Played by:''' Valerie Perrine
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->'''Played by:''' Creator/TerenceStamp
->'''Played by:''' Sarah Douglas
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* ClarkKenting: Christopher Reeve made Superman's switch between identities incredibly convincing and less dependent on MST3K Mantra than in the comics. It's especially apparent during the scene where he nearly reveals himself to Lois in her apartment, and shows the audience what Superman would look like in Clark Kent's suit.
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* ClarkKenting: Christopher Reeve made Superman's switch between identities incredibly convincing and less dependent on MST3K Mantra MST3KMantra than in the comics. It's especially apparent during the scene where he nearly reveals himself to Lois in her apartment, and shows the audience what Superman would look like in Clark Kent's suit.
