In The Lego Movie, Lord Business is the primary antagonist and the established, dictator-like ruler of the Lego world. However, the protagonist, Emmet Brickowski, emerges as the unlikely hero who ultimately leads the resistance against Lord Business's oppressive reign.
Lord Business: The Dictator-Like Ruler
The Lego Movie takes place in an urban environment that is under the tyrannical control of Lord Business. He operates as a dictator-like ruler, imposing strict rules and suppressing creativity throughout the world. His ultimate goal is to use the "Kragle" to freeze the world, permanently fixing everything in place according to his vision.
As the established authority figure, Lord Business holds immense power and influence, making him the de facto leader of the entire Lego universe at the beginning of the film. He controls the media, the police (Bad Cop/Good Cop), and all construction activities, ensuring everything aligns with his rigid plans.
Emmet Brickowski: The Unlikely Hero and Leader
Emmet Brickowski starts as a simple, "run-of-the-mill construction worker" who follows instructions diligently and perfectly blends into the background. He is initially far from what anyone would consider a leader.
However, a prophecy foretells that "The Special" will rise up to save the world from Lord Business's destructive plans. Emmet is mistakenly identified as "The Special" and, despite his lack of traditional leadership qualities or extraordinary building skills, he embarks on an incredible journey. Through his perseverance, optimism, and ability to inspire others, Emmet eventually rallies a diverse group of Master Builders and common citizens. He truly becomes a leader, demonstrating that anyone can be special and make a difference, regardless of their perceived ordinariness.
Key Figures in Leadership
To clarify the roles, it's helpful to distinguish between the official, reigning leader and the emergent, heroic leader:
| Character | Role in Leadership | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Business | Established Ruler, Antagonist | The dictator-like figure who governs the Lego world, seeking to freeze it into perfect conformity. |
| Emmet | Protagonist, Leader of the Resistance/Master Builders | A seemingly ordinary construction worker who is prophesied to be "The Special" and ultimately leads the fight against Lord Business. |
Leadership Dynamics
The movie presents a fascinating dynamic between two very different types of leadership:
- Authoritarian Leadership (Lord Business): This is characterized by top-down control, strict rules, and a lack of individual freedom or creativity. Lord Business's leadership is based on power and fear, aiming for absolute order.
- Inspirational Leadership (Emmet): Emmet's leadership is organic and emergent. He inspires others through his genuine belief in their potential, his collaborative spirit, and his ability to see unique solutions. He demonstrates that true leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about empowering others to use their own creativity and work together.
Ultimately, while Lord Business holds the initial position of power, Emmet's journey transforms him into the true leader who brings about change and saves the Lego universe.
