The Characters Of "The Simpsons"
This is our descriptions of the Simpsons themselves and assorted townspeople of Springfield, the town the Simpsons live in. Rather than giving you a list of random statistics, employment, and the like, there are just some short paragraphs talking about who they are, what they like, and how they live their life. Also check out the left sidebar for the Springfield Rolodex, which has a bunch more character profiles. Enjoy.Family Biographies
Homer Simpson
Homer Jay Simpson is a man who can best be described as overacheiving. For a man with no real intellectual, athletic, logical, social, or any other kind of skills, he has done much, including having three succesful kids, a loving wife, and a steady job as the safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. He is a man who has lived his life to the fullest, having many adventures in his 36 years, and holding numerous occupations. Stints as an astronaut, baseball mascot, alchoholic drink developer, heavyweight boxer, and the cannon-in-the-chest guy on a traveling freak show are just scratching the surface of his broad resume. As well, Homer is known to get in many zany adventures, taking him to far away places (and in some cases, times), but he always seems to end up where he started, back in Springfield, USA.
Marge Simpson
Marge Simpson is the glue that holds the Simpsons together. Without her constant cleaning, scrubbing, mopping, and gentle nagging the family would fall apart. Marge is always there to keep her husband in check, motivate Bart, cheer up Lisa, or just keep Maggie satisified. Marge's many duties often go unnoticed, but on occaision she has been known to take up a cuase or job and stick to it through the end. Examples of this include her stand against cartoon violence, her brief stint as real estate agent, and her short-lived career as a cop. Marge can always be trusted on to make the most ethical of decisions. While she sometimes slips into the background, Marge is still an ever-present force in the Simpsons world, ready to catapult into the spotlight whenever she is needed.
Bart Simpson
Bart Simpson is, first and foremost, a rebel. He is well-known across town as a troublemaker, calling in prank calls, beheading priceless statues, working in burlesque houses, and seemingly always, in the middle of a boiling controversy. He was even the cause of a city-wide riot, when a Do-What-You-Feel Festival in his name erupted into violence. But Bart, the classic misfit, is also known as a boy with a caring heart, showing genuine remorse for most of his misdeeds. Bart will probably never be tamed of his wild habits, but there are times when he stops his antics long enough to make a difference in the world, especially when coming to the rescue of a certain Jewish clown. Yes, Bart is a troublemaker, but in the words of his mother, Marge, he's a "special little guy".
Lisa Simpson
Lisa Simpson is not your average second-grader. A straight A student, a brilliant saxophonist, and an amateur philosopher, she is full of great thoughts and talents. Though her ethics, dignity, and sophistication make her a bit out of place in the Simpson clan, she still has her role, supplying the moral fiber of the family. Although sometimes self-conscious about being unpopular, she is always happy with herself, and chances abound for her to contribute to the world. She is always the unceasing moral center of her corrupt town of Springfield, expressing her distaste at various crude activites that her fellow citizens participate in. In fact, because of this, she always seems to be the outcast in everything she does, but with time in MENSA, her fallback option of dating Milhouse, and her positive ties to the bullies of the schoolyard, you cannot help but think Lisa will succeed in her future.
Maggie Simpson
Maggie Simpson is a silent staple in the Simpsons family. She is always seen with the family, never speaking, but always secretly thinking. She has proven to be very resourceful, leading infant rebellions, saving her father's life numerous times, bowling a near-perfect game, and being an independent child. She also saved the life of thousands of plants, and the jobs of many weather reporters, by shooting Mr. Burns and forcing his evil scheme to block the sun out to fail. Although she loves the attention of her mother Marge, she has always treasured her father Homer, who has all of her baby photos on the wall of his office. Who knows what kind of girl Maggie will grow up to be?
Townspeople Biographies
Moe
This surly, two-faced owner of local pub called Moe's Tavern is one of Springfield's most beloved citizens. Although his love-life is (and probably always will be) staggering, Moe has never seemed at all pesimistic toward the world. Except when he's working. Or saying or doing anything. In fact Bart seems to fuel much of that anger toward the world with his prank calls. In these calls he has tricked Moe into announcing to the bar such ridiculous names as: "I. P. Freely," "Hugh Jass," "Amanda Huggenkiss," and many more. Though he doesn't suspect him to be the culprit, Bart has still become the bane of Moe's existence. Moe's had such adventures as: starring in a local soap opera, stealing Homer's idea for a drink called the "Flaming Homer" and renaming it the "Flaming Moe," and starting a family restaurant which in the end, was foiled by his own surliness. But what's in the cards for our ugly, surly, cheap, neighborhood bartender? Only time will tell.
Apu
Apu Nahasheemipetilan is the unique owner of the Springfield branch of Kwik-E-Mart, a convenience store with everything from beer to Skittles to moon pie. Perhaps no other shopkeeper has survived at least 8 gun-shot wounds, has the mental prowess to work 18-hour-plus workshifts, or been the top student in a graduating class of one million. Apu was also the only known Hindu in Springfield until he married his wife Manjula and had eight beautiful babies. Joking and amiable, Apu has many friends, from local man Homer Simpson to fellow Indian Sanjay. Apu also has an entreprenurial side, as evidenced by the short time he turned the Kwik-E-Mart into the Freak-E-Mart, an attraction featuring a frozen man, and a Frito found in a bag of Doritos. Who knows what will happen next to his humble shopkeeper?
Principal Skinner
This principal of Springfield Elementary is a renowned mama's boy. In his free time he enjoys continuously sharpening pencils. Though he's a complete stiff, Principal Skinner has managed to maintian a strong relationship with Edna Krabbapel and loves her almost as much as he loves his mother. But there was once another love in his life. Patty Bouvier was once his one and only woman. But that ended in tragedy when Patty decided that it was getting in the way of her relationship with Selma. But Seymour Skinner's adventures don't just stop there. In the episode "The Principal And The Pauper," it is revealed that this man is not the real Seymour Skinner. His real name is Armin Tamzarian. The real Skinner was Armin's commanding officer in Veitnam. Over the months at war, Skinner taught Armin that his life was worth something. After Skinner supposedly died, Armin came back to Springfield pretending to be Seymour Skinner. In the end of this episode the people of Springfield simply chose Tamzarian over the real Skinner. Though this plot is incredibly weak, the episode was still kind of funny. Well, Skinner may be a stiff, nerdy, strange mama's boy, but according to Superintendant Chalmers, he "steams a good ham."
Chief Wiggum
Chief Clancy Wiggum alone proves the theory that the only intelligent people in Springfield (besides the members of MENSA) are the criminals. The father of the "special" Ralph Wiggum, Wiggum is the mental giant of the Springfield police force. Usually you can see him patrolling around the local donut shop or Kursty Burger. However, he seems pretty well off for someone who has virtually no talent at anything. He has such accomplishments as: using a confession booth as a police trap, catching the beer baron (Homer), and freeing a prison full of convicts for the sole reason of seeing his pee-wee hockey team play. Examples of his intelligence are mixing up the police terms "DOA" (dead on arrival) and "DWI" (driving with intoxication). But can he really be blamed for his own stupitidy? Probably.
Ned Flanders
Well, Ned Flanders is certainly a testament to religion-spurred health. At the tender age of 60, he looks no older than 40, and one over-size Springfield Resident was apparently in awe of him at a ski trip: "... sexy Flanders!". Ned is known for his religious manner, going to church daily, raising his two sons as hard-working and devoted Christians, and helping anyone in need of comfort. He owns the Leftorium, the best left-handed-only store this side of Leftopolis, and is known there for his courteous validations of parking. Ned is known throughout the town as someone who you can always mooch off of, but also as someone to turn to in your hour of need. Recently devastated by the death of his wife, Maude Flanders, Ned has regained his confidence, and has even begun to date again. Whatever religious adventures he gets into next, Ned will always be a shining beacon for Springfield religion.
Mr. Burns
The 104-year-old Mr. Burns is without question the man with the most power of the town of Springfield. He can fire thousands of workers at will, get rid of electricity for the entire city, buy any establishment in the commercial sector, or just nearly screw up a championship bowling team. Mr. Burns manages all this power through the help of his dizzying array of "yes-men" and his personal lap-dog, Waylon Smithers. Although he never remembers it, his life is intertwined with one Homer J. Simpson, from shootings to thefts to labor strikes to the aforementioned bowling team. Mr. Burns has obviously had to be very ruthless on his rise to the top, and he has no real friends, except his money, and, if he should ever want it, the love and devotion of the gay Smithers. Yes, Mr. Burns is an evil, greedy, cruel man, but could there be a kinder soul near his non-beating heart? Not likely.
Krusty the Clown
Krusty the Clown (or Herschel Krustofsky), is Springfield's favorite TV clown and one of their most beloved celebrities. He's come a long way since his job as a street mime in Tupelo, Mississippi. He now has a three hour and ten minute show onchannel 6. On this show there is (in the words of Krusty himself): "the monologue, those iddiot puppets, Krusty's nap time, the second monologue, Paul Harvey, Senor Pepino..." It also includes the most popular cartoon around, "Itchy and Scratchy," and the incomparable "Hobo Parade". But behind his career, Krusty is a kind and loving man. Well...kinda. Actually he's a heavy smoker who's rude, often breaks promises he makes to his fans, and has a serious attitude problem. His misdeeds include: faking his own death, being arrested for tax evasion, being reunited with his estranged father, and running a camp so bad that to make amends he had to take a bus full of school children to Tijuana. Although his show has been cancelled permanently, Krusty will continue to live on as a symbol of laughter in Springfield, and as a guest host for town events and festivals.
Mayor Quimby
Everyone knows that Mayor Quimby is a corrupt politician. Diverting funds for everything from pools to the murder of his enemies, constantly being unfaithful to his wife, drug addictions, and supporting an unfair law against illegal immigrants are just some of the dark splotches on his record. However, what about the man underneath? A efficient speaker, a confident (if morally inept) leader, and a well-trained horserider, Quimby has many skills that have helped him keep his job for twelve-plus years, with the exception of his ill-fated campaign to stop Sideshow Bob from ruling the town (which ended with him being reinstated after Bob was found to cheat). A Kennedy-esque statesman, Diamond Joe may bethoroughly corrupt, but he gives the people of Springfield a firm politician to stand on in times of trouble or in times of needing a political scapegoat. In many ways, Quimby may be the symbol of Springfield: corrupt, but endearing.
Sideshow Bob
A professional clown isn't usually the first person you would think of to be a homicidal maniac, but Sideshow Bob (real name Robert) Terwilliger fits the billing. Ever since his near-successful framing of Krusty The Clown for armed robbery, he has been on a warpath, trying to exact revenge on Bart Simpson (the boy who thrawted his plan) his relatives, the town of Springfield in general, and, of course, Krusty The Clown. While he is comically tall and ganky, with clown-like red hair, Bob is the epitome of dignity, especially with women. Overall, this man seems like the kind of suave, debonair man Springfield would want to have for their mayor, but, sadly, he has already won, and lost after being convicted of election fraud. Although he now has to battle a death penalty on his head, Sideshow Bob will always be an intergral part of Springfield and its history.
Barney Gumble
The town's loveable booze hound is (or should I say was) the one and only Barney Gumble. Up until a couple years ago, he was a regular at Moe's Tavern guzzling down anything he could get his lips on. His past however goes further back than the bar, as his college years were spent with his best bud Homer. Believe it or not, but the Barney of that era was a smart, well mannered guy who had a bright future ahead of him. Once introduced to Duff beer, Barney transformed into the alcoholic belcher we've come to love. His passion for alcohol was put to an abrupt halt after seeing himself while after chugging back a couple drinks. The transformed Barney is now a caring, considerate human being. His new caffeine drinking, airplane flying ways has shown alcoholics everywhere that the bottom of the barrel drunks can turn over a new leaf.
Comic Book Guy
CBG is one of the most known characters on the Simpsons without a name. Does it matter? Not the least bit. Known to the town as Comic Book Guy, CBG, owner of the comic book store, is likely to criticize his peers before patting them on the back. His negative attitude is displayed through his many catch phrases constantly ending in 'ever'. The grown man is still a kid at heart as he enjoys comics, cartoons, and simply playing on his computer for hours on end. Sure he doesn't have a lot of friends, and may not be a figurehead in the Springfield society, but he still manages to dish out the latest Radioactive Man comics. Some might call him the best character ever..
Milhouse
The kind of guy who follows people around trying to fit in best describes Bart's closest pal Milhouse. His behavior can be attributed to his less than perfect childhood. Not long ago, Milhouse was thrust into the movie spotlight to play the role of fallout boy. Things continued to get worse when his father (Kurk) and mother (Louanne) split up. The hard divorce may have gotten to Milhouse, yet he still trucks on trying to lead a balanced life. Weather it be dating a once fellow classmate Jessica, or being run down by the FBI, Milhouse is always around.. He currently is in pursuit of cozying up to his newest love interest Lisa. Sure Milhouse is not looked upon as the coolest or most talked about kid on the playground, but he's defiantly not a geek... since, well, "geeks are smart".
Fat Tony
What would Springfield be without the mafia? Probably not the same. Fat Tony is the leader of his mafia gang, spreading havoc throughout the town. He always manages to creep into people's lives, leaving angered Sprinfieldians on his tail. Throughout his career in Springfield he has managed to supply the school with rat's milk, rid the town of salty snacks, get the school bankrupt, and supply Springfield with beer. His acts have kept the police on their toes, but he always manages to slip through the bars of justice. With an eye for mischief, and a knowledge of wrong doing, Fat Tony is one guy you don't want to mess with.
Nelson
Known around the playground as the school bully, Nelson makes you keep one eye open at all times. Whether it be knocking out fellow classmates' teeth, egging the principals house, or swiping the H off the superintendents Honda, Nelson's presence is felt in more ways then one. His dominant and 'get what he wants' attitude is backed up by his gang consisting of his second hand man Jimbo, along with Kearny and Dolph. Although briefly showing his feminine side with a fling with Lisa, Nelson can't fall too far from his routes as the 'put you in your place' tough guy. Children of Springfield Elementary beware, Nelson and co. could be just around the corner.
Abe aka Grandpa
By his friends and family, Abe Simpson, father of Homer Simpson, is a senile old man. With his marriage left in ruins after his wife had to flee from the FBI in the 60's, Grandpa has spent time on his farm, his son's house, and finally/currently the retirement castle. With not much else to do, Abe enjoys sharing his eventful anecdotes from the past in hope of inspiring the next generation or just put a few more listeners to sleep. With fact mixed up with fiction while recounting the past, Abe's ongoing rants downplay his illustrious army past. Behind the wrinkles and bitching of Abraham Simpson is a seldom noticed war hero who fought for his country. Unwanted most of the time by his family, gets in fights with fellow residents, and whines for hours on end, Grandpa is still a big part of the Simpson family.
Dr. Hibbert
Dr. Hibbert is a major figure in the Springfield community. With Dr. Nick as his only competition, Hibbert receives much, if not all of Springfield's residents. With two kids of his own, he delivers many more each day. The well respected doctor is best known for chuckling mindlessly at the most inappropriate times. As a part of the upper class of Springfield, Dr, Hibbert enjoys a balanced life, a job he cares for, and a one of a kind personality.
Waylon Smithers
So what's the deal with Mr. Smithers? The deal is that he's Mr. Burns assistant. He's single, well natured, and will do just about anything for his boss. Part of the reason SNPP is still up and running is thanks to Smithers who keeps order in the workplace. His unique personality is indeed present, but he really just enjoys regular things; gay bars, Barbie dolls, etc. His "devotion" to his boss may raise a few eyebrows, but his love for his job can cover that up. His work ethic is more than inspiring and as for his personal life, I guess you can say Smithers "way of life" is up to him.
Edna Krabappel
As a key member of the Springfield Elementary staff, Edna is one of those teacher's that acts as if she lost all will to teach long ago. Being the fourth grade teacher, she has the privilege of teaching the unteachable, Bart Simpson. Edna has learned time and time again that when this trouble making Simpson is part of the class, one school year seems more like 14 maybe 15. Throughout her teaching career, Edna has let her love life seep into her workplace more than once. She's made it clear she's desperate for a man, which her class uses to their full advantage. Managing to always pick her self up out of bad situations, Edna has bounced back from a wrecked marriage and shacked up with none other than Seymour Skinner who she is set to marry. A bright road lay ahead of the fourth grade teacher whose adventures in the classroom are only beginning.
Lenny
Lenny is best known for staking out at Moe's Tavern where everybody knows his name. A regular there along with Carl and Homer, Lenny is no stranger to partying down (despite a New Years Eve party where he didn't even have a clock.) His bar buddies are also his colleges at the Nuclear Power Plant and bowling partners down at Bowlarama. Lenny is an all around good friend to have whose easy going lifestyle makes him a unique Springfieldian. Despite being single, he's managed to lead a well balanced life which is constantly on the rise. Once living in empty houses that are up for sale, Lenny currently resides in his own house right next to a adf. Managing a strong yet sometimes awkward relationship with Carl, and having a master's degree, Lenny is a well rounded individual who many are privileged to call a friend.
Jasper
Jasper can be seen lingering about the Retirement Castle, or can be spotted just about anywhere around Springfield. Although to some he can be considered just a 'background' character in the town, the grumpy old man is really much more. Not a big fan of teenagers, walking, (especially fancy walking) or pretty much anyone he lives with, Jasper's negative attitude is still able to shine through. His accomplishments are worthy of recognition ranging from getting a beard stuck in a pencil sharpener, to being shot in his wooden leg. Although most of his past remains unknown, his future as a bitter man is clearer than ever.
Ralph Wiggum
Following in his fathers footsteps, Ralph is a tad under-knowledgeable. He's certainly a unique child with a large imagination, but when it comes to his academic skills, there are a few building blocks missing. His friends are limited but manages to keep a smile on his face through the tough times. Currently a member of the second grade, Ralph has been known to have a crush on fellow classmate Lisa. Possibly being the successor to his father as police chief, Springfield can know their future will be safe with this Wiggum. His high spirit makes up for his difficulty grasping ideas and silly behavior. (Most notably eating paste, worms, and crayons, wetting his pants, and difficulty dressing himself.) Nevertheless, Ralph is a child with goals, and it wouldn't surprise this Simpson fan if he fulfills them, and graduates from Bovine University.
Reverend Lovejoy
Reverend Lovejoy is the religious center of Springfield's Presbyterian community. Even though his will to help was lost long ago, he's still available to lend an ear, and help with fellow Springfieldians' problems. His monotone voice may imply that he doesn't care, but deep down there's someone listening. Husband to a gossipy wife, father to a bratty daughter, and peacemaker to a whole community, Lovejoy has many priorities which he takes pride in. His job entitles him to write inspiring sermons week after week which proves the disciplined character he is. Although he's not the wealthiest man in Springfield he has the power to educate and distribute wisdom, which is really the most prized gift of all.
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