Mane Six Personality Project

[Fractured 2,684]

Can you describe what makes the Mane Six( and Spike) special? And before we bring up the elements, because yes, they're important, let’s talk about those for a second.

 

We know that the traits of the elements are a part of them. They were given to them because they exemplify that idea better than any other pony in Equestria. But the Mane Six are far more than the sum of their fancy jewelry. Applejack’s honest, true, but she’s also down to Earth, dependable, and bit of a stubborn ass at times; Rainbow Dash is loyal, but she’s also incredibly proud and hot-headed, and she struggles with insecurities about herself, etc. This should be obvious, but it’s all of these things that go to making them complete characters, not just what they happen to do best.

 

So, for this project, can you describe to me some of the Mane Six’s character traits and defining features? You can do one, or try all of them if you want. I'm planning to build a list here to keep track, since I think others will appreciate this too( quite a bit of arguing happens over character traits). if I get good enough responses, I may even break into other characters at a later time.

 

Spike:

 

Twilight Sparkle:

 

The exalted leader of the Mane Six, though Ponyville’s reigning princess would probably be too modest too admit it.

 

Twilight Sparkle started off as an absolute introvert, always the one willing to put things such as parties and friends on the backburner if there was studying or work to do. Being Celestia’s personal protégé, there was certainly pretty of both. Not that she found this a bad thing; she just found more joy in books, tests, and things of that nature. Learning was everything.

 

This changed, albeit slowly, when Twilight Sparkle moved to Ponyville at the request of Princess Celestia. When she met the Mane Six, she changed. She became more social, caring, and understanding of others. She was willing to spend more time with those around her, though she never gave up on trying to learn and understand. Even now, when she’s not with the rest of the Mane Six, Spike, or someone else, Ponyville’s newest Princess will (would) probably be at the (ex) library, conducting experiments or just reading a good book.

 

Fluttershy:

 

Rainbow Dash:

 

Pinkie Pie:

 

Rarity:

 

Applejack:

Edited March 11, 2015 by Shimmer5000

[Thespian 78]

Spike: 

 

Twilight Sparkle: 

 

Fluttershy: 

 

Rainbow Dash: 

 

Pinkie Pie: 

 

Rarity: 

 

Applejack: Caring. She is always looking out for the best for people, the group, and everyone in general.

This is really hard for some reason. If I think of anything ill add on to this post.

[Buck Testa 5,505]

*cracks knuckles* 

 

Spike: Spike is a being that is attempting to live in two different worlds but is unable to fully experience the joys of either. As a Dragon, it is dictated by his biology that the only way for him to grow and develop is if he practices greed and selfishness, something his own personality is diametrically opposed to. He is selfless and seeks to emulate the personalities of the ones he loves, which are ponies. However a Pony mindset in a dragon body has essentially prevented him from growing any bigger than a baby dragon. He is in love with Ponies, he lives among ponies, but he will never be a pony. He cannot fully experience being a dragon either until he relinquishes his desire to be with twilight and the others, something he possibly would never bring himself to do. His life is largely shrouded in mystery, his body is intimately connected with Princess Celestia's magic, and no one but her is truly aware of where he came from, not even Twilight. 

 

This way of life that he has chosen though has left him feeling depressed and inadequate, because try as he might what he does ends up causing more problems for the ponies he cares about than helps. Yet if he were to grow up and become more useful, it would sacrifice what makes him who he is, it would lessen his ability to be selfless and gentle. While kindness and generosity, Things he admires in ponies he loves, especially Twilight and Rarity, are benificial and empowering to ponies, to him it ultimately limits and shackles his full potential. However if he wants to live among them, it is a sacrifice he is willing to make.  

[Tom Snyder 4,112]

*cracks knuckles* 

 

Spike: Spike is a being that is attempting to live in two different worlds but is unable to fully experience the joys of either. As a Dragon, it is dictated by his biology that the only way for him to grow and develop is if he practices greed and selfishness, something his own personality is diametrically opposed to. He is selfless and seeks to emulate the personalities of the ones he loves, which are ponies. However a Pony mindset in a dragon body has essentially prevented him from growing any bigger than a baby dragon. He is in love with Ponies, he lives among ponies, but he will never be a pony. He cannot fully experience being a dragon either until he relinquishes his desire to be with twilight and the others, something he possibly would never bring himself to do. His life is largely shrouded in mystery, his body is intimately connected with Princess Celestia's magic, and no one but her is truly aware of where he came from, not even Twilight. 

 

This way of life that he has chosen though has left him feeling depressed and inadequate, because try as he might what he does ends up causing more problems for the ponies he cares about than helps. Yet if he were to grow up and become more useful, it would sacrifice what makes him who he is, it would lessen his ability to be selfless and gentle. While kindness and generosity, Things he admires in ponies he loves, especially Twilight and Rarity, are beneficial and empowering to ponies, to him it ultimately limits and shackles his full potential. However if he wants to live among them, it is a sacrifice he is willing to make.  

You were just waiting for something like this, weren't you.

[Coco before Pommel 678]

Fluttershy: Kind (I know it's her element, but it is her most important character trait for me), caring, gentle, compassionate, quiet, introverted. Sensitive (both in how she reacts to things, and picking up on how others are feeling), forgiving, understanding, timid (but not cowardly - she can be very brave when she needs to be, although she is easily frightened by little things), affectionate.

 

I might edit and try the others later

[Buck Testa 5,505]

You were just waiting for something like this, weren't you.

LOL, Spike is just a really interesting character for me and I WISH they would explore his backstory and these in canon elements more. All of this is verified via the show, but when put out all at once it really shows how interesting he can be if they stop making him comic relief. 

[Tom Snyder 4,112]

LOL, Spike is just a really interesting character for me and I WISH they would explore his backstory and these in canon elements more. All of this is verified via the show, but when put out all at once it really shows how interesting he can be if they stop making him comic relief. 

I would liek to see them do that, just wish they didn't make him sing, oh that was like nails on a chalkboard. 

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

Rainbow Dash is obsessed with heroism, success and glory, and has been ever since she was young. Her head (along with the rest of her) can often be found up in the clouds, dreaming of future stardom. This has the unfortunate consequence of making her a bit self-centered and insensitive toward the feelings of others, which isn’t helped by her impulsivity. In spite of this, RD really is a genuinely kind person who wants the best for the people around her and will stick with her friends through thick and thin.

 

Understanding RD’s childhood in Cloudsdale is important to understanding what motivates her. Like Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash was picked on by bullies and her experiences there still affect her today. While she hasn’t become an anxious nervous wreck, Dash has fragile self-esteem in another, more subtle way. Being a talented but clumsy kid who struggled in school made her an easy target for her meaner-spirited classmates, but RD dealt with this by aiming to use her prodigious flying skills to become a professional flyer. Nopony would ever tell a Wonderbolt that they aren’t good enough, after all -_-

 

Seems like a sound enough plan, but it doesn’t quite hold up when she’s already feeling down and nothing is going right for her. Even now, she dislikes her job (which she is hopelessly overqualified for) and would hate to be stuck doing it forever. On the flipside, when she is doing well and basking in the praise of others, it tends to go to her head.

 

After one such time (Mare Do Well) Dash came to realize just how fleeting fame can be, and became much more concerned with being a real hero instead of being obsessed with the adoration and glory that comes with the position. Being there for the people you care about and helping them through rough spots will bring a better and more long lasting happiness than having everybody cheering your name.  In recent seasons, Rainbow Dash has been much more focused on finding ways to chase her dreams while still doing what she believes is right.

 

Sloppy and rushed, but there's one. I can do others if people don't step forward.

[gyashaa 252]

Pinkie Pie: Extroverted. Pretty idealistic: she wants everyone to be happy and will sometimes go to extreme lengths to make someone happy (esp. in the case of Cranky). Slight Asperger's Syndrome (sometimes she cannot read social cues, takes things literally, difficulty remaining seated and still [shared trait between Asperger's and ADHD so it doesn't mean she has ADHD].) Major sweet tooth. One of the happiest ,if not THE happiest, being in Equestria. Slightly psychic (pinkie sense, wild guesses being totally correct [Equestria Girls]). Funny and quirky.

Rainbow Dash is obsessed with heroism, success and glory, and has been ever since she was young. Her head (along with the rest of her) can often be found up in the clouds, dreaming of future stardom. This has the unfortunate consequence of making her a bit self-centered and insensitive toward the feelings of others, which isn’t helped by her impulsivity. In spite of this, RD really is a genuinely kind person who wants the best for the people around her and will stick with her friends through thick and thin.

 

Understanding RD’s childhood in Cloudsdale is important to understanding what motivates her. Like Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash was picked on by bullies and her experiences there still affect her today. While she hasn’t become an anxious nervous wreck, Dash has fragile self-esteem in another, more subtle way. Being a talented but clumsy kid who struggled in school made her an easy target for her meaner-spirited classmates, but RD dealt with this by aiming to use her prodigious flying skills to become a professional flyer. Nopony would ever tell a Wonderbolt that they aren’t good enough, after all -_-

 

Seems like a sound enough plan, but it doesn’t quite hold up when she’s already feeling down and nothing is going right for her. Even now, she dislikes her job (which she is hopelessly overqualified for) and would hate to be stuck doing it forever. On the flipside, when she is doing well and basking in the praise of others, it tends to go to her head.

 

After one such time (Mare Do Well) Dash came to realize just how fleeting fame can be, and became much more concerned with being a real hero instead of being obsessed with the adoration and glory that comes with the position. Being there for the people you care about and helping them through rough spots will bring a better and more long lasting happiness than having everybody cheering your name.  In recent seasons, Rainbow Dash has been much more focused on finding ways to chase her dreams while still doing what she believes is right.

 

Sloppy and rushed, but there's one. I can do others if people don't step forward.

I wouldn't say she's obsessed with heroism. She actually IS heroic but also loves to be praised and heroic acts are one of the things she does to get praised (Mare Do Well and at the Gala). What she mostly is is insecure. She never wants to seem "uncool" and avoids certain activities such as going to the spa or reading just so she can keep face.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

 

 

I wouldn't say she's obsessed with heroism. She actually IS heroic but also loves to be praised and heroic acts are one of the things she does to get praised (Mare Do Well and at the Gala). What she mostly is is insecure. She never wants to seem "uncool" and avoids certain activities such as going to the spa or reading just so she can keep face

 

True enough about the insecurity. I mostly talked about heroism because it's what I ended up with when I tried to simplify her character arc. The Wonderbolts are her heroes and she wants/wanted to be like them, she hero worshiped Daring Do, she ate up the chance to be the town hero in Mare Do Well, etc. It's a recurring theme. I tried to link her insecurity to this by making the guess that a big reason she wants to be successful and famous and all that, is because it'll give her something of a rock to fall back on when she feels down. Her drive to become like her heroes comes partially from her failure and fear of being judged by others, though she is slowly getting better at dealing with those fears.

[Fractured 2,684]

Oh dear; list format isn't going to do this justice.

 

*cracks knuckles* 

 

Spike: Spike is a being that is attempting to live in two different worlds but is unable to fully experience the joys of either. As a Dragon, it is dictated by his biology that the only way for him to grow and develop is if he practices greed and selfishness, something his own personality is diametrically opposed to. He is selfless and seeks to emulate the personalities of the ones he loves, which are ponies. However a Pony mindset in a dragon body has essentially prevented him from growing any bigger than a baby dragon. He is in love with Ponies, he lives among ponies, but he will never be a pony. He cannot fully experience being a dragon either until he relinquishes his desire to be with twilight and the others, something he possibly would never bring himself to do. His life is largely shrouded in mystery, his body is intimately connected with Princess Celestia's magic, and no one but her is truly aware of where he came from, not even Twilight. 

 

This way of life that he has chosen though has left him feeling depressed and inadequate, because try as he might what he does ends up causing more problems for the ponies he cares about than helps. Yet if he were to grow up and become more useful, it would sacrifice what makes him who he is, it would lessen his ability to be selfless and gentle. While kindness and generosity, Things he admires in ponies he loves, especially Twilight and Rarity, are benificial and empowering to ponies, to him it ultimately limits and shackles his full potential. However if he wants to live among them, it is a sacrifice he is willing to make.  

Wow, you really thought this one out. This is good- I don't think many people understand that Spike is more than just a gag character. He goes through just as much as the Mane Six.

 

Fluttershy: Kind (I know it's her element, but it is her most important character trait for me), caring, gentle, compassionate, quiet, introverted. Sensitive (both in how she reacts to things, and picking up on how others are feeling), forgiving, understanding, timid (but not cowardly - she can be very brave when she needs to be, although she is easily frightened by little things), affectionate.

I might edit and try the others later

Also insecure, with a bit of a tendency to act out aggressively. But it's the bad that usually makes the good shine in protagonists, so there's no harm in having negative personality traits.

 

 

Rainbow Dash is obsessed with heroism, success and glory, and has been ever since she was young. Her head (along with the rest of her) can often be found up in the clouds, dreaming of future stardom. This has the unfortunate consequence of making her a bit self-centered and insensitive toward the feelings of others, which isn’t helped by her impulsivity. In spite of this, RD really is a genuinely kind person who wants the best for the people around her and will stick with her friends through thick and thin.

 

Understanding RD’s childhood in Cloudsdale is important to understanding what motivates her. Like Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash was picked on by bullies and her experiences there still affect her today. While she hasn’t become an anxious nervous wreck, Dash has fragile self-esteem in another, more subtle way. Being a talented but clumsy kid who struggled in school made her an easy target for her meaner-spirited classmates, but RD dealt with this by aiming to use her prodigious flying skills to become a professional flyer. Nopony would ever tell a Wonderbolt that they aren’t good enough, after all -_-

 

Seems like a sound enough plan, but it doesn’t quite hold up when she’s already feeling down and nothing is going right for her. Even now, she dislikes her job (which she is hopelessly overqualified for) and would hate to be stuck doing it forever. On the flipside, when she is doing well and basking in the praise of others, it tends to go to her head.

 

After one such time (Mare Do Well) Dash came to realize just how fleeting fame can be, and became much more concerned with being a real hero instead of being obsessed with the adoration and glory that comes with the position. Being there for the people you care about and helping them through rough spots will bring a better and more long lasting happiness than having everybody cheering your name.  In recent seasons, Rainbow Dash has been much more focused on finding ways to chase her dreams while still doing what she believes is right.

 

Sloppy and rushed, but there's one. I can do others if people don't step forward.

She's very goal oriented, actually. She's one of the two of the Mane Six we see actively advancing in their dreams, the other being Twilight. I guess you could make a case for Rarity, too, but she seems to be more focused on holding the fort rather than improving.

 

Also, insecurity. Her ego tends to hide a big fear of failure. This was probably the most important thing we got from Mare-Do-Well, and it was enough to make it a good episode for me. Even if everyone else hated it.

 

Pinkie Pie: Extroverted. Pretty idealistic: she wants everyone to be happy and will sometimes go to extreme lengths to make someone happy (esp. in the case of Cranky). Slight Asperger's Syndrome (sometimes she cannot read social cues, takes things literally, difficulty remaining seated and still [shared trait between Asperger's and ADHD so it doesn't mean she has ADHD].) Major sweet tooth. One of the happiest ,if not THE happiest, being in Equestria. Slightly psychic (pinkie sense, wild guesses being totally correct [Equestria Girls]). Funny and quirky.

You'll understand if i'm... hesitant to label any of the Mane Six with behavioral conditions. That never ends well.

 

Still, you hit the nail on the head. Although I believe that she used to overcompensate when helping others to combat her own loneliness, it seems that she managed to move above that after Party of One. I'm glad to say we have a much more self confident Pinkie.

[Buck Testa 5,505]

Pinkie Pie: Her entire purpose for living is to make ponies smile. This is her ultimate goal in life and this is what drives her to do what she does. Her own happiness is predicated on whether or not she was able to make another pony smile or brighten up their day a bit, and if she is unable too her own emotional state can deteriorate. When she finds a pony or other kind of being that seems to have a hard time being happy, she does everything in her power to get them to laugh or at least turn their frown upside down. 

On her own Pinkie Pie is actually rather somber and depressed, the evidence for this is riddled throughout the series. Her sister Maud knows what kind of dark places she can get to when she doesn't find ponies to make happy. She accepts her gifts of rock candy because she knows that it will make Pinkie happy and show her that she has indeed made an impact on her despite not being able to properly show it. When Pinkie feels she is being rejected her entire world seems to fall apart, and she can get violently depressed or even angry depending on the context. 

Pinkie works herself up to be as perky and upbeat as she is, she inflates her hair, puts on a smile, writes some songs, and ventures forth with the idea that she is going to make somepony smile and be happy. She has stated that this act of bringing happiness is what makes her whole life worthwhile, and it makes her happy in turn. 

Pinkie Pie is actually like a lot of comedians; they know that days are dark and lonely, and sometimes it hits them so hard that they simply cannot take it, but being able to bring happiness to others is what keeps them going. Sometimes she misses the mark and gets so caught up in trying to make others laugh that she ends up hurting their feelings, but in all things she means well and seeks to bring a bit of laughter into everyponies life. This ever present drive is exactly Why she is the element of laughter. 

[Frostgage 7,975]

With Twilight, I think it's been interesting to watch her progress over the course of the series in terms of friendship. There were a few occasions where she said something or acted in a way that could be considered rude, simply because she was oblivious to how it could be received by the other pony. It wasn't something that came naturally to her like it does for someone like Applejack, but she's become much more empathic as time has gone on.

 

Another notable trait is her modesty. Even after becoming royalty she has always downplayed her title's significance and genuinely means it, which has allowed her to maintain great relations with her friends.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Frostgage

[Fractured 2,684]

Pinkie Pie: Her entire purpose for living is to make ponies smile. This is her ultimate goal in life and this is what drives her to do what she does. Her own happiness is predicated on whether or not she was able to make another pony smile or brighten up their day a bit, and if she is unable too her own emotional state can deteriorate. When she finds a pony or other kind of being that seems to have a hard time being happy, she does everything in her power to get them to laugh or at least turn their frown upside down. 

On her own Pinkie Pie is actually rather somber and depressed, the evidence for this is riddled throughout the series. Her sister Maud knows what kind of dark places she can get to when she doesn't find ponies to make happy. She accepts her gifts of rock candy because she knows that it will make Pinkie happy and show her that she has indeed made an impact on her despite not being able to properly show it. When Pinkie feels she is being rejected her entire world seems to fall apart, and she can get violently depressed or even angry depending on the context. 

Pinkie works herself up to be as perky and upbeat as she is, she inflates her hair, puts on a smile, writes some songs, and ventures forth with the idea that she is going to make somepony smile and be happy. She has stated that this act of bringing happiness is what makes her whole life worthwhile, and it makes her happy in turn. 

Pinkie Pie is actually like a lot of comedians; they know that days are dark and lonely, and sometimes it hits them so hard that they simply cannot take it, but being able to bring happiness to others is what keeps them going. Sometimes she misses the mark and gets so caught up in trying to make others laugh that she ends up hurting their feelings, but in all things she means well and seeks to bring a bit of laughter into everyponies life. This ever present drive is exactly Why she is the element of laughter. 

 

As I said above, I believe Pinkie's working to overcome her depression. Party of One was her probably lowest point, but since then, she's been getting better at it. In Pinkie's Pride, we see her overcome her depression by herself for the first time. It may be an overlooked moment, but I think that that shows that Pinkie Pie's grown a lot as well.

 

 

With Twilight, I think it's been interesting to watch her progress over the course of the series in terms of friendship. There were a few occasions where she said something or acted in a way that could be considered rude, simply because she was oblivious to how it could be received by the other pony. It wasn't something that came naturally to her like it does for someone like Applejack, but she's become much more empathic as time has gone on.

 

Another notable trait is her modesty. Even after becoming royalty she has always downplayed her title's significance and genuinely means it, which has allowed her to maintain great relations with her friends.

Old Twilight was kind of... rude. And a bit emotionally unstable. And also rude. She's come a long way.

Also, integrity. Twilight tends to make the right decision, even when it's bad for her. In the case of saving Discord in Twilight's Kingdom, she didn't have to save Discord at all. and chose to do so anyway.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Shimmer5000

[Bird Mom 900]

Rarity: She is practically the embodiment of generosity. She just has that spark that most ponies don't. The other ponies are pretty special(in their own way), but none such as Rarity. She can brighten up a day by just thinking about her smiling. I think she has been there for many, and they didn't even notice. But how could you NOT recognize such a gorgeous and not to mention fashionable pony? It is near impossible if you think about it.

Edited March 6, 2015 by QueenRarity

[gyashaa 252]

Rarity: She is practically the embodiment of generosity. She just has that spark that most ponies don't. The other ponies are pretty special(in their own way), but none such as Rarity. She can brighten up a day by just thinking about her smiling. I think she has been there for many, and they didn't even notice. But how could you NOT recognize such a gorgeous and not to mention fashionable pony? It is near impossible if you think about it.

Your post is too biased and opinionated. We're looking more for observations rather than judgement.

Edited March 6, 2015 by gyashaa

[Screw Loose 156]

Spike: He seems to really want to feel important, he gets pretty down when he doesn't feel needed, sometimes he takes on bigger challenges than he can handle to show he is useful though. He just loves helping ponies and is very selfless, which is amazing because it goes against his dragon nature. He loves to feel appreciated and he loves to see he's the reason why he made someone happy.

 

Twilight sparkle: She is book smart but didn't start out exactly 'street smart'. She's a huge 'teacher's pet' and scared of disappointing Princess Celestia. She stresses over small things, gets obsessed and freaks out over things too. She's very organized and a perfectionist for she does this in her spare time, she's also very modest and doesn't want to seem better than anybody else. She just wants to help everyone else learn all she can teach. 

 

Fluttershy: When you think of fluttershy you think social anxiety, she hates being the center of attention, she's very nervous and sort of on edge all the time. She is obviously extremely kind, and doesn't want to hurt or offend anyone, although this can backfire for she can be taken advantage of very easily. She does come out of her shell and has no problem speaking up when the topic of animals comes up though, or if someone is being rude to an animal or her friends.

 

Rainbow Dash: She loves her reputation of being cool and doesn't want to ruin that rep, she likes being the center of attention for her awesomeness, she's not modest at all about it and wants everyone to bathe in her glory, which could annoy some ponies....She's clearly a tomboy, she loves to win and prove that she's the best, any opportunity for that she can't help but to take it, she's very competitive. She loves to prank and joke around and have fun, while most importantly looking awesome doing it, as long as it doesn't hurt her friends in the process of course.

 

Pinkie Pie: She's full of energy, has strange and unusual things about her nobody else can understand. She's very random and seems to not even make full sense sometimes. She LOVES to make ponies smile, laugh and have fun, that is most important to her. Sometimes her energy is too much for ponies to handle for she never shuts up! She's very optimistic and is never disappointed and is impressed and excited by many things. She's very friendly and outgoing.

 

Rarity: She is a very hard worker and very patient with other ponies, she goes out of her way to help other ponies even if it means more work for her, and is dead set on doing the absolute best she can and will not settle for less, a perfectionist. She is a drama queen and exaggerates things but is able to handle things herself and get what she wants, usually by using her charm and/or manipulation. She likes everything to be very neat and clean looking, the appearance of things is very important to her. She likes being seen as a classy lady and really wants to get popular as one.

 

Applejack: She is very responsible and is very hard working, she likes doing things and handling things herself. She is very family-oriented. She doesn't care about getting a little dirt on her hooves, as long as it gets the job done. She's very down to earth and not a complainer, she does what she's got to do, but she doesn't like disappointing anybody. Sometimes she can keep things to herself a little too much and not ask for help, she can bite off more than she can chew sometimes, and sort of lacks manners.

[Odyssey 5,716]

Rainbow Dash: Rainbow is a character that has been more trail-and-error than the ReMane-ing 5. She's been kicked out of Flight School, has dealt with bullies and is rather impatient... and yet she still keeps her head up high and pursues what needs to be done. Her tenacious and optimistic attitude shows that she really enjoys life and wants the best from others.

 

Another thing that I also like about RD is her egotism, as odd as it sounds. Yeah, real egotism can be annoying, but is it bad as others make it out to be? At least with RD, she only cares about whether she herself is awesome or not. Regardless of anything, she would still help her friends in any shape or form, as seen in episodes like Sonic Rainboom and Wonderbolts Academy. After all, there are many other characters who have an arrogant attitude that's much worse than hers. (i.e., Falco Lombardi) It's also worth saying that another reason why she's like this is because of her love for the Wonderbolts. As a filly, she wanted to be as great as them, so she practiced for a long time, which ended up making her the fastest pony in Equestria. Rainbow also really is a loyal character. Since she revealed that she hates being alone in MMDW, it also shows a side that she doesn't think that she's on top of the world. She may think proudly of herself, but without anybody by her side her self-esteem crumbles. It makes sense, considering her past failures.

[gyashaa 252]

 

You'll understand if i'm... hesitant to label any of the Mane Six with behavioral conditions. That never ends well.

Sorry. Got a little ahead of myself. It's just in Filli Vanilli... you know.

[Buck Testa 5,505]

Twilight Sparkle: She has developed the most over the course of the 4 seasons and 2 movies, and for the best considering some character flaws that could of proven very bad for Equestria if left unchecked. She was an introvert and obsessed with order and rules. This wouldn't be a problem for a normal pony, but for someone with the magical prowess of Twilight it meant she could impose this order on others if she ever got the inclination to do so. Her referencing the "Want it need it spell" as working every time suggests she has done it before. Not only that but she had no qualms magically altering another beings mind like what she attempted to do with Discord. To her rules are paramount, even if the rules send a friend of hers into slavery like in the episode Dash traded Flutters services for a Daring do book. 

 

Her obsession with rules and order found its focus in Celestia. In her she had peace of mind and clarity to study her magic. If she ever felt like she was going against the Princess even for a second it would send her in a state of panic. Losing her trust and her as a teacher was her worst possible fear. Celestia, if she is how I think she is, knew that this would not end well if Twilight did not learn the magic of friendship, just like Sunset Shimmer before her, perhaps with even worse results. NightMare Moons return was possibly the best thing that could of happened to Twilight. 

 

Celestia had Twilight make some friends, friends that would turn out to be the elements of Harmony. Even better though, it broke through her shell of solitude and organization and allowed her to start connecting with other ponies besides Celestia. So the delicate dance began, the Princess of the sun guiding her student to finding answers to problems on her own, learning social skills and leadership experience that she would not of gotten simply from reading books. Whats more her compulsive tendencies were starting to lessen. She was still periodically organizing everything and making lists that plan out her entire day, but she was having fun as well. 

 

Lesson Zero happened though, and Celestia saw that her reigns needed to lessen further for her to develop, so she removed the weekly restriction from Twilight. Celestia never truly imposed such a restriction, but Twilight was the kind of pony that followed the word of Celestia to the letter. As time passed she had more time growing, learning more and more about friendship and becoming more and more comfortable in her body and around her friends. After the events of the Canterlot wedding, she was ready for her next, and biggest test. The test of putting her friends beyond her own self interest, and acting on what she thought was right and not on what Celestia said by the letter. After the resounding defeat of Sombra, she passed. 

 

Her solving Starswirls unfinished spell sealed the deal, and she was made into an Alicorn by Celestia. If Celestia had done this at any point before this, her neurosis and her obsessive needs for order would of become a danger to Equestria, possibly becoming something like Starlight Glimmer is going to be in the season 5 premier. Her friends helped her mature and develop into the mare she is, while she still has faults and need for order, its nowhere near the dangerous levels it was when she started. 

Edited March 7, 2015 by Buck Testa

[applejock 358]

Personally, its there depth of field.

 

Take Rainbow Dash. WaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAaaaay back in season1, we are introduced to her fillyhood best friend, Gilda. After a really brief falling out part, that plot thread of them is left open. Rainbow picks her NEW friends over her OLD friends. Thus in a way both adhering to her Element of Loyalty..but also utterly smashing it apart. (over the yellows tears..."OH COME ON!" Sweete Belle, your just nailing it today!)

 

And while this is a well known and hotly argued about Example you have others. Many Consider Fluttershy the "most maternal and perfect Mother type" of the group. Yet she is clearly in breeding age and single (Flutterdash shippres will argue you on that one). This depth, at least to me shows she might have had something happen in her past that, short of her normal "oh geee..im so boring, so shy etc"ness, really might given a reason to underline the word SHY.

 

And then lets take Twiley. Talk about a perfect mary sue for this generation of fans. She is a super nerd, a "doer" and oh so vulnerable but willing to put up the good fight, and most of all "grow with us" (or at least the youngsters among the fans.) And yet all of that said, you can feel odd under tone vibes with her relationship with Celestia. A new fan who skipped several early episodes, might even think the two Mother and Daughter.

 

And out of the Mane6, really its only Pinkie and Rarity who lay there depth fully out there to the fans. It's very clear the two most "shallow" Characters are really the deepst and deserve attention. If I recall, they have the most "dedicated" episodes.

 

And of course we have the topic of inner-mane shipping. But thats another topic for another day.

 

 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Spike: The triumph of nurture over nature. His personal trials show that even when tempted by his natural compulsion for greed, Spike was raised in an environment that places more emphasis on ideals than materials. When push came to shove, he chose to identify as a pony rather than a dragon. Unhealthy self-denial? In the long run maybe, but I think Spike knows exactly what he is but chooses to embody the better aspects of a dragon rather than the negative ones. (See his "dragon code.")

 

Twilight Sparkle: Intellectualism. To me, Twilight's defining trait more than anything is her intelligence. I find it impressive because given the past generations, you've had ponies that were smart but nowhere near as scientific as Twilight. She always has an encyclopedic knowledge of various arcana and a passion to learn more.

 

Fluttershy: Pacifism. An aspect of kindness but not quite the same thing. While not blood thirsty, most of the Mane Six show that they are capable of fighting should they be given no choice. Fluttershy, I think, is one of the better examples of a complete pacifist in fiction. She won't hurt another living thing even to defend herself, but that doesn't make her weak.

 

Rainbow Dash: Decisiveness. I just love how action oriented Rainbow is. Sure this can be flipped on it's head to being impulsive, but at the same time, there is something to admire in being able to make up one's mind quickly and with a strong certainty of action. Dash rarely hesitates when immediate action is required. 

 

Pinkie Pie: Faith. Some would say a virtue lost in this day and age, still others would say "good riddance." I love Pinkie's faith. It ties somewhat into her element of laughter in that it allows her to stay positive even in a bad situation. Pinkie is very faith driven, in that she believes in things that she can't always prove. Like she has faith in her friends and that they'll pull through no matter what. She has faith that no matter how dark the situation gets, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Rarity: Ambition. The reason why she's my favorite of the Mane Six. Rarity has lofty goals to improve her station in life. She wants to be among the highest social echelons in Equestria. By Holy Faust, and it's treated as a good thing! She works hard, she has a drive, she has passion, and she believes that should be rewarded. A-MEN! 

 

Applejack: Patience. Probably stemming from having to raise a child despite being one herself (at some point if not now.) Applejack has a very motherly sense of patience, she's willing to let little things slide and always willing to listen to other points of view. (Most of the time, anyway, nopony's perfect.)

[Fractured 2,684]

Sorry, nowhere near finished.   Working on restructuring, and thought i'd put up Twilight's to show I haven't completely forgotten this project.