Who is the girlfriend in Little Shop of Horrors?

Who is the girlfriend in Little Shop of Horrors?

For fans of the iconic musical Little Shop of Horrors, the question of "Who is the girlfriend?" is a straightforward one. The central female character and the love interest of our meek protagonist, Seymour Krelborn, is the sweet and kind-hearted Audrey Fulquard.

Audrey is a pivotal character, representing Seymour's dreams and his desire for a better life, both for himself and for her. She works alongside Seymour as a Skid Row floral assistant, enduring a difficult and abusive relationship with her dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello.

Audrey's Character and Role

Audrey is portrayed as a somewhat downtrodden but fundamentally good-natured young woman. Her life in Skid Row is marked by hardship and a palpable sense of despair, which is largely due to her abusive relationship with Orin. Despite her circumstances, Audrey maintains a gentle spirit and a hopeful outlook, particularly when it comes to her burgeoning feelings for Seymour. Her kindness and vulnerability are what draw Seymour to her, fueling his determination to provide her with a better life.

Key Aspects of Audrey's Character:

• Sweet and Kind-Hearted: Audrey possesses a gentle soul and a compassionate nature, even in the face of adversity.
• Abused Girlfriend: She is the victim of an abusive relationship with the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello.
• Love Interest: Audrey is the object of Seymour Krelborn's affections. He dreams of escaping Skid Row with her.
• Symbol of Hope: For Seymour, Audrey represents a brighter future and a reason to pursue his dreams, however fantastical they may become.
• Works at the Flower Shop: She is Seymour's colleague at Mr. Mushnik's failing Skid Row flower shop.

Audrey's Story Arc

Audrey's journey in Little Shop of Horrors is deeply intertwined with Seymour's. As Seymour discovers his ability to make Audrey's life better – first by accidentally discovering the carnivorous plant, Audrey II, and then by feeding it to deal with Orin – he is driven by his love for her. The plant, however, has its own sinister agenda, and as it grows, it begins to demand more and more, impacting Audrey's life in unintended and ultimately tragic ways.

Her desire for a life away from Orin and Skid Row is a constant theme. She longs for "somewhere that's green," a place free from the grime and danger of her current existence. This longing is what Seymour desperately wants to fulfill, often leading him down a dark path.

The Name of the Girlfriend

The girlfriend in Little Shop of Horrors is unequivocally named Audrey Fulquard. It's important to note the character's full name, as it's often shortened to just "Audrey" in conversation, but her last name is Fulquard.

Audrey in Different Adaptations

Audrey is a central figure in all major adaptations of Little Shop of Horrors, including the original 1960 Roger Corman film and the hugely popular 1982 stage musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, as well as the 1986 film adaptation directed by Frank Oz.

Key Differences/Similarities Across Adaptations:

• 1960 Film: In the original black-and-white film, Audrey is played by Jackie Joseph. She is the girlfriend of Seymour's boss, Mr. Mushnik, and is not as central a figure as in later versions.
• 1982 Stage Musical: This is where Audrey truly shines as the primary love interest and her character is fleshed out significantly. Ellen Greene originated the role on Broadway and is famously associated with it.
• 1986 Film: The movie adaptation, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour and Ellen Greene reprising her role as Audrey, closely follows the stage musical's narrative and character development, solidifying Audrey Fulquard as the beloved girlfriend we know today.

In essence, when you ask "Who is the girlfriend in Little Shop of Horrors?", the answer is always Audrey Fulquard. She is the compassionate, hopeful, yet often suffering muse for Seymour's extraordinary journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Audrey

How does Seymour feel about Audrey?

Seymour is deeply and passionately in love with Audrey. He sees her as the epitome of kindness and beauty, despite her difficult circumstances. His primary motivation throughout the musical is to escape Skid Row with her and give her the life she deserves, a life free from abuse and poverty.

Why is Audrey in an abusive relationship with Orin?

Audrey's reasons for staying with Orin are complex, often stemming from a lack of self-worth and a fear of being alone. She likely believes she can't do any better or fears Orin's violent temper if she tries to leave. Her dreams of "somewhere that's green" symbolize her deep desire for a safe and loving environment, which Orin certainly does not provide.

What is Audrey's biggest dream?

Audrey's biggest dream is to escape Skid Row and live in a peaceful, beautiful place. This is most famously expressed in her song "Somewhere That's Green," where she imagines a life of simple pleasures, safety, and love, far away from the harsh realities of her current existence. She longs for a place that is lush, serene, and free from the ugliness she experiences daily.

Does Audrey survive in Little Shop of Horrors?

Yes, in the most popular and well-known versions of the story (the stage musical and the 1986 film adaptation), Audrey does survive. After Orin is eliminated, and Audrey II is eventually defeated, Audrey and Seymour finally get their chance to live the life they've always dreamed of together, presumably moving to that "somewhere that's green."