Moonlight (Barry Jenkins) - Key Terms and Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key people, places, motifs, and structural terms from the Moonlight screenplay notes.

Chiron (Little)

Protagonist across Moonlight; appears as a child (Little), a teen, and an adult (Chiron/Black).

Little

Chiron’s childhood nickname used by Teresa, Juan, and peers.

Juan

Afro-Latino man who shelters Chiron, mentors him, and appears as a father figure; drives him and introduces him to life beyond the streets.

Teresa

Juan’s partner and a maternal figure to Chiron; provides care and stability.

Paula

Chiron’s mother; works and struggles with addiction; her relationship with Chiron is complex and influential.

Kevin

Chiron’s friend from youth who later becomes a significant emotional and romantic figure in his life.

Black

Chiron’s adult identity; the name revealed in the final act (Black III).

Moonlight

The film’s title and overarching motif; explores identity, luminosity, and the pressures of masculinity.

Blue

Nickname associated with Moonlight’s line; originates from the idea that ‘black boys look blue,’ signaling vulnerability and identity.

In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue

Origin line that informs the film’s title and its exploration of color, light, and identity.

Liberty City

Freeway-adjacent Miami neighborhood where much of Chiron’s life unfolds; marked by poverty and danger.

Gwen Cherry Park

Community park scene where Kevin and Little’s world intersects with Bullies; pivotal for Little’s social life.

Crackhouse

Abandoned building used as a drug den; a site of danger and fear for Little.

CHIRON I

First chapter/section focusing on Little’s early life and formative experiences.

CHIRON II

Second chapter focusing on teenage Chiron and his social environment, including Kevin and Terrell.

CHIRON III

Third chapter focusing on adult Chiron, navigating past trauma and present life.

Mr. Pierce

Biology teacher at the high school who challenges students and discusses white blood cells.

Terrell

School bully who torments Chiron; embodies racism and homophobia in the classroom and hallways.

Faggot

Racist/homophobic slur used to degrade Chiron; demonstrates the hostile climate he faces.

AIDS reference

Line used by Terrell that invokes HIV/AIDS to insult gay people.

Hello Stranger (Barbara Lewis)

Song played on the diner jukebox that underscores a charged moment between Black and Kevin.

Chopped and Screwed

Slowed, distorted music style used in the film’s soundtrack during scenes with Juan and Little.

Jukebox

Vintage jukebox in Jimmy’s Eastside Diner that anchors pivotal musical moments.

Jimmy’s Eastside Diner

Miami eatery where Black and Kevin reconnect; a recurring setting with Aretha/old-school music.