The character I chose to study is from Victor Fleming's 1939 film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. Melanie (Hamilton) Wilkes, a female lead, in the film she is also affectionately called Melly; and is played by Olivia de Havilland. The writer portrays Mélanie as a delicate character, loved and admired by everyone except one. Mélanie has the misfortune of being Scarlett O'Hara's best and only friend. The character of Mélanie comes straight out of a southern fable; wealthy and respected family, married to “Prince Charming” Ashley Wilkes. Personally, I don't identify with his character, his development interests me a lot. Mélanie's role is not intended to be that of the antagonist; she was meant to be the film's foil, highlighting and bringing complexity to Scarlett's personality. By developing Melanie, the writer developed the character to make her a main role alongside Scarlett. The writer portrays the character of Melanie Wilkes as weak, delicate and in Scarlett's shadow. It's not an easy task being a multi-dimensional character in a film with a cast as large as Gone With the Wind. Melanie starts off rather boring and lacking in personality. She was a devoted wife, beloved by a multitude of people, from community leaders to the resident madam who, I am sure, if given the opportunity, would have waited on her hand and foot. her husband. Mélanie was also very loyal; almost to a fault. Wanting to find the best in everyone, she blindly trusted Scarlett; unable or unwilling to see Scarlett for who she truly was. Melanie wouldn't hear a bad word about Scarlett or her. In the movie Ashley, Melanie's husband was granted 3 days' leave after being on the front lines. While he...... middle of paper ...... drunk”. Mélanie, in my opinion, is a round character. She started out very quiet and reserved. Like many of the characters in the film, she has gone through difficult times and has undergone a metamorphosis as a result. Melanie was able to think quickly and was willing to go the distance to care for her family. Her best friend was also her worst enemy and she knew how to love her and treat her with respect until the end. On her deathbed, Melanie gave Scarlett what she had always wanted: Ashley. The writer left certain parts of the film open to interpretation. It was never made clear in the film whether Melanie knew of Scarlett's feelings for Ashley; however, I choose to believe that she knew. Works Cited Gone with the Wind. Real. Victor Fleming, George Cukor. Perf. Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Olivia de Havilland. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), 1939