Molly Brown (Kathy Bates)

Character Analysis

Molly gets to eat and sleep on Titanic among the rich folks, but, as Rose's narration tells us, she is "new money," which means that the old blue bloods on the ship (like Rose's mother) don't really accept her.

They maintain a bare minimum level of politeness, but sometimes go out of their way to avoid her at lunch.

Which is a crime, because Molly's a smart cookie. She doesn't seem to be under any illusions about her peers—after all, she refers to them collectively as the "snake pit" when Jack is preparing to eat dinner with them.

MOLLY: Uh, son. Son! Do you have the slightest comprehension of what you're doing?

JACK: Not really.

MOLLY: Well, you're about to go into the snake pit.

She doesn't fit in…but she doesn't seem to mind. Sure, she'll seek out the ladies for company at lunch or during a walk, but you get the sense she's almost doing it because she knows it bothers them.

She certainly doesn't seem to adjust her behavior to increase her popularity. Whereas the other "ladies" are quiet and uptight, Molly tells stories loudly (and with a lot of laughter). Also, she's not afraid to speak out when she thinks something is unjust.

At the end of the film, she and Rose's mother, Ruth, end up on a fairly empty lifeboat, and Molly pushes to go back and get more people. However, all the other passengers remain silent. Molly is quick to tell them what she thinks of their selfishness:

MOLLY: I don't understand a one of you. What's the matter with you? It's your men out there! There's plenty of room for more.

Molly's definitely the helpful type herself, which is why she pulls Jack aside and gives him some advice (and decent clothes) to help him get through dinner with Rose and her family and friends.

In summary: Molly's good people.