Why We Like The Ponies We Do

[Shanks 10,816]

We all have our favorite pony or in my case ponies and one thing I have noticed is that there are quite a few different reasons why we like our favorite ponies.

 

We can relate to them: This I think seems to be the most common reason and does hold true for me as well. I can relate to Applejack because I am very blunt can be extremely stubborn and set in my ways and often push myself way too hard (it is why I got three knee injuries at work in the span of a year). I can relate to Twilight because I used to have some OCD like tendencies when I was a kid though they weren't nearly as bad as hers, used to be extremely socially awkward and have a love of reading and knowledge. I relate to Derpy because I know what it is like to be singled out for being different.

 

We find traits in them that are admirable: Again this goes back to Applejack for me, I highly value honesty and greatly admire people or in this case ponies who are willing to speak their minds regardless of whether what they say is popular or whether or not somepony wants to hear it. And I admire Rainbow Dash's comittment to train her flank off to pursue her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt yet still not forget her friends or who she is.

 

The daaaaaw factor: Some ponies are just so cute you just want to hug them and for me the prize goes to Derpy those eyes, her childlike innocence it is all just so complete adorable. And I love all the cutie mark crusaders in part because of this especially Sweetie Belle.

 

We just think they are an interesting character: For me I find all the mane 6 and quite a few other characters to be interesting to me one of the most interesting characters is Zecora because there is so much we don't know about her. We don't know why she decided to live in the Everfree Forest, how many other Zebras there are she is like the master Yoda of MLP in a way.

 

We don't know but we like this pony: At first this was the case with Applejack who with the exception of Discord as the Return of Harmony two parter were the first episodes I watched was the first character I liked. I didn't really know why I liked her at first but it didn't long for me to come up with quite a few reasons many of which I have stated quite a few times on this forum making me one of the most outspoken Applejack fans on here.

 

This pony reminds me us of someone we know: I can see quite a few traits in alot of my favorite ponies that are in people I know but the two that come most to mind are Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie reminds me of my Dad because no matter how much hell he went though he always kept his sense of humor and tried to make everyone smile. Rainbow Dash reminds me of my brother due to her athletic and competitive side, my brother since he was just a colt was always playing outside and almost always on a team.

[Stellafera 3,836]

Yeah, I think relating is a big one. But the thing is, I'm not that similar to AJ. I'm more like Twilight and Pinkie. So why is she my favorite, and not them?

 

It depends on your definition of the word "relate", which can have many different interpretations. The interpretation that I believe determines our favorite ponies is resonation. Whether they be a fan of Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, or someone else, there's something about their favorite that resonates inside of them, that connects to their affections (usually non-romantic). 

 

Sure, I can go on about how Applejack has a fantastically painted story, or how gung-ho she is, or her character design, or whatever, but at the core, there is something indefinable that sets her apart from, say, Rainbow Dash, who also is a fascinating character sharing much of the same traits. I never worked on a farm. I'm not very athletic. I feel completely out of my element in country culture. But Applejack's character just hits some spot in my heart, some vein in my spirit that runs deep. That's why we all have different favorites, because we are all different people.

 

Certainly makes best pony debates a bit more interesting. 

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

You've pretty much covered most of the major reasons. I certainly can relate tremendously to my two favorite characters, although I think most of the characters in the show are very relatable provided you think for a little while. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie are just the strongest connections with Applejack a little behind them.

 

I do think there is a lot to be said for the subconscious reasons, however we try to explain them. I had decided that Rainbow Dash was my favorite character after her very first scene. Sure, I sort of figured out why in retrospect, but I do think there is something there that I can't really explain either. Both then and now, when Rainbow is doing something in the background of a scene I've noticed that my eyes sort of lock on to her automatically and then refocus to look at what is actually happening .

 

Of course I can explain a lot of what I like as well. Cuteness, silliness, dreaming, insanity, blowing stuff up, all of these are things that I've valued for a long time in favorite characters You have to love a character who would rather dress up like a ninja and break into a hospital before just asking a friend for a book Something about that mindset is... too cool to describe.

[MelancholicMemory 2,025]

I have a lot of favorites. Flutterz wins out overall, but Luna and AJ are really close as well.

 

Fluttershy: I can relate to her shy personality, but I'm really more anti-social then shy. I can socialize, I just usually choose not to. Still, I can strongly relate to her lifestyle, and I love animals as well. I particularly love seeing her overcome her faults and succeeding because I know it is difficult for her. For example, I love the moment when she confronts the dragon in Dragonshy, overcoming her crippling fear and shyness. Plus, leaving out baby AJ, she's the most adorable character in the show!

 

Luna: I love the moon and the night in general, so she immediately appealed to me. Things like Woonastuck cemented her place in my heart. She's so cute and awesome!

 

AJ: I respect her reliabilty and strong principles. She'd do anything for her friends or family. Her stubbornness reminds me of myself. The moral of Applebuck Season was very relevant to my own attitudes. She's the most like me of all the characters. Plus, you always have this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXV5u8ds2fM

[Shanks 10,816]

It depends on your definition of the word "relate", which can have many different interpretations. The interpretation that I believe determines our favorite ponies is resonation. Whether they be a fan of Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, or someone else, there's something about their favorite that resonates inside of them, that connects to their affections (usually non-romantic). 

And that is precisely what motivated me to make this thread because although we sometimes see a bit of ourselves in characters and that can play a huge roll in whether we like them we can sometimes for a variety of reasons like a character we don't really have much in common with. I don't think I have all that much in common with Pinkie Pie but she has long been in my top three favorites in part because she reminds me of my Dad which brings back a few good memories and because she does make me laugh.

 

My background is pretty different from Applejacks too, my Dad used to own an Italian restaurant so I am more familiar with the restaurant business than being a farmer but both require quite a bit of work though if I had to take my guess I think being a farmer would be a lot harder. I am currently a dairy clerk and backup checker at a grocery store which certainly has its own challenges. And I grew up in Southern California which is as far from country as you can get, but I did grow up with a lot of the same values Applejack was raised with though even if it was in a different setting and I think that is much of the reason why I like her.

 

 

 

 

Both then and now, when Rainbow is doing something in the background of a scene I've noticed that my eyes sort of lock on to her automatically and then refocus to look at what is actually happening .

I do the same thing with Applejack and Derpy, it is hard to say which one I do that more with.

Edited March 8, 2013 by EarthbendingProdigy

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

I like Princess Celestia because she is beautiful, majestic, and benevolent. All traits that I myself admire.

 

Maybe I even envy her power a bit, too.

 

Plus as I've said before, I admire her willingness to make decisions no one else can or will because that's something I often have to do myself.

Edited March 8, 2013 by ☣Harmonic Revelations☣

[Starflower 323]

I love Rarity, but I relate myself to Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Applejack the majority of the time. 

 

For one, I'm very serious about my studies in school. I'm always keeping myself organized and I never fail to miss a deadline. I'm also shy around people (at first), but later on once I get to know the person (or people) I warm up, and I'm never really inside my shell anymore. Animals are like my children to me, so I have a special place for them. Lastly, I'm pretty honest, and I'm always around to help my friends, or basically anyone who needs help. I can also be stubborn at the most stupidest times, too. 

 

However, Rarity is pretty much my favorite because of her element, and her amazing fashion senses. <3 

[hawkflame 3,310]

Ironically, my favorite pony is probably the one I relate to the *least*.  I am so *not* a Rarity- I don't care about fashion, I'm rather low maintenance, humble, generally pretty quiet guy on the whole.  But why do I like her?  I think that part of it is that she represents everything I'm not- I like her sense of drama, her elegance, her friendliness, I mean she's probably the most gregarious pony outside of Pinkie Pie. 

 

But really, I love how well written she is.  This is a character who, ironically, could have been the most two dimensional in the series, and they fleshed her out remarkably.  She could have easily been a Diamond Tiara type villain, or just some silly girl who likes to go shopping, but Lauren Faust had the *brilliant* idea of making her an artist that uses fashion as their medium of choice.  Now like I said before, I have no interest in fashion, but what I do love is when a character has a passion for something, and knows the ins and outs of that field that they're interested in.  It's that sense of, "this is who I am, this is what I know, this is what I do best" in the character that I love.

 

I love how she has all the trappings of a spoiled, high class snob, but at her very core, she's *not* one- she works hard, making every dress herself, she's a self-made mare, she's thoughtful of others, hell, it's literally *her job* and *life's passion* to help others look good, and feel good by extension.  I love the fact that she's outgoing and friendly, yet self absorbed at the same time.  She's also a fighter who will handle herself in a tough situation, like with the Diamond Dogs. 

 

But I like the fact that she's not perfect.  Yes, she's a drama queen.  Yes she has an ego.  But you know what?  She *knows* this, and to me that changes everything.  If a character had no personality flaws whatsoever, they'd be boring.  But she's willing to change, and she more than any other pony seems to recognize these flaws in herself.  Rather than making her annoying, this makes her endearing. 

 

All in all, I just love the fact that she's a very nuanced character, especially since the vast majority of interpretations of this character type would make her very flat.

[Addem Up 246]

Ironically, my favorite pony is probably the one I relate to the *least*.  I am so *not* a Rarity- I don't care about fashion, I'm rather low maintenance, humble, generally pretty quiet guy on the whole.  But why do I like her?  I think that part of it is that she represents everything I'm not- I like her sense of drama, her elegance, her friendliness, I mean she's probably the most gregarious pony outside of Pinkie Pie. 

 

But really, I love how well written she is.  This is a character who, ironically, could have been the most two dimensional in the series, and they fleshed her out remarkably.  She could have easily been a Diamond Tiara type villain, or just some silly girl who likes to go shopping, but Lauren Faust had the *brilliant* idea of making her an artist that uses fashion as their medium of choice.  Now like I said before, I have no interest in fashion, but what I do love is when a character has a passion for something, and knows the ins and outs of that field that they're interested in.  It's that sense of, "this is who I am, this is what I know, this is what I do best" in the character that I love.

 

I love how she has all the trappings of a spoiled, high class snob, but at her very core, she's *not* one- she works hard, making every dress herself, she's a self-made mare, she's thoughtful of others, hell, it's literally *her job* and *life's passion* to help others look good, and feel good by extension.  I love the fact that she's outgoing and friendly, yet self absorbed at the same time.  She's also a fighter who will handle herself in a tough situation, like with the Diamond Dogs. 

 

But I like the fact that she's not perfect.  Yes, she's a drama queen.  Yes she has an ego.  But you know what?  She *knows* this, and to me that changes everything.  If a character had no personality flaws whatsoever, they'd be boring.  But she's willing to change, and she more than any other pony seems to recognize these flaws in herself.  Rather than making her annoying, this makes her endearing. 

 

All in all, I just love the fact that she's a very nuanced character, especially since the vast majority of interpretations of this character type would make her very flat.

 

This.

 

This.

 

This this this.

 

This is what I've been trying to explain to everypony for such a long time. In fact, it fits so perfectly, I'm liable to steal this explanation.

 

Excellent job, Hawk.

[Rainbow Dash 1,472]

Its hard to explain why i relate to my favorite ponies so well. Could it be that i only like them for their cuteness. possibly.  I then do a comparison. I am relate to Rainbow Dash and Applejack heavily. For AppleJack her hard working nature and honesty are things i have in common with her. I also am reminded of the countless times I wear my western attire.

 

For Rainbow Dash, i think i relate to her due to me being cocky at times and always pushing myself beyond my expectations. Now this is where i get frazzled. I think i also like R.D. due to her color scheme. It invokes happiness and calmness in me while drawing me closer to something. this is seriously hard for me to answer right now.

 

I admire Big Mac due to his simpleness and his strong demeanor. I like Vinyl Scratch since she reminds me of one that got away.

[poniesforfun 716]

The reason why I like the ponies that I do are because they're entertaining and funny to watch. When it comes to relating to myself I can only relate their circumstances to my own.

[Azura 1,107]

Generally speaking, the ponies we all love look like multi-colored marshmallows. But if you're speaking about a specific pony, it's either they're very cute and adorable or you can somewhat relate to them and their personality.

[Zygen 6,066]

Yeah I agree with the majority of your reasoning. Really I find all the characters to be pretty interesting, most of my favorites comes down to things like repeatability and the such.

 

It can also be other little things, like their singing voice(Which is a hard one seeing as they all have great singing voices) or maybe you can relate to a small event, or problem that the pony goes through, thats one of my reasonings for liking Twilight 2nd best.(Along with the fact I think her singing voice is beautiful.)

 

Fluttershy is much more overall relatable to me, shes the same shy personality as me really, and shes so adorable .

 

Sometimes theres just this polarity towards certain ponies that you can't really explain though, I've liked Fluttershy the best since the shows beginning since she was the first pony I saw clips about. And I only loved her more after being introduced to her by the show.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I will explain in some detail, why I do like Rainbow Dash. I like Rainbow Dash, for her attitude, mane, design, everything about her. Applejack comes at a close second, though. I like Applejack for her southern accent, cute cowboy hat, and her sisterly nature with Apple Bloom. I like all ponies equally but, I like AJ and Dashie a lot.

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

I definitely agree with the notion that people generally like the characters that they relate to the best. A lot of Bronies who are shy, or socially awkward tend to relate to Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle respectively, and that's why they like them the best. I'm quite a bit like Fluttershy myself.

 

Applejack is my favorite, but I don't feel like I am really like her. No, I think I like Applejack because she's who I would like to be. I only wish I was strong, hard-working, and all around dependable like she is. I admire her for being so practical and down-to-Earth. She's a problem solver who's not afraid to get a little bit dirty. She's honest with those she cares for, and she'll selflessly devote her time to helping someone out. I love her country girl qualities and mannerisms. On the surface she's a simple hard worker, but she's so much more complex than that when you really think about her.

 

Sometimes it's the characters that you're not like that you end up liking the most. I like AJ in the sense that, she demonstrates someone I strive to be like because she's a good role model. I know she's a cartoon character, but hay.

Edited March 9, 2013 by Sugar Cube

[Wingnut 6,993]

My favorite pony is Fluttershy. This is due to a combination of an ability to identify with her, some traits I find admirable, and the fact that I think she's the most fascinating member of the Mane 6. When I first saw her, I thought she was just a dull, shy character that was there mainly for sympathy, a few laughs, a­nd to be mind-numbingly cute. I never disliked her, but I wasn't very impressed with her at first either. But as time went on, I saw just how multi-layered she really is.

 

The most striking thing about Fluttershy is how she is actually a courageous, strong-willed mare who is beset with a complex of phobias and hang-ups. People who don't know her very well dismiss her as a stereotypical shy cartoon coward designed to be used for comic relief and little more. Well, here's a short list of this "coward's" brave accomplishments.

 

-Confronting the cockatrice that just turned Twilight to stone.

-Fought back life-long psychological scars to participate in the hydro-tornado.

-Stayed safe and didn't become too dependent on her friends for help during a free-for-all with the Changelings. Remember she was the only one who lacked the physical tools to fight the enemy troops. That is a tactical deficiency, not a courage deficiency.

-Agreed to host the god of chaos in a bid to convert him for the betterment of ponykind.

 

While she didn't show the kind of growth over time Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash did, Fluttershy too has changed. Her best friends' best traits are starting to rub off on her. In Keep Calm and Flutter On, Fluttershy showed a Twilight like diligence in taking on Princess Celestia's assignment and an Applejack like perseverance to follow through. All of these things resonate with me. Although I would never want to be like Fluttershy, I can't help but cheer for her every time she overcomes her greatest adversary: Herself.

[Coolius rpi 117]

If you know me, you know I love Big Macintosh. He's just so chill, 24/7.

 

He just seems like the kind of guy that can be very calm but also not ice cold, because he loves smartypants and loves applejack. 

[Shanks 10,816]

He just seems like the kind of guy that can be very calm but also not ice cold, because he loves smartypants and loves applejack. 

I think he loves smartypants because she reminds him of Twilight though maybe I am just reading too much into what is a hilarious nod to bronies. Eeeeeyup I do love Big Mac he is my favorite stallion and favorite member of the Apple Family aside from Applejack.

Edited March 9, 2013 by EarthbendingProdigy

[Mr. Jaguar 1,403]

For me it's not about the characters being relatable, personally I like the characters I like because I find their personalities appealing.