Generic character
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Generic characters are interchangeable characters, appearing mostly in animated shows or comic strips. They often reappear at different times with different jobs, or are seen in the background. Animation or comic strip artists, when in need of a character who furthers the story without becoming part of it, often use an existing character from their repertoire instead of inventing a new one. Generics can be considered to be similar to gag characters, but might stay longer. Here is a list of some generic characters.
Animated shows: The Simpsons
- A man with a bald forehead, bushy mustache, and accent similar to Charles Bronson. He appears in many episodes with different jobs (e.g. toy salesman, promoter at Noiseland Video Arcade)
- 'Yes'man. A person with a big chin who always emits an obnoxious and long 'Yeeesss'. He first appeared in Mayored to the Mob. Reported sightings include one in Brazil, but he spoke with a Portuguese yes, 'Acieeen'.
- Big Rich Texan. This person carries many traits of Texas stereotypes and is known to blast his gun at inappropriate times.
- Lindsay Nagle. A woman with many jobs and beliefs. Included on this list because she keeps resurfacing with different hairstyles.
- Barflies at Moe's Tavern. One is bald, one has glasses, and in early episodes, one is a woman.
- Spotty-faced teen. Seen doing a number of different McJobs in the food service industry. Usually asking for supervisory assistance.
Other animated shows
- Man with glasses on King of the Hill. He appeared twice, first in the pilot episode, & when Strickland Propane hired a marijuana addict.
- Man in Garfield episodes. He had many jobs too, and as Garfield pointed out once, "Are you the guy who keeps having different jobs every episode?"
- Red Heiny. A character with a demon appearance & a gigantic posterior that is in Cow & Chicken & I am Weasel. He has many occupations as well as different names (Red Butt, Red Guy, Heiny Man, etc.)
- Rancid Rabbit, an antagonist to CatDog, who has a different job in each episode, such as a sponge salesman, restaurant owner or President of the United States.
Comic strips
- Ted in Dilbert. Lack of talent was how Scott Adams explains making generic copies of him.
- Woman in Cathy. She has a tendency to keep appearing in many department stores.
- Kids in the classroom in Peanuts. No explanation, just added to the background.
- Meeker and Snerd on Bobby's World
See also