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D’oh, TV characters go larger than life

After beating characters like Harry Potter and vampire slayer Buffy, Homer Simpson has been named the greatest character created for television and film. Speak Up probes what makes the cool character click with the audience

D’oh, TV characters go larger than life

His unique traits connect well
The Simpsons are commercially viable and have been a great attraction over the years. Personally though, they are not my favourite characters, but they click because the topics are always relevant and contemporary. Using similar themes is South Park, which I like more for its humour. As for the best character, so far, has been Shrek. The design and the body language have been studied well and adapted to the storyline. Characters have been given human tendencies. Shrek plays the role of underdog and therefore we all root for him and he has become a hero in the eyes of the audience. As for the character clicking with people, it is a question of how well the audience connects emotionally with the character. Most people like to see noble characteristics and situations that are not common in real life, but are the ideal scenario. Like Pixar uses animal characters in their movies, but they connect with very real human feelings.
Somil Gupta, CEO, Planet41,  Mobi-Ventures Limited

Who doesn’t like the funny man?
I’m a big fan of Homer Simpson. While I like the character, I also like the whole Simpson family. They are the funniest and the  craziest characters I have ever seen. Eventhough it is an American show on some local theme, but the story is universal. The episode is dotted with day-to-day happenings in our surroundings. The way, Homer responds to the current situation is quite cool to watch. I keep on laughing till Homer is on the screen. Most children react in the same fashion, when he cracks a joke. Moreover the end of the episode is always happy in nature. I'm actually addicted to the Simpsons show. I have also seen all the movies of the comic genre. According to me, no other character or television show or cartoon film can replace the Simpsons family in the matter of entertainment. The show is going on successfully for two decades with this dysfunctional family. And is proof enough to show how much people love it. People from different age-groups, backgrounds can relate to the characters of the show.
Tanay Chheda, child actor

Credit goes to creator and dialogue writer
There have been many iconic characters on TV like Mickey Mouse and Richie Rich, but Homer Simpson stand out for his modesty and childlike exuberance. Of course the true credit goes to the creator of the character and storywriter who tirelessly work towards producing rib-tickling episodes, which works in cementing the character’s link with the audience.       
 Akshay Mainkar, student

Tom and Jerry are the best, they appeal to all
No doubt, Simpsons is a popular show and Homer is one of the favourite characters. I don’t think he deserves to be the greatest character. Characters which deserve this title are Tom and Jerry. They are very popular and have been enthralling us for ages now. A popular character only remains in the mind of viewers as long as they enjoy what they watch.           
 Akshita Singh, student

Sarcasm and wittiness endear him to all
He is definitely one of the best, but not the greatest. The whacky and crazy humour coupled with the sarcasm and wittiness is a great combination which makes his character funny and lovable. My favourite character is Garfield as his lies in the fact that he is very human. A character needs to relate to the audience, may it be kids, youngsters or senior citizens.     —Ashish M, student

He’s a family man with unconventional twist
Homer has survived this long journey and made it to the top because we all have a “Homer Simpson” inside everyone of us. He is the funniest, coolest and the best family man in an unconventional manner. What makes a character click is how we identify with the roles that they portray or sometimes, it’s who we want to be and therefore they appeal to us.       
Vanessa Pereira, manager

Oddballs usually get a lot of attention
People mostly like characters which are quite eccentric and yet ordinary and unique in their own way.  Common characteristics are something that people can relate to. Homer really qualifies for the title as he has both qualities. I like is Joey from Friends series. He appeals to both, men and women of different age groups.    
Parth Mistry, social media exec

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