Today at work, I somehow began thinking on the topic of the use of archetypes in cartoons. Wondering how it could be applied to current television, I reached the conclusion that two of the more popular shows from Lauren Faust's background, "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" and "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" draw from almost identical archetypal models.
I assume that everyone here has at least a basic knowledge of MLP, but just in case Foster's is less known of, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster%27s_home_for_imaginary_friends
The characters:
Both characters begin their respective adventures by leaving their comfort zones, and finding a new home. For Twilight, it's moving to a new town. For Mac, it's the transfer of his best friend to a new home. Both tend to be more reserved, acting as a voice of reason for their counterparts.
Both Spike and Bloo are meant to serve as something of a characterization of the audience. (Well, Bloo was, at first, anyway.) Spike chimes in with observations and comic relief whenever things get too cheesy. The first time we see Foster's, it's through Bloo's eyes. Both are also 'created' by the protagonists.
Both characters are incredibly honest, selfless, and refuse to be an inconvenience to others. Both are the first to be met by the protagonist, and both remain loyal friends.
Pinkie and Goo are both, well... insane, and most likely suffering from ADHD.
What does Fluttershy have in common with a giant, horned, purple monster? Everything.
Both are terrified of everything, are shy to the point of not talking to the protagonist upon their first meeting, and have a fondness for small animals. Both also have a hidden inner strength, as shown in Fluttershy's standing up to the dragon, and Eduardo's fighting Extremosauruses.
Frankie and Rainbow Dash are both endlessly loyal to their respective groups. They also share a similar attitude of irreverence.
Admittedly, this one is a bit of a stretch. Rarity and Herriman are both the 'cultured' characters within their circles. They both seem frequently confused by the actions of their less sophisticated peers, but are generally good natured.
While Madame Foster is considerably more... crazy than Celestia, both share a common trait with the protagonist, (imagination and magic, respectively, and have taken the task of helping the protagonist grow in said trait.
There's probably more I'm missing, but I've done enough image searching for one evening. Some of the fanart was... unsettling. The connections between the two shows don't make me love either any less. They're still both unique and creative.
So anywho, what are your thoughts on the similarities in characters? Are there any more I missed? What other shows have you noticed similarities in?
EDIT: Also, how could I forget?
Mostly, I just wanted to acknowledge Cheese. I don't know, maybe he's Discord?
I also forgot:
I assume that everyone here has at least a basic knowledge of MLP, but just in case Foster's is less known of, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster%27s_home_for_imaginary_friends
The characters:
Both characters begin their respective adventures by leaving their comfort zones, and finding a new home. For Twilight, it's moving to a new town. For Mac, it's the transfer of his best friend to a new home. Both tend to be more reserved, acting as a voice of reason for their counterparts.
Both Spike and Bloo are meant to serve as something of a characterization of the audience. (Well, Bloo was, at first, anyway.) Spike chimes in with observations and comic relief whenever things get too cheesy. The first time we see Foster's, it's through Bloo's eyes. Both are also 'created' by the protagonists.
Both characters are incredibly honest, selfless, and refuse to be an inconvenience to others. Both are the first to be met by the protagonist, and both remain loyal friends.
Pinkie and Goo are both, well... insane, and most likely suffering from ADHD.
What does Fluttershy have in common with a giant, horned, purple monster? Everything.
Both are terrified of everything, are shy to the point of not talking to the protagonist upon their first meeting, and have a fondness for small animals. Both also have a hidden inner strength, as shown in Fluttershy's standing up to the dragon, and Eduardo's fighting Extremosauruses.
Frankie and Rainbow Dash are both endlessly loyal to their respective groups. They also share a similar attitude of irreverence.
Admittedly, this one is a bit of a stretch. Rarity and Herriman are both the 'cultured' characters within their circles. They both seem frequently confused by the actions of their less sophisticated peers, but are generally good natured.
While Madame Foster is considerably more... crazy than Celestia, both share a common trait with the protagonist, (imagination and magic, respectively, and have taken the task of helping the protagonist grow in said trait.
There's probably more I'm missing, but I've done enough image searching for one evening. Some of the fanart was... unsettling. The connections between the two shows don't make me love either any less. They're still both unique and creative.
So anywho, what are your thoughts on the similarities in characters? Are there any more I missed? What other shows have you noticed similarities in?
EDIT: Also, how could I forget?
Mostly, I just wanted to acknowledge Cheese. I don't know, maybe he's Discord?
I also forgot:
[http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/_img/chars/char_3958.jpg]
[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkEuc5NJScY/TmvlJhNzYQI/AAAAAAAALQ4/D_Z9IxXXWQ0/s1600/PrincessLuna2_tropicalsunset.jpg]
Although, Luna is actually redeemed, and Terrance is 'a big jerk' for the entire series.
[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkEuc5NJScY/TmvlJhNzYQI/AAAAAAAALQ4/D_Z9IxXXWQ0/s1600/PrincessLuna2_tropicalsunset.jpg]
Although, Luna is actually redeemed, and Terrance is 'a big jerk' for the entire series.
