Pinocchio

Pinocchio is the titular fictional character in the Italian children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio ( Le avventure di Pinocchio) by Carlo Collodi, first published in serial form between 1881 and 1883. He is a wooden marionette carved by a woodcarver named Geppetto in a small Italian village.

Pinocchio is characterized by his mischievous nature and his frequent lies. One of the most iconic aspects of the character is his nose, which grows longer each time he tells a lie. The growing nose serves as a visual representation of the consequences of dishonesty.

The central theme of The Adventures of Pinocchio is the transformation of the wooden puppet into a real boy. This transformation is conditional; Pinocchio must learn to be honest, unselfish, and brave. He undergoes various trials and tribulations, encountering colorful characters such as the Talking Cricket (who acts as his conscience), the Fox and the Cat (who trick him), and the Blue Fairy (who guides and helps him).

Pinocchio's story is often interpreted as an allegory for moral development and the importance of honesty, responsibility, and compassion. It has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, plays, and other media, most notably the 1940 Disney animated film Pinocchio, which cemented the character's international fame.

While the Disney adaptation deviates from the original story in certain aspects, the core themes of morality and transformation remain central. Pinocchio continues to be a popular and enduring figure in children's literature and popular culture, representing the potential for growth and the importance of ethical behavior.