Was The BFG Really a Hero?

I’ll admit, I’ve always loved Roald Dahl’s The BFG. As a child, the idea of a kind-hearted giant who blows dreams into children’s windows was enchanting. But as I’ve grown older and revisited the story, I’ve started to wonder—was the Big Friendly Giant really the hero we thought he was?

Let’s take a fresh look at the narrative. The BFG is celebrated for capturing the man-eating giants and turning them over to the Queen of England. But when you dig beneath the surface, some uncomfortable questions arise. Was the BFG acting out of altruism, or was he simply protecting his own position in a world where he was the only “good” giant?

Did The BFG Protect Children or Just Avoid Trouble?

The BFG claims to be horrified by the man-eating giants and their violent habits. But it’s worth noting that he lived among them for centuries without ever trying to stop them. He simply avoided drawing attention to himself and kept to his dream-blowing. His motivation may have been more about self-preservation than a moral stance against their cruelty.

Did He Manipulate Sophie?

Sophie, a young orphan girl, is taken by the BFG early in the story. While he claims to act in her best interest, there’s a troubling imbalance of power. She’s removed from her world and placed in his, where she’s expected to go along with his plans. Though she becomes a willing participant in the plot against the other giants, was she ever truly given a choice?

Was the Capture of the Giants Justified?

The BFG and Sophie trick the British government into helping them capture the nine man-eating giants. But was this truly justice? The giants were not given a trial or a voice—they were imprisoned and eventually starved. The BFG, who had lived peacefully among them for centuries, suddenly decides they’re irredeemable. That seems more like judgment than heroism.

Did The BFG Gain Power From the Outcome?

After the man-eating giants are captured, the BFG is celebrated by the Queen and given royal recognition. He becomes a figure of importance, even gaining a palace of his own. Could it be that he orchestrated the whole operation not just to stop the giants, but to elevate his own status? If so, his actions may have been more self-serving than heroic.

So, Was He a Hero?

It’s tempting to paint the BFG as a hero simply because he’s kind to children and opposes violence. But heroism isn’t just about being nice—it’s about making difficult choices for the right reasons. The BFG’s motives are murky, his methods questionable, and his long-term impact complex. Perhaps the real hero of the story is Sophie, the child who dared to challenge the giants—literally and figuratively.

If you’re curious about what the BFG would say about all this, you can talk to him on HoloDream. Ask him about his dreams, his choices, or what he really thinks of Sophie.