To borrow Vin Diesel’s words, Disney’s Encanto is all about family.
The animation film, which was first released in theaters in November 2021, tells the story of the Madrigals — a family living in a magical casita in a small Colombian village. Most of the members of the family are born with a magical gift, all of which are revealed during their fifth birthdays. Mirabel Madrigal is the only exception and the movie sees her confronting her fate and struggling with her family’s expectations.
Though Mirabel is the heart of Encanto, her family plays an important part in embodying the movie’s themes and contextualizing her journey. In fact, the first song in Encanto is “The Family Madrigal,” a song that discussed the Encanto family tree in the most musical way possible. And here’s what we learn from that song: there are plenty of Madrigals. There are plenty of uncles, aunts and cousins!
So, who are these magical people? Here’s everything you need to know about the Madrigal family tree.
Who Are the Family Members in Encanto?
The Matriarch and Patriarch: Abuelo Pedro and Abuela Alma Madrigal
Pedro and Alma Madrigal are the beginnings of this magical family. They met at a small village gathering and eventually fell in love. They got married and had triplets: Pepa, Julieta and Bruno. When they were young parents, they were caught in the middle of turmoil as invaders threatened their safety. Pedro and Alma were forced to flee their village. Sadly, the armed men followed them and Pedro was killed as he tried to protect his family. His sacrifice resulted in Alma being protected from the marauders and gifted with a miracle in the form of a magic candle.
After his death, a hopeless Alma was left with her triplets. It was at that moment that she realized she had to protect the miracle that saved them. She resided in La Casa Madrigal along with her children, their spouses and her grandchildren.
Throughout the film, Abuela Alma is portrayed as the undercover antagonist. As the head of the casita, her goal is to make sure the miracle continues so that the town is taken care of. However, her want to protect everyone resulted in her setting incredibly high expectations for her family. Despite her love for her family, her stern nature causes conflict between her and her son Bruno and grandchild Mirabel.
The Triplets: Pepa, Julieta and Bruno
Pepa and Felix
Pepa Madrigal is the eldest among the Madrigal triplets. When she was young, she was given the gift of weather manipulation. Her emotions dictate the weather, which can be an issue, especially when she’s in a sour mood (she’ll be surrounded by rain clouds). But when she’s a good mood, her powers do come in handy.
Pepa married Felix in a hurricane (due to her brother Bruno). Despite their differences, Pepa and Felix share an endearing relationship. Felix can seamlessly handle his wife’s changing moods. Together, they have three children: Dolores, Camilo and Antonio.
Julieta and Agustin
Julieta Madrigal is known for her caring nature and her power of healing people through her food. She is often seen healing the village with her baked goods. Her power comes in handy in terms of her marriage since her husband Agustin is prone to accidents and allergies. According to co-director Byron Howard, Julieta “got it the most together” compared to Pepa and Bruno.
Julieta and Agustin are the parents to Isabela, Luisa and Mirabel Madrigal.
Bruno
We don’t talk about Bruno.
Or maybe we do.
Bruno is the youngest of the Madrigal triplets. Considered the black sheep of the family, Bruno hid for ten years when he found his gift as a burden. Bruno can see into the future. However, most of his visions weren’t favorable. To protect his family, he ran away and lived inside Casita’s walls until Mirabel found him.
Bruno has no children or spouse but remains a loving uncle to his nephews and nieces.
Meet The Madrigal Cousins
Isabela Madrigal
Being the oldest of the Madrigal cousins, Isabela is the firstborn grandchild and Abuela Alma’s favorite. Her gift the power of creation; she can effortlessly create flowers and plants without effort. Elegant and graceful, she is the epitome of perfection and her perfectionist nature had made it difficult for Isabela and Mirabel to get along.
Despite being the view of beauty and perfection, Isabela secretly struggled with being perfect. She thinks that she should be perfect, that everything she makes must be perfect. The pressure of perfection weighs on her as she hides what she desires in favor of what she has to do. Once Mirabel shows her that she doesn’t have to be perfect and that she can create what she wants.
Luisa Madrigal
The middle child of Julieta and Agustin, Luisa is gifted the power of strength. She uses her power to help around the village, such as put the donkeys back in their place or help relocate bridges. However, Luisa hides her weaknesses by insisting that she must always use her strength for others. In reality, she’s exhausted but fearful that if she doesn’t do it, she’ll become a failure.
Mirabel Madrigal
The youngest of Agustin and Julieta’s children, Mirabel is the only Madrigal cousin without a tangible gift. Because she didn’t have a gift, she was considered as the black sheep of the family, just as much as her Tio Bruno was.
Despite not having a gift, Mirabel proved that her power was keeping the family together. She was the first one who saw through the cracks of their picture-perfect family. She helped her sisters realize their full potential. Even though she caused Casita to break, she put it back together (with help from her family and the village).
She was also the one who opened the newly-built door and let her family into their new home.
Dolores Madrigal
Dolores is the eldest daughter of Pepa and Felix. She knows everyone’s business because of her super hearing. She can hear a pin drop miles away! She is also roughly the same age as Isabela.
Throughout the film, we learn that Dolores is in love with Mariano, the guy betrothed to Isabela. She informs Mirabel that Bruno told her that the man of her dreams would be out of reach and engaged to another woman. However, at the end of the film, Mariano and Dolores eventually get together.
Camilo Madrigal
Camilo is the middle child of Pepa and Felix. His gift is shape-shifting. He uses his powers to help others in the village or to make fun of his family.
Antonio Madrigal
The youngest of the Madrigal cousins, Antonio is the last one to be bestowed a gift. His love for animals manifested in his powers. He can speak with them. He is also one of the few who didn’t begrudge Mirabel for not having powers.
That’s the Family Madrigal! Who’s your favorite member?
