Cartoons are beloved for its animation and enchanting elements of storytelling, but the biggest factor or appeal that certain shows possess are their colorful and wonderful characters. A viewer wants to be able to get behind the protagonist and hate the antagonist or antagonists, but what really sets a cartoon apart from other shows are their minor characters. The minor character can act as a separate viewpoint of the story, or of the major or re-occurring characters. They may also act as an ulterior method of progressing the story, but what truly sucks in fans into a program are the minor characters who can act as a comic relief. These characters excite fans when they are featured in episodes and keep them wanting more. In my opinion, these are five of the funniest, and most beloved, minor characters in modern cartoons, with some evidence to back it up.
1. Fred – “Spongebob Squarepants”
Much like the Wilhelm scream, "My Leg!" has become incredibly popular and has been seen as a running gag in "SpongeBob." I am certain you’ve heard this quote before, but I am also sure not everyone is aware that that fish has a name, and his name is Fred. Fred’s famous line comes about when there seems to be some sort of commotion occurring in Bikini Bottom, or mass chaos, and it cracks us up every time. The massive popularity of this line started a cult following, and earned this minor character a name, and what a more beautiful name to give an adored character than Fred. Maybe one day there will be an episode dedicated to Fred, and maybe that will be the day when “Spongebob” is good again (subtle jab).
2. Gunter – “Adventure Time”
Gunter, Gunther, Goonter, Ganter, you know, the silly little penguin. Gunter subsidizes Ice King’s insanity making him more loveable, which is what a minor character does best. However, Gunter has evolved from just the passing “wonkining” penguin to a character who has made a major impact within the show. Gunter walks a fine line between a minor and major character, due to his (or her?) actions being the focus of a variety of episodes. Nonetheless, Gunter has entered our hearts and delights us every time with his (I am genuinely unsure about Gunter’s gender) presence due to the angst, cuteness and random bottle breaking that has become synonymous with Gunter.
3. The Box Ghost – “Danny Phantom”
“I am the Box Ghost…Beware!” The Box Ghost is the greatest thing about Danny Phantom and does not get the recognition he deserves. The Box Ghost is, as his name depicts, is a ghost, that manipulates boxes…yeah, that’s dope. The Box Ghost is a minor villain that Danny reluctantly fights, due to his insignificance, but the Box Ghost is most significant in the eyes of Danny Phantom fans. Just mentioning his name causes giggles, especially with that wonderfully ridiculous voice of his, and you know it is a good episode when The Box Ghost is featured. If the Box Ghost were the main villain of “Danny Phantom,” I bet big money that “Danny Phantom” would have never been cancelled.
4. Sour Cream – “Steven Universe”
“Steven Universe,” arguably, has some of the best characters out of all modern cartoons. Garnet, Lapus Lazuli, Pearl, Amethyst, Sadie, Lars, Peridot, Steven, Rose, Greg, Lion, Jasper, and Connie are all amazing and realistic characters often explored in “Steven Universe,” but the real stars of the show are the minor characters and members of Beach City. These beauties include, but are not limited to, Kofi, Buck, Jenny, Mr. Smiley, but no one is as magnetic as Sour Cream. “Meh,” “I can totally rave to this,” and “Let him be a DJ,” are lines that should be given to a main character, but the writers and Rebecca Sugar understood that they had to be given to best character, Sour Cream. He may have a small role in “Steven Universe,” but his role in the show is increasing as one episode revolved around Sour Cream. What makes Sour Cream so likeable is his laid-back demeanor, his pursuit of being a sweet DJ, the way he makes you want to be his best friend, and subtle humor in his mannerisms and brilliant delivery of his lines in enthusiastic monotone. Basically, if “Steven Universe,” for whatever reason, became “Sour Cream Universe,” I could totally rave to that.
5. Dinkleberg – “The Fairly Odd Parents”
Timmy's dad's mortal enemy, for reasons no one knows, Dinkleberg. Timmy's dad is always trying to one-up Dinkleberg in everything imaginable such as having the worst yard to the most fruitful yard, Timmy's dad wants no mercy, and it's hysterical. Dinkleberg is a kind, benevolent, and seemingly-well off neighbor to the Turners who actively wants to be friends with Timmy's dad and just loves being alive. Dinkleberg is the embodiment of mindfulness and going with the flow (even with such short screen time), and is who Timmy's dad wants to be. What makes Dinkleberg not only funny, but a household name is the hatred Timmy's dad has for him. It's somewhat understandable, due to Timmy's dad's envy towards Dinkleberg's successes, but it is just down right comical to see Timmy's dad go through so much fuss just to be beat Dinkleberg at something only to be defeated, nonchalantly. Not to mention the way he says "Dinkleberg" with the most frustration and hatred that one can seemingly have for someone makes it all the more funnier.
