Once Upon a Time took classic fairy-tale characters and gave them new depth, exploring their struggles, desires, and hidden strengths. Two of the show’s most interesting characters, August Booth and Pinocchio, exemplify this approach. They are, after all, the same character, but their stories reflect vastly different journeys and illustrate themes of redemption, transformation, and the complexity of identity. Let’s dive into what makes August and Pinocchio unique and how their individual stories resonate with the themes of Once Upon a Time.
Pinocchio is well-known as the wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy, a classic story of transformation. In Once Upon a Time, we see this journey continue through August, his grown-up counterpart. Pinocchio was originally carved from enchanted wood by Geppetto and given life by the Blue Fairy. He is literally shaped by magic and meant for a life of adventure. As Pinocchio, he is innocent, full of curiosity, and somewhat mischievous—traits that get him into trouble but also endear him to the audience.
As August, the transformation goes further, taking him beyond physical change. August struggles with inner transformation, seeking redemption for past mistakes. He embodies the idea that becoming “real” isn’t just about physical form but also about authenticity, honesty, and personal growth. The two characters, though the same person, represent two stages of a profound metamorphosis, showing us that change is not merely physical but deeply personal and moral.
Pinocchio’s journey begins with a quest to find himself, but it’s also about loyalty—first to Geppetto, and later to Emma. As a child, Pinocchio often wrestles with loyalty, sometimes placing his own desires above those he cares for. He is sent through the magic wardrobe to the human world to protect Emma, but, as a young boy, he abandons this responsibility, prioritizing his own freedom.
August, however, confronts these choices as an adult and is forced to reckon with the consequences of his actions. He understands the weight of loyalty and responsibility and ultimately dedicates himself to helping Emma fulfill her destiny. His transformation back to human form is not just a reward for his actions but a testament to the growth in his character. Where Pinocchio once faltered, August rises, showing that loyalty and responsibility are not just about the obligations we owe others but about the promises we make to ourselves.
Pinocchio’s iconic nose that grows with each lie becomes a metaphor for his journey toward truth. As Pinocchio, he wrestles with honesty, frequently fibbing and finding himself in trouble as a result. This struggle with the truth is a direct manifestation of his immaturity and fear.
August’s journey is similar but more complex. He battles not only with lying to others but also with lying to himself. He hides his true identity from Emma and even manipulates her belief in the curse. His lies, though initially intended to protect himself, ultimately cause more harm than good. August’s character arc shows the difficulty and importance of confronting the truth, both in our interactions with others and within ourselves. His redemption arc is about shedding the layers of deceit and embracing his true self, wooden flaws and all.
Pinocchio’s story is deeply tied to his quest for identity. As a wooden puppet brought to life, he constantly questions who he is and where he belongs. His journey to becoming a “real boy” is symbolic of this search for self-acceptance and purpose.
August, too, wrestles with his identity. He drifts for much of his adult life, struggling to find his place in the world. His travels are an attempt to escape his past, but ultimately, they lead him back to his roots and to the realization that he belongs in Storybrooke, helping Emma and the others. This sense of belonging is something he discovers through acceptance of his past and the reconnection with Geppetto. Both characters show us that identity is not a fixed state but a continuous journey shaped by the choices we make and the relationships we nurture.
Pinocchio represents innocence, a character untouched by the darker realities of life. His innocence, however, often leaves him vulnerable and ill-prepared for the challenges he faces. August, by contrast, is a man shaped by experience. He has faced the world’s temptations and the consequences of his choices, making him a character who embodies the loss of innocence.
This duality is fascinating because it highlights how the same individual can be both innocent and experienced. August’s struggles and growth show the audience that while innocence is beautiful, it is experience that often shapes character. His journey to redemption reflects the idea that, while innocence may be lost, wisdom and integrity can be gained in its place.
Pinocchio and August serve as two sides of the same coin in Once Upon a Time, offering a rich exploration of the human experience. Their individual journeys are not just about becoming “real” in a physical sense but about embodying authenticity, responsibility, and belonging. Through them, we see that while life may lead us down unexpected paths, we all have the power to change, grow, and ultimately find our way back to the people we were meant to be.
These two characters remind us that our stories are never fully written and that, like August and Pinocchio, we are always capable of transformation.
