Munkustrap

"Munkustrap is really the storyteller. He's entrusted with giving the information to the other, maybe younger, cats who have not been to the Jellicle Ball before: He gets up and says exactly what they're here to do. He's also a caretaker of the kittens, wants to make sure everybody's safe; in all the Macavity scares he's there to protect the Tribe, so he is the protector."

--Michael Gruber, Munkustrap

Munkustrap is certainly a leader among the Jellicles--my sister has often complained that sometimes one of the other cats will be doing their thing, like Asparagus at the end of "Jellicle Songs For Jellicle Cats" or Quaxo in "Invitation to the Jellicle Ball", and then Munkustrap comes in and takes over. I don't see him that way personally--I think he's just doing his job.

Old Deuteronomy clearly trusts Munkustrap with important tasks like organizing everyone before his arrival, and at various points cats are seen going to Munkustrap for orders or help. He does most of the work fighting Macavity off, and helps defend Demeter from the mystery cat's clutches.

No, I am not going to go into who Munkustrap's mate is, because there is too much controversy. The most popular choice is Demeter (I personally don't agree with it...), but just about everyone has a different alternative option, so I'm leaving it at that.

Munkustrap doesn't seem to trust Grizabella, and is usually the last one to leave when cats run away from her, wanting to make sure that everyone gets to safety before he does.

Munkustrap is a pretty serious cat, but he can also have fun and enjoys playing around with the other cats when he can. He seems to have a close friendship with Jennyanydots.

Useful Facts About the Role

Munkustrap is the only real speaking role, if you don't count the (completely spoken) "Song of the Jellicles" and "Naming of Cats". A few other cats have short lines, but he definitely has the most and the longest. He also does quite a bit of singing and dancing.