Character Profile: Dola

Elderly yet fierce-tempered and boisterous, Dola is the captain of a rollicking band of sky-pirates (all of whom are male!). At the beginning of the story, Dola and her bumbling yet lovable trio of sons chase after Sheeta, for they too want the crystal she possesses. Unlike the government, however, Dola has no interest in power or control. Like the greedy scoundrel she is, she wants the golden treasures of Laputa.

Dola comes across as bossy and self-serving, especially when she is ordering her men around. And yet for all her gruff exterior, Dola is not without a soft heart. Indeed, when the tables turn and Sheeta (accompanied by Pazu) team up with the pirates to help find Laputa, Dola develops maternal feelings for the children and secretly admires their budding romance. (She even has larger-than-life appetites when it comes to food!)

In addition, Dola is also very intelligent--it is *she* who makes Pazu realize that Sheeta was trying to protect him from the army after the latter dismissed him from Tedis Fortress. Her acknowledgment of Pazu's bravery seems to be completed in the thrilling climax when he saves them from the government; she hands him her canon, and declares (as he rushes off to save Sheeta), "the boy has become a man!"