Shrek is the protagonist from the children's book Shrek! and the films based on characters from it.

The eponymous hero, who is an ogre, lives in a swamp and was, until befriending Donkey, a relative recluse and grumpy character. Although his background is something of a mystery, it is assumed that despite these traits, Shrek has always been an ogre of the non-hostile kind.

Shrek's life was turned upside down, when, after meeting Donkey, his home (a wooden shack constructed from a large hollowed-out tree trunk) and land (a rather muddy swamp) were invaded by many fairy-tale creatures who were relocated there by Lord Farquaad. In order to reclaim his land, Shrek agrees to embark upon a mission to rescue Princess Fiona, Farquaad's bride-to-be, from a dragon.

Shrek, although wholly successful in this mission, soon falls in love with the princess. Through fate or fortune, it transpires that he is her "one true love". She soon realises this, and after kissing Shrek magically, she transforms from an ogre, to an ogre, thus facilitating their marrying and living happily ever after.

After the couple's honeymoon, the two visit Fiona's parents. Her father, under coercion, attempts to split the pair up, to fix Fiona up with a Prince Charming. His effort is of no avail, though during this harrowing time, Shrek becomes extremely self conscious, and is transformed into a handsome human. Eventually changing back at Fiona's request, Shrek's belief in the priority of internal beauty is reaffirmed.

Shrek has expressed rather philosophical observations on the similarities between Ogres and onions. He cooks a mean weed rat stew, and has a sense of humour that not all appreciate. His accent suggests Scottish descent.

Shrek is voiced by Mike Myers.

Shrek characters | Fictional ogres | Film characters | Film protagonists