The Beldam

The Beldam (also known as the Other Mother, in reference to her motherly disguise) is the main antagonist in the 2002 book Coraline, as well as the 2009 movie of the same name. She is a malevolent inter-spatial shape-shifting witch/fae entity, who lures children into another dimension with the goal of consuming their flesh for strength and keeping their souls as her prisoners. Her original appearance eerily resembles Mel Jones, but her true form is later revealed to be that of a skeleton/arachnid like creature. The Beldam's appearance shifts throughout the film. She adopts the guise of a child's mother to entice them into her realm. For Coraline, she takes on the form of Mel Jones, Coraline's actual mother. In every manifestation, the Beldam is distinguished by shiny black buttons sewn over where her eyes should be—these were torn out by the Cat in the film's climax. Initially, she resembles Mel Jones closely but with an improved hairstyle, red lipstick, red nail polish, and without the bags under her button eyes. Following a tense exchange with Coraline, she transforms, becoming more slender and taller with lengthier hair and longer sharp nails. After Coraline collected the three ghost children's eyes, the Beldam revealed her true form—a hybrid of a skeleton and an arachnid. She dons a long grey dress and possesses four legs. Her hands are made of sewing needles, and her face appears to be cracked, resembling porcelain. The Beldam is first seen in the beginning of the movie altering a doll's appearance to the appearance of Coraline, only with her hands being shown. Later, she is disguised as Mel Jones, going by the alias "The Other Mother," as a ploy to make it seem like Coraline is living in a more lively and vibrant dimension. While The Beldam finishes making supper, she instructs Coraline to fetch the Other Father, but not before dismissing Coraline's initial concern regarding her button eyes. Shortly thereafter, the three of them enjoy a full-course meal.