What kind of creature is Shrek, in the movie of the same name? Shrek is an ogre. In the DreamWorks films, he is a large, green, fictional ogre who lives in a swamp and prefers solitude.
The character originated in William Steig’s 1990 picture book Shrek!, which inspired the 2001 animated film. The movie gave the character a Scottish accent, voiced by Mike Myers, and turned the traditionally frightening ogre figure into a reluctant hero with a strong sense of loyalty.
Shrek’s story plays with familiar fairy-tale expectations. Villagers fear him because of his appearance, but he is generally more peaceful and considerate than the people who judge him. His relationship with Princess Fiona and his friendship with Donkey become central to the film series.
A common mix-up is calling Shrek a troll because he lives under fairy-tale-style conditions and looks monstrous. The films consistently identify him as an ogre. He briefly becomes human through magic in Shrek 2, but his species and identity are otherwise firmly established.