A fictional green ogre character, protagonist of the animated movie series of the same name.
Created by author William Steig for his 1990 children's book, the name 'Shrek' comes from the German/Yiddish word 'schreck' meaning 'fear' or 'terror', though the character subverts expectations by being lovable despite his frightening appearance.
Shrek revolutionized animated films by being the first major character to be both genuinely ugly and genuinely heroic, challenging Disney's tradition of beautiful protagonists. The name literally means 'terror', but the character taught audiences that true beauty comes from within - a subversive message wrapped in humor.
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