My Three Characters
A while ago, a challenge popped up on my social media channels. It called for people to describe themselves in three fictional characters. I took part in the challenge because I thought it was a very interesting way for people to look introspectively at themselves. It’s not possible to wholly identify with one character. Fictional characters are meant to be over the top exaggerations. Although they have human emotions (Panda and his bros are treated like humans within their respective universe), their actions and choices are limited to their respective universes and storylines. I liked that I could look at myself and see how that character has shaped me and my personality and what parts of me they embody.
Daria Morgendorffer from MTV’s “Daria”
“Daria” is my favorite TV show of all time, bar none. I recall watching it with my older sister on weeknights and having to run upstairs so that we wouldn’t get caught by our parents staying up late when they arrived home from work. I was about 9 or 10 years old at the time “Daria” was on the air, so I didn’t understand sarcasm just yet. But I guess it worked subliminally because I grew up with a pretty sarcastic sense of humor. I’ve always had a dry sense of wit, I’ve always felt that I was somehow placed in the wrong era, and I’ve always been highly observant of my surroundings.
Panda from Cartoon Network's “We Bare Bears”
To explain my more caring side, I see a lot of myself in Pan Pan. Like Pan Pan, I have an attachment to my phone (yes, I’m aware of this vice), I love food, and I care deeply for my friends and family. Also like Pan Pan, I just want someone to love me for who I am. Pan Pan relates a little to my personal insecurities. For the most part, I am loud and outspoken about my thoughts and emotions. But at the end of the day, I do long to make a genuine connection. Plus, we also share a love for getting lost in our own thoughts and sick dance moves.
Jenny MacArthur from FX’s “The League”
If there is any character who embodies my strong personality, it’s Jenny Macarthur. Brash, loud, and a potty mouth, but yet still carries feminine traits. Although I’m not a big sports fan, I’m still the kind of girl that gets along with the boys. Like Jenny, I’m unapologetic about speaking my mind and I will work fervently to get what I want. The only thing I don’t share is her extreme selfishness. But she’s written that way because everyone else on the show is just as selfish, if not more.
A very honorable mention:
Tom Haverford from NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”
Things I share with Tom? My social media dependency, my foodie nature, my affinity for thinking of random business ideas, and a love for 90s R&B. Yes, Tom, I agree that not loving 90s R&B is on my “oh no no” list as well” And with that ‘TREAT YO SELF’