Mirabel in Disney's Encanto is the only Madrigal family member without a magical gift, and this power twist is subtly revealed right at the beginning of the film. In Encanto's opening song, Mirabel sings to the town's children and describes all of the different magical powers her family has. The children beg to know what Mirabel's gift is, and she hastily redirects the song so as not to mention it. Yet, while Mirabel doesn't verbalize her powerless nature, this fact is still disclosed to eagle-eyed audience members.
The opening song runs through each family member and their power. To name a few, Pepa can control the weather, Isabela can control plant life and conjure flowers, and Luisa has super strength. The film shows the youngest Madrigal member, Antonio, getting his gift, discovering that he can communicate with animals. The Madrigal family is overseen by Encanto's matriarch, Abuela Alma, whose candle always burns as a symbol of the family magic.
Before Mirabel even describes these gifts, though, her vibrant skirt aesthetically communicates some of the family's powers. The teal skirt is adorned with flowers, exotic animals, clouded suns, and even lifting weights. All of these icons represent Madrigal gifts, with the inclusion of Abuela's candle, which holds the family unit together. In terms of Mirabel herself, the skirt has her full name stitched on, as well as her own face wearing her iconic circular glasses. The nonverbal hint is a clever way of showing some of the characters before they're even properly introduced yet, while providing insight into how close the family is.
Mirabel, the youngest daughter of the family, only having her name and likeness stitched onto her skirt is a way of showing that she doesn't actually have a gift, hence her sheepishness as she attempts to avoid the incessant questions from the children. While the other Madrigal's seem to be defined by their gifts, Mirabel stands alone. Despite being powerless, she appears outwardly confident in herself as she still shows up and represents herself. The inclusion of her family's gifts on her skirt also show her Madrigal pride and immediately demonstrates what kind of character she is. She isn't bitter or jealous of her family, as she even encourages them in their gifts. By the end of Encanto, Mirabel does get a gift in her own way. She heals generational wounds and brings her family back together (even Encanto's long lost Bruno), keeping the Madrigal miracle alive.
Though she is defined as not having a gift, Mirabel still becomes the most important character in Encanto, as she is the key to keeping her family together. She unlocks their full potential and addresses deep-rooted familial issues. Her love and affection for her family reminds Abuela Alma why they were gifted in the first place, as she provides room for the family to grow stronger.