Characters that makes the show

A

alphared93

New member
There are certain characters that truely elevates the show they feature in to a much higher level that it would have been at if the character had not been in it. This thread is about those characters. And remember now; it doesn't have to be that the show would have been downright bad if the character hadn't been in it; only that it wouldn't have been nearly as good as it is. But on the other hand, be carefull not to list a character from a show you like simply to point out how much you like that character; a character only counts as one of the "show making" characters im talking about if that one character single-handedly lifts a shows quality and/or entertainment value to a completly different level that it would have been without the character. So if you for instance absolutely love Stewie from Family Guy but still think that you would have found the show almost as entertaining without him, then dont list him, m'kay?

So anyway, i can only think of one at the moment, but im sure i will list more eventually:

Shaggy, from Scooby-Doo: For me, Shaggy is the main entertainment in every single version of the long-running Scooby series. While the other human members of Mystery Inc are pretty bland and boring, Shaggy is a neverending source of laughs. Apart from his cowardence, a big part of the reason why i find him so amusing is the fact that he comes of so much as a delusional stoner. And also, i never get tired of the sound of his voice. I think that's a lot of the reason why i dont like Scooby nearly as much as i like Shaggy; that Scooby is practically a mute character, and can't show us his yellow belly verbally the way Shaggy does.
 
From the very first episode of Family Guy I ever saw, I always said that Stewie "made the show." I guess Peter might technically be the main character of the show. But at least for me, without Stewie the show wouldn't be half of what it is.
 
Cadpig from “101 Dalmatians: The Series”. I’ve watched every single episode of the series and I honestly don’t believe that it would have been anywhere near as entertaining without her; it’s actually kind of ironic, as even though she had played an important role in Dodie Smith’s original book, she was nowhere to be found in the animated and live-action adaptations. It wasn’t until the series that they decided to use her. She provided a lot of the comic relief and her personality really brought out the best in other characters. In short, there’s a reason that fans tend to remember her the most out of all of the characters, as when she was used right, she could make any episode better.
 
There really aren't many shows at all for which I can say this to be the case. Might be a show where I don't really like any of the characters... might be a show where it's two or more that really make the show what it is... but after a bit of thought, I can indeed name one show where one character indeed turned what would have seemed pretty average to me into something a lot more special.

Rose, from American Dragon: Jake Long. The first time I saw the show, I didn't think very much of it. It seemed like a less funny Juniper Lee, and Jake himself kinda' irritated me. Rose was there, but she just seemed like a generic perfect girl. It wasn't until a bit later that saw an episode with the Huntsgirl, and noticed that she looked kinda' like that girl in that first episode I saw, but I couldn't remember whether it was the same voice or not, but it was enough to get me a bit more curious about the show. Sure enough, I eventually saw the very first episode, which pretty much confirmed it: Rose and Huntsgirl were the same person, and that is what really got me interested in the show. The whole question of her character essentially got me into the entire show, and made it what it was for me. Without her, I'd probably still think the show were nothing more than a less funny Juniper Lee.
 
There are a lot of shows that feature characters it could do without, whether its a series with standalone episodes or continuity, however they wouldn't necessarily be as good without them.
I believe Patrick from SpongeBob is a must in the series. I can't say I wouldn't watch it if he wasn't there because there are a lot of good characters, but he is very important and he's definitely one of the main main characters. He is the source of many of the best lines in SB, he often gave SB less than helpful advice that set the basis for the episode, and he compliments SB's behavior by acting similarly but he's still his own character. He's much more than comic relief and is an innovative dumb character. Anyone can be the stupid character but Pat is very well done with the occasional burst of genius, followed by ignorance. The movie wouldn't have been the same if SB took the journey by himself either.
 
Eric the Cavalier from Dungeons & Dragons. Yes, Eric was a complainer, a spoiled brat and a put down artist. Yes, he was obnoxious and the show was set up to make him look like a fool 80% of the time, but let's face it: Eric helped make D&D what it was. The series would have been boring without Eric's comic kvetching.

Dr. Venture (The Venture Brothers) - Humorously bitter and self loathing, insulted as well as insulting, Dr. Venture's sardonic wisecracks are often the highlights of the Venture Brothers episodes.
 
Bender and Prof. Farnsworth (Futurama): the totally corrupt robot and the senile amoral crackpot inventor/scientist are the characters who made Futurama fun for me. Even when Fry and Leela would get bogged down with their personal issues and "will they or won't they?" romantic plots, these 2 were always sure to deliver the funny. Futurama wouldn't be the same without them.

Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes): A lot of viewers hated this show's version of Johnny, but I found him to be a riot. Always cracking wise and playing immature pranks, even in the heat of battle. Johnny was indeed a jerk, but he was such a jerk that you have to at least admire his nerve. The rest of the team weren't stiff and serious either, thankfully, but Human Torch was often the straw that stirred the drink.
 
Even if he arrived later in the series, Captain Haddock in the Adventures of Tintin, remake the show by his more human side in quality and defaults (Haddock enjoyed drinking alcohol like whisky and all) and his very colorful language. I once saw a rumor he was supposed to be a one-episode character but Herge changed his mind seeing how popular he was.
 
Jack Spicer comes to mind with this top. The self-proclaimed "evil boy genius" fromt he show Xiaolin Showdown...
In all honesty, this character is one of the main reasons why this show got the fanbase it did. Even though without him, it would have been a decent show anyways; but it wouldn't have the same charm. Heck, this is the character that originally pulled me into the show aswell.
Sadly though, he became one of those characters around the end of season 2 that just be came "scrap comedy" villains once the "big guys" came around.. Needless to say the character lost alot of charm.

and now to the most OBVIOUS, Eric Cartman. Really, if it wasn't from him south park wouldn't be as big as it is today.
 
Sheen from The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron. He's the only reason why I watch the show. He has some of the funniest quotes and his manic behavior is hilarious!
 
Prince Nestor made World of Quest at least somewhat watchable to me. He was a bit of a snot, and yet he was also the most noble of all the characters (which isn't saying much, but oh well). He was far more likely to go to the aid of the others in a selfless way, for instance. And at least he was emotionally invested in the quest, whereas the others just sort of tagged along, Quest unwillingly of course. It might have been fun to see such a flawed underdog/hero grow and learn as he strove to achieve his goal, but no such luck. Instead we got stuck with a meaningless endless string of battles and a lot of very bad jokes. Too bad.

Early Cosmo and Wanda made FOP for me. They were so engaging and charming. But we all know how that turned out.

Kevin makes Ben 10:AF for me. He's a great character, kind of the Han Solo of the group. Can't wait to see more of him in the new season.

Otis the cow (steer?) makes Back to the Barnyard for me. He's got a great voice actor and a likable personality. Despite the, um, udder issue, Barnyard is still one of my fave new shows.

Kat makes Kid vs. Kat for me. He's sly, occasionally vicious, inventive and resourceful. And he's a heck of a lot more fun and sympathetic than that smug annoying Coop. Kat is the only reason I still watch that show.

And, while I don't really care for Jimmy Two Shoes, I do kind of like Heloise. Her cynicism and occasional sadism is balanced out by her secret affection for Jimmy. Makes her kind of interesting. So when I do watch that show (which isn't often) she's the one I really pay attention to.

In a similar vein, Fry is the main reason I watch Futurama. To me, the show's humor is pretty hit-and-miss, and some of the characters - Bender in particular - get on my nerves. But Fry's affection for Leela gave the show the human element it otherwise lacked. It'll be interesting to see where the Futurama writers go with that when the new seasons premiere. I feel kind of sorry for them, actually...unrequited love is a tough storyline to navigate, and making a mistake can often sink a show. I wish them luck...
 
Can we say the same thing, people already said?

Edd/Ed from Ed, Edd n Eddy-They both made the show. Eddy was great too but some times he annoyed with his thrashing on them. Edd had his great sacastic humor and character development. Ed had his crazy stupid humor, together they were brilliant and the show just I feel wouldn't be the same without them.

Shaggy from Scooby-Doo-I agree with you Shaggy just gave so much to the series. He's my favorite, makes me laugh each time. I also love his friendship with Scooby, its adorable.

Stewie from Family Guy-He's just so different from any character I've known, evil one moment than gay the next. He's a genius yet he also knows what women wantXD I really don't think Family Guy would ever be that great without there talking baby.

Ickis from Aahh Real Monsters-Main character yes, but he also adds so much humor to the show. He also lets us gets into a great deal of trouble, is my favorite character on the show. Has a soft side for humans, we saw that a few times. I think it'd be horrible without him.

Carl from As Told by Ginger-Is the main humor of the show, lets us have a break from the teen drama going on in Gingers life. Also has a bit adventurous story than Gingers. I think many fans of the show would have to agree with me in saying it'd be horrible without him :p

I can't say about Animaniacs cuz I loved all the characters in that show, however I will say this if it weren't for Yakko we'd have no adult humor. Than there's Plucky from Tiny Toons, who I feels adds humor to the show, no him it wouldn't be as funny.
 
Agree with many familiar examples here (Shaggy, Cartman, Kevin Levin) Here's my list of characters that brighten up mediocre shows:

Mozenrath and Sadira from Aladdin: These were the two coolest and most enjoyable antagonists on the show. And I don't care what Mozenrath backlashers say; there was never a dull episode with him in it.

The Saint Shields from Beyblade V-Force: I was rooting for those guys the whole time. The other two Beyblade series' were never as enjoyable due to them not being included.

Vlad Masters from Danny Phantom: Hands down the most interesting character in the show and a great arch enemy who totally deserved better than what he ended up with. Props to Martin Mull for voicing him with such depth and charisma.

The Villains of Digimon Frontier: This was the weakest Digimon series ever but it had some of the coolest villains. And I'm referring specifically to Cherubimon, his evil legendary warriors, and Lucemon. Not the Royal Knights. They sucked.

Alice/Masquerade from Bakugan: The only cool character in an anime filled with trite cliches.

Dib from Invader ZIM: The concept of Zim's "invasion" was interesting but Dib made it so much more enjoyable. I like how he thinks he's the only sane guy because he knows Zim's an alien, when he's really just as nuts as everyone else.

Captain Gantu and 625 from Lilo and Stich the series: Their interactions were usually funnier and more enjoyable than the rather obnoxious heroes of the show.

Sakura from Naruto: The normal one on her team, without an inner demon or stupid sharingan eye. She was very well developed too.

Doctor Doofenshmirtz and Perry the Platypus from Phineas and Ferb: No character on the show is truly unlikable (with maybe the exception of Jeremie's evil brat of a little sister) but I'm in the camp that thinks Doofenshmirtz and Perry's ridiculous antics are the most amusing part of the show.

Team Rocket used to be this in Pokemon but they wore really, really thin by Advanced Generation. May made the show from there but now that she's gone, there's no one else who can. (Except sometimes Zoey and sometimes Team Galactic come close)

Aku from Samurai Jack: The most memorable part of the show for me. Mako's voicework sold the character.

Stewie Griffin from Family Guy: Like Team Rocket, he used to be until he went from evil gay baby to just plain stereotypically gay baby.

Prince Lotor from Voltron: His "villainous" voice was so cheesy it was hilarious!

Will, Caleb, Matt, and Nerissa from Witch: The only characters who really stood out for me. Hay Lin was cute though.

Dr. Crowler, Alexis, and Chazz from Yu-gi-oh GX: I'm fond of some other characters like Blaire and Professor Banner, but these three in particular always kept me interested and entertained in that mediocre spinoff.

Sherry and Brago from Zatch Bell: They didn't show up to much, but they always made an impact because their quest was more compelling then the main character's.
 
Let's see... well a lot mentioned are main characters and imo you may as well write the main cast of every show if that's what you're gunna aim at, so i'll aim at characters who are supporting rather than main characters.

Daria from Daria

I think the show would have just not been the...

you see what i mean?

Hmm let's see now...

Mr Burns and many other supporting characters make The Simpsons a worthier show, for limiting it to the family would limit it's worthiness terribly.

The same would go for many shows.

I suppose... i dunno... Well i can't think of anything else much
 
Stewie & Brian (Family Guy) - In the rare ocassion that I actually tune into Family Guy, it'll be for them and them alone. They're a great mismatched duo like Ernie & Bert.

Edd (Ed, Edd & Eddy) - A perfect viewer surrogate for the criminal mischief and insanity of the show. Everything would fall flat without him providing a quasi-sane perspective.

Frankie (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends) - Just like Double-D, she's kind-of a surrogate for older viewers. She's like a microcosm of the main imaginary characters: usually kind-hearted like Wilt/Eduardo yet can also be as strict as Mr. Herriman or as mischievous as Bloo... which is why I find her to be much more interesting and entertaining to watch than most of the imaginary friends and their one-note personalities.

V.V. Argost (The Secret Saturdays) - Just about everyone on TSS is solidly characterized and performed; however, the overarching story and conflict of the Kur arc wouldn't be anywhere near as effective without a villain as sadistically brilliant as him.
 
Just thought of another one: Cobra Commander. I don't like G.I Joe, i find it boring and just to stupid, even by 80's cartoon standards, but what little enjoyment i can get out of an episode of it virtually always comes from the cowardly Commander. He's kinda like a typical wimpy, twitchy, neurotic, comedic villain-sidekick, only that he is actually in a position of power. He single handedly makes a bad show out of what would without him have been a just plain unwatchable show.
 
Patrick in Spongebob, he gave it the funny edge it needed to become a 10 year show

Cosmo in FOP, without him, the comedy would be lost

Cartman in Southpark, as well as Mr./Ms. Garison. Chef fell into this, but as it seems, he didn't make the show.

All I can come up with now, will try to come up with more.

EDIT: Seems I was late, I have more.

Kaiba from Yugioh, his antics got the best of the show
 
Back
Top