If you grew up reading and watching The Adventures of Tintin , this article is for you! Discover or rediscover the iconic characters that marked your youth alongside Belgium's most famous reporter. Dive into the universe created by Hergé, where each character has a unique story and personality.
Since the first appearance of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets , the pleasure of following his adventures remains historic and timeless. Cartoon Toi invites you to explore in detail these unforgettable heroes, shaped with the talent of a visionary author. Happy reading!
The main characters
Tintin
Tintin, a young Belgian reporter aged 16-17, is the hero of the series. With his rebellious lock of hair , he embodies the spirit of adventure and curiosity. Inspired by the great journalists of his time, Tintin travels the world to foil plots and solve cases. His bravery and intelligence allow him to get out of the most perilous situations. Accompanied by his faithful companion Snowy , he faces dangers with impressive calm.
Despite his youthful appearance, Tintin is a model of maturity and wisdom . He knows how to demonstrate empathy and understanding, qualities that earn him many friends and allies. His passion for the truth drives him to investigate relentlessly, even at the risk of his life. Tintin has chosen to dedicate his life to discovering the truth and he does not hesitate to undertake great journeys to do so.
His natural charisma and subtle sense of humor appeal to young readers and adults alike. Hergé created a timeless character whose values and adventures remain relevant through the decades. Tintin is more than just a comic book hero ; he is a cultural icon, a symbol of integrity and courage. Fun fact: Hergé claims to have created his main character in just five minutes.
Snowy
Tintin's faithful fox terrier , Snowy, is much more than just a pet. With remarkable intelligence, he actively participates in his master's adventures. His infallible flair and sense of observation make him a valuable ally.
Tintin and Snowy are never apart and the little dog is often the voice of reason, not hesitating to express his doubts or fears by growling or barking. However, his love and loyalty to Tintin push him to overcome his fears to help him in critical moments. His greed for bones and his passion for whisky are all traits that add a touch of humor and tenderness to his appearances.
Captain Haddock
Captain Archibald Haddock, Tintin's friend, is a colorful character. A gruff sailor with a big mouth and a big beard, his tantrums are memorable. Haddock is, however, a man with a big heart, ready to do anything for his friends. He is the commander of the cargo ship Karaboudjan .
His first appearance in The Crab with the Golden Claws marks the beginning of an unbreakable friendship with Tintin. Behind his explosive temperament, Haddock hides great sensitivity and unwavering loyalty . The captain always seems ready for action, whether on land or at sea.
Haddock is also famous for his inventive swear words, which have become emblematic. "Bachi-bouzouk", "Mille sabords" and "Tonnerre de Brest" are all war cries that make him unforgettable. His castle of Moulinsart becomes Tintin's refuge and the center of many intrigues imagined by Hergé.
Professor Tournesol
Professor Tryphon Tournesol is the genius and absent-minded scientist of the group. His brilliant mind is often the key to solving puzzles or inventing revolutionary gadgets. Tournesol is also famous for his deafness , which gives rise to some tasty misunderstandings.
He makes his first appearance in Red Rackham's Treasure and quickly becomes a central character. Calculus is passionate about his research, sometimes to the point of neglecting danger or social conventions. His gentle and caring nature makes him extremely endearing .
Despite his distractions, he shows exemplary courage and boundless loyalty to his friends. His inventions, whether the shark submarine or the pendulum , are all proof of his creative genius. Calculus brings a touch of fantasy and science to the world of Tintin.
Dupond and Dupont
Dupond and Dupont, the famous detectives , are the masters of misunderstanding. Physically identical, they are distinguished only by the shape of their moustaches. Their legendary clumsiness and their propensity to make mistakes make them both comical and sympathetic.
They first appear in Cigars of the Pharaoh and quickly become recurring figures. Although they are often off the mark, their determination and goodwill are undeniable. Their sense of justice, although sometimes misdirected, pushes them to help Tintin in his investigations .
Their characteristic stutter and often inappropriate disguises add an irresistible touch of humor. Thompson and Thompson are the kings of misunderstandings, but their sincere friendship with Tintin is unwavering. Their presence always ensures a good dose of laughter and lightness in Tintin's thrilling adventures.
Tintin's friends
Nestor
Nestor is the faithful butler of the castle of Moulinsart . He embodies discretion and devotion, ensuring the comfort of Captain Haddock and his loved ones. Despite his reserved appearance, Nestor can be courageous and loyal when needed. His reassuring presence and efficiency make him a character appreciated by Tintin readers. Hergé used the stereotype of the English servant to imagine the butler of Moulinsart.
General Alcazar
General Alcazar is a friend of Tintin's first met in The Broken Ear . Leader of the rebels in his country, San Theodoros , Alcazar is often at the heart of political conflicts. Despite his ambitions and intrigues, he shows a certain respect for Tintin. Their relationship, made up of mutual helping hands, is marked by respect and admiration.
Professor Bergamot
Professor Bergamotte is a prominent Egyptologist and friend of Professor Calculus. He appears in The Seven Crystal Balls , where he is the victim of a mysterious curse. His knowledge and passion for archaeology make him fascinating. Bergamotte represents the passionate intellectual, often caught up in extraordinary adventures.
Oliveira da Figueira
Oliveira da Figueira is a Portuguese merchant met by Tintin in Cigars of the Pharaoh . Friendly and talkative, he is always ready to help Tintin. His sales skills and his network of acquaintances make him a valuable ally. Oliveira brings a touch of exoticism and humor to the world of Tintin.
Zorrino
Zorrino is a young Indian met by Tintin in The Temple of the Sun. Victim of persecution, he is saved by Tintin and Captain Haddock. In reconnaissance, Zorrino guides them to the Inca temple. His courage and loyalty make him a touching and memorable character.
Tchang Tchong-Jen
Tchang Tchong-Jen is a Chinese friend of Tintin's met in The Blue Lotus . Their sincere friendship transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. He reappears in Tintin in Tibet , where Tintin goes looking for him. Their relationship is one of the most moving in the series. Tchang Tchong-Jen is directly inspired by the Chinese sculptor Zhang Chongren , a close friend of Hergé.
Wang Jen-Ghie
Wang Jen-Ghié is Tchang's father and an influential member of the Sons of the Dragon secret society. He helps Tintin dismantle an opium trafficking ring in The Blue Lotus . His wisdom and courage are essential assets for Tintin in this adventure.
Ridgewell
Ridgewell is a British explorer living among the Arumbaya Indians in The Broken Ear . Having adopted their way of life, he has become their defender against outside invaders. Ridgewell sheds light on indigenous cultures and their resistance to exploitation.
Colonel Boris Jorgen
Colonel Jorgen is a former Syldavian secret service officer , appearing in Destination Moon and On a marché sur la Lune . He attempts to sabotage Tintin's lunar mission. His antagonism towards Tintin makes him a complex and dangerous character.
Piotr Szut
Piotr Szut is an Estonian pilot who appears in Coke and Flight 714 to Sydney . Initially an adversary, he later becomes a valuable ally of Tintin. His bravery and aviation skills make him indispensable in certain missions.
Bunji Kuraki
Bunji Kuraki is a Japanese engineer working with Professor Calculus. He appears in The Black Island . His discretion and efficiency make him a respected character. Kuraki illustrates the international collaboration in the adventures of Tintin.
Professor Calys
Professor Calys is a renowned astronomer and a friend of Professor Calculus. He appears in The Mysterious Star . His expertise in astronomy helps Tintin solve cosmic mysteries. Calys embodies the scientist devoted to scientific research.
Tintin's enemies
Roberto Rastapopoulos
Roberto Rastapopoulos is arguably Tintin's most formidable adversary . This crooked businessman and master of crime first appears in Cigars of the Pharaoh . As an agent of evil, Rastapopoulos embodies vice in all its splendor, multiplying illicit activities and plots .
He is ready to do anything to satisfy his thirst for power and money, not hesitating to engage in drug , arms and human trafficking. Each meeting between Tintin and Rastapopoulos promises moments of intense tension and spectacular twists and turns.
Red Rackham
Red Rackham is a legendary pirate whose shadow looms over the album Red Rackham's Treasure . Although he is long dead, his presence is felt throughout Tintin and Haddock's search for his treasure . Red Rackham epitomizes the archetype of the ruthless pirate, with his fearsome appearance and bloodthirsty deeds . His legacy of violence and mystery adds an epic dimension to the adventure, making the quest for the treasure even more captivating.
Doctor Müller
Doctor Müller is a sinister character appearing in The Black Island and Tintin in the Land of Black Gold . A corrupt doctor and trafficker , he is involved in various criminal activities. His intelligence and cruelty make him a particularly dangerous adversary for Tintin. Müller is a master of dissimulation and manipulation, using his medical skills for nefarious purposes. Each confrontation with him highlights Tintin's tenacity and courage in the face of evil incarnate.
Allan Thompson
Allan Thompson is Rastapopoulos' loyal right-hand man and a recurring adversary of Tintin. This unscrupulous sailor appears in several albums, including The Crab with the Golden Claws and Coke in Stock . Allan is a brutal and conscienceless henchman , ready to carry out all his boss's orders. His loyalty to Rastapopoulos and his total lack of morals make him a formidable enemy. Confrontations with Allan are always marked by violence and perfidy.
Rascar Capac
Rascar Capac is a terrifying Incan mummy who appears in The Seven Crystal Balls . Although he has been dead for centuries, his curse wreaks havoc among the explorers who have desecrated his tomb. Rascar Capac embodies vengeance and superstition. His spectral presence adds an esoteric and eerie dimension to the story.
Ivan Ivanovich Sakharin
Sakharine is an adversary of Tintin in the album The Secret of the Unicorn . Although his role is less central than that of other enemies, he represents a serious threat . Sakharine is ready to do anything to get his hands on Red Rackham's treasure, including betrayal and plotting. His determination and cunning make him a formidable antagonist.
Frank Wolff
Frank Wolff appears in We Walked on the Moon . Initially introduced as an ally, he turns out to be a traitor working for enemy powers . His double-dealing and betrayal add a dimension of suspense and danger to the lunar adventure. Wolff embodies human weakness in the face of external pressures.
Recurring characters
Bianca Castafiore
Bianca Castafiore, nicknamed "the Milanese Nightingale", is a famous singer with an exuberant temperament. She first appears in Ottokar's Sceptre and quickly becomes a recurring character in the adventures of Tintin.
Castafiore is known for her unforgettable interpretation of Gounod's "Les bijoux" , which has the gift of exasperating Captain Haddock. Despite her manners and her oversized ego , she often comes across as generous and benevolent. Her presence brings a touch of humor and lightness, while creating often incredible situations.
Seraphim Lampion
Séraphin Lampion is the archetype of the friendly but intrusive nuisance . An insurance representative, he likes to invite himself to Captain Haddock's house, causing chaos each time. His first appearance in The Castafiore Emerald leaves a lasting impression due to his ability to disturb the tranquility of Moulinsart.
Lampion is a character who is both annoying and endearing , with his boundless enthusiasm and good nature. His propensity to chatter incessantly and to get involved in everything makes him an essential comic element of the albums.
Abdullah
Abdallah is the turbulent son of Emir Mohammed Ben Kalish Ezab , first appearing in Tintin in the Land of Black Gold . This mischievous young prince is famous for his incessant pranks and boundless energy. Despite his often exasperating behavior, he remains an endearing and lively child.
Hergé was inspired by a real character when imagining Abdallah: Faisal II , who was King of Iraq at the age of 3.
Mohammed Ben Kalish Ezab
Mohammed Ben Kalish Ezab is the Emir of Khemed and the father of Abdallah. Introduced in Tintin in the Land of Black Gold , he is a valuable ally for Tintin and a rival to Sheikh Bab El Ehr . His charisma and authority make him a respected and feared character. Ben Kalish Ezab embodies power and tradition, adding a political dimension to Tintin's adventures.
Colonel Sponsz
Colonel Sponsz is a fearsome Syldavian officer, known for his cruelty and calculating mind . Appearing in The Calculus Affair , he is a sworn enemy of Tintin and his friends. Sponsz represents military threat and repression, adding palpable tension to the plots. His presence is synonymous with danger and machinations.
General Tapioca
General Tapioca is the dictator of the banana republic of San Theodoros . Introduced in Tintin and the Picaros , he is the political rival of General Alcazar. Tapioca is a grotesque and tyrannical character, symbolizing corruption and instability. His role in the intrigues of San Theodoros is central, bringing a satirical dimension to the Tintin universe.
Other characters that Tintin meets
Chiquito the Inca
The Inca, or more precisely Rupac Inca Huaco, is a central character in The Temple of the Sun. Guardian of Inca traditions and treasures, he embodies the wisdom and spirituality of his people. Huascar is both mysterious and imposing, representing an ancient and little-known civilization . His encounter with Tintin and his friends is marked by moments of tension and revelation, adding a mystical dimension to the adventure.
Coconut
Coco is a young Congolese boy whom Tintin meets in Tintin in the Congo . He helps Tintin navigate the challenges of the African continent with his quick wit and enthusiasm. Coco is an endearing character , representing the innocence and curiosity of children. His relationship with Tintin is one of camaraderie and mutual respect, adding a human dimension to the adventure.
Bill
Bill is a young boy whom Tintin meets in Tintin in America . Living in the poor neighborhoods of Chicago , Bill proves to be a valuable ally to Tintin. His courage and knowledge of the city streets allow Tintin to escape several dangerous situations. Bill embodies the cunning and resourcefulness of street children , bringing a touch of urban reality to the adventure.
The Yeti
The Yeti, or "Migou" as he is locally called, appears in Tintin in Tibet . This legendary creature, half-man, half-animal , is surrounded by myths and superstitions. Tintin and his friends encounter him during their quest to find Chiang. The Yeti, although terrifying, shows a protective side, which adds an emotional touch to the story.
Alfred Halambique
Alfred Halambique is Bianca Castafiore's loyal butler , appearing in The Castafiore Emerald . He is often seen in the background, ready to attend to the singer's every need. His discretion and efficiency make him an indispensable character in the Castafiore universe.