Smart vs Dumb Main Characters?

P

Prudence

New member
One thing I've noticed in recent times in both TV and movie cartoons is that there's been an increase of dumb main characters. For example, Chowder and Johnny Test from their respective shows. Both shows have been fairly successful.

Yet there's been numerous shows with smart main characters, such as Phineas and Ferb, Jimmy Neutron, and so on. Again, both shows are successful.

I am personally neutral, since I believe it's all in the execution of such characters, since I have enjoyed shows that have both types of main characters. You can make a decent show about a dumb character or a smart character if you know what you're doing, but you can screw up big time.

I think the kids wouldn't really care any way since both types of main characters have made fairly decent shows.

Which do you believe would have more entertaintment value to the kids? Which do you guys perfer?
 
I often admire cartoons' protagonists who are intelligent and literally get down to business. Therefore I lean toward shows featuring main characters demonstrating class and responsibility without deliberately getting into trouble.

I don't mind children (or myself even) watching cartoon characters intentionally getting into mischief. As long those kids don't mimic, they can go ahead and enjoy the entertainment.
 
When it comes to action/drama/serious shows, definitely intelligent protagonists.

But when it's humor, it's a different story. :) For instance, Homer is not the brightest fellow, but he's really funny but also lovable. The difference between him and Peter Griffin is that Homer actually has redeemable traits, and thus likable.
 
I don't know which kind I like more. Jimmy Neutron was a fun main character and so was Dexter from Dexter's Labratory. I love Homer's character from The Simpsons, who of course is not the brightest bulb in the show. I think I'm mixed here :p
 
I tend to gravitate towards abnormally smart characters (I love cartoon geniuses), but comically dumb characters can have a certain entertainment value also. I'm also a fan of Disney's Goofy. After all, it takes someone smart to successfully write for dumb characters.
 
Mostly smart protagonists.

For dumb protagonists I like them if they aren't stupid for their age. Like A.E Sheen from Jimmy Neutron.

But for like Peter Griffin he should be smart but isn't and it makes it more humorous.
 
I like them both when done well, but when it comes to leads, I think smart character tend to do better. Dumb, goofy characters seem to make better best friends/sidekicks. But really, it depends on the individual show and characters.
 
I prefer smart main characters. I don't mind dumb characters as long as they're not aggressively mean or obnoxious (examples of M and O: Fanboy and Chum Chum, Cosmo, Peter Griffin). Homer Simpson isn't in that crowd because he's basically goodhearted, same with Fry (from Futurama).
 
That's a cute avatar you got there, Silverstar. :anime:

Anyway, I think that both kinds of characters can work well, depending on the genre of the show. I say that smart characters work better in serious shows, while dumb characters work better in humorous shows.

I also think that characters that aren't dumb, but aren't smart either, can also work. For example, Momoko Hanasaki from Wedding Peach is ditsy, but I wouldn't consider her to be dumb, even though her grades in school aren't all that great. While she isn't good at studying, she is great at photography, since one of the pictures that she took for her school paper won an award.
 
To me, writing for stupid characters is far easier than writing for smart characters. (Meaning that the FOP writers have the easiest blanking job on the planet, but I digress.) However, it's best to put yourself in the mindset of the audience; ask yourself, 'Will I be annoyed by what the characters do?'.

I'm not saying that the characters should be geniuses, but they should have some common sense.
 
I have no problem with stupid protagonists if they're endearing. If they're overtly grating or obnoxious (i.e. Billy from Billy and Mandy), then that becomes a problem.
 
Back
Top