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I have been a fan of the Cartoon Network cartoon 'Adventure Time' for a few years now and anyone who watches the older episodes as well as the newer ones can probably tell that there has been quite a change in the story-telling style over the years. What used to be fairly surreal and nonsensical narratives that led to no real development from episode to episode has now morphed into complex story-telling, where viewers are drip-fed information about each characters own, often intersecting, past lives. Most new revelations also have an effect on the future of the programme and its characters.
This has allowed for a significant amount of character development and, while there were indeed a few complex characters from the start, it now seems that every single one has a story to tell. What I have also noticed is the underlying exploration of morality throughout the programme as many characters exhibit both 'good' and 'bad' traits and have their own complicated reasons for their actions. This is part of the reason why I think it is such a great show for children (and adults) to watch.
Here are a few of my character observations:
Finn the Human
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After finally meeting his father, Martin the Human, when his spaceship crashes in Ooo, Finn realises that his father is not what he felt he should be. It becomes clear that Martin is very selfish and constantly shirks his responsibilities. It seems that the only thing Finn has in common with his father is that they both crave the excitement of adventures.
Finn is extremely disappointed and frustrated that his father never seems to give him the answers he needs about his abandonment, however, Finn helps him on his way whenever their paths cross and seems to come to terms with the fact that Martin will never be the father he wanted him to be.
Finn has his fears and imperfections, but he endeavours to stick by his principles, no matter what. He is also sent into emotional turmoil after the rejection of his feelings towards Princess Bubblegum and his rather messy breakup with Flame Princess, but after giving himself time to heal, he is able to come out of the other side okay.
Jake the Dog
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He is still very imperfect, easily distracted, always hungry, frequently napping and sometimes selfish. He doesn't always come through for his friends as quickly as he should, but he is always supportive in the end.
He also has a slightly shady past, having lived a life of crime with a gang before he got on the straight and narrow. It seems that these experiences informed him a great amount though, and it could be said to make him a lot more qualified to pass on advice, as he has taken part in some very different walks of life during his time.
His relationship with his girlfriend Lady Rainicorn also shows a maturity and complexity to his character. It is mentioned that dogs and Rainicorns have a history of being sworn enemies, often killing each other off in brutal battles. The fact that these two share such a loving relationship (with numerous children) shows that we all possess the potential to get along despite what has happened in the past and our differences.
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Princess Bubblegum
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In the later episodes, her often cold-hearted nature is shown. She is willing to kill for the greater good and has even sacrificed one of her subjects to aid her survival. She has pushed friendship aside when the time calls for it and she has made many mistakes throughout her reign, including going too far with her scientific experimentation.
Though she is not the most open-minded and sweetest of souls, PB (as Finn calls her) can also be fun-loving and caring. Her brutality often seems to stem from her emotional attachments and her fear of letting anyone down.
Marceline the Vampire
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Marceline's highly emotional past is one that started to be revealed to viewers quite early on. Even though she terrifies Finn and Jake initially (and continuously delights in messing with their minds), she is eventually revealed to be a lot kinder and softer that she seems.
Her past as a child companion taken care of by the Ice King (before he is slowly driven mad by the powers bestowed upon him by the magic crown) is always a deeply emotional ride for viewers. Even though the Ice King now has no memory of his time with her, she still addresses him by his real name - Simon - and treats him with affection and a gentle compassion, She finds spending time with the Ice King incredibly difficult and upsetting because of how much he has changed and the fact that he doesn't remember her from before, but she tries to place emphasis on the idea that the real him is still buried within.
Marceline and Princess Bubblegum have also been shown to have a very shaky friendship, the past of which has yet to be revealed. Marceline often feels betrayed and angered when Princess Bubblegum acts as though she is above her. It would appear that PB chose her duty as ruler over her friendship with Marceline.
Much like Finn, Marceline also has a very unstable relationship with her father and it has been briefly hinted that her mother has died a long time ago.
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At first glance, 'Adventure Time' is full of silly and surreal ridiculousness (which, to an extent, it really is), but look just a little deeper and you will find a lot of important messages within.
Life is hard and sometimes unfair, we all have problems and are very different from one another. Absolutely no one is perfect and sometimes we feel upset and disappointed. However, this doesn't mean that we can't find happiness in life and stick by who we are no matter what. I think that 'Adventure Time' illustrates these ideas perfectly and continues to portray the complexities of life and everything in it.
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Also, if there is one episode of 'Adventure Time' you ever watch, I recommend 'Thank You'. (Season 3, Episode 17)
It's so lovely!
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