'The Simpsons' Characters

Homer Simpson is my favorite character, as he is for most of the world. His greed is often foiled by his stupidity. His schemes are often saved by the big heart he has for his family. And his perception of himself and the world is just hysterical. I miss the innocent Homer of seasons past, though. I hope his "prank monkey" business will end soon.

• Learn more about Homer Simpson.

Bart is the id in all of us. He's a prankster, a smart-mouth and a vandal. Yet he can show great compassion and tenderness for his family. I love his schemes, such as singing "In the Garden of Evil" in church. Above all, he's just a kid.

• Learn more about Bart Simpson.

Lisa Simpson's sharp wit and sly observations of her own family crack me up every time. Perhaps I also relate to her cursed over-achieverness and desire to fit in. Because she's so straight-laced, when we discover quirks, like her love of Corey, it's even funnier.

• Learn more about Lisa Simpson.

Marge Simpson is easy to recognize in her green, strapless dress and piled-high blue hair. She's more than a mom, opening her own businesses or standing up for her beliefs.

• Learn more about Marge Simpson.

Maggie Simpson is more than just an accessory in the Simpson family. The mystery around her first words were solved when Elizabeth Taylor famously voice her saying, "Daddy" in "Lisa's First Word."

• Learn more about Maggie Simpson.

Old people baffle me and Grampa Simpson is the perfect stereotypical old person to me. He can't remember what he did yesterday, but he'll tell you his war stories over and over. He's proud and pathetic at the same time. His teeth can be used in many ways. Best of all, he's there when his family needs him, for instance, in "The Flying Hellfish."

• Take a trivia quiz about Grampa Simpson.

Mr. Burns is best when he's evil. My favorite thing about Mr. Burns is his complete ignorance of Homer Simpson ("Who is that young go-getter, Smithers?"), though he has partnered with him for many ventures and adventures. Some of my favorite Burnsy episodes are "Mountain of Madness," "Homer the Smithers," "Burns Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk" and "Rosebud."

In reality, no children's television clown with Krusty's personality would be on the air. (Paul Reubens, anyone?) But in the world of Springfield, we can love the irony that a smoking, boozing, womanizing clown with mob ties hosts a children's TV show. He's made several comebacks, with the help of Bart and Lisa. "Send in the clowns," indeed.

• Take the trivia quiz about Krusty the Clown.

Apu seems to always have a quip ready at the counter of his Kwik E Mart. He cleverly gauges Springfield citizens with his prices. His patient explanations of Hinduism to Homer tickle me silly. He's got a killer singing voice, as proven in "A Streetcar Named Marge."

• Learn more about Apu.