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Difference between revisions of "Ralph Wiggum"

Wikisimpsons - The Simpsons Wiki
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{{character|
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{{Icons|FA}}
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image=[[Image:200px-Ralph Wiggum.jpg]]|
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{{for2|the song by {{W|The Bloodhound Gang}}|Ralph Wiggum (song)}}
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name=Ralph Wiggum|
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{{redirect|Ralph|[[Ralph (disambiguation)]]}}
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gender=[[Male]]|
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{{Quote|Me fail English? That's unpossible!|Ralph|Lisa on Ice}}
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hair=Wavy black, possibly brown|
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{{Character
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age=8|
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|name = Ralph Wiggum
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job=Student at Springfield Elementary School|
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|image = [[File:Ralph Wiggum.png|230px]]
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relatives=Father - [[Clancy Wiggum]], Mother - [[Sarah Wiggum]], Grandfather - [[Iggy Wiggum]], Grandmother - Unnamed(See [[Wiggum family]])|
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|caption = Artwork of Ralph by [[Matt Groening]]
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appearance= [[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire]]<br>'''Duration:''' 1989-|
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|gender = {{Male}}
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voiced by=[[Nancy Cartwright]]
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|hair = Black
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|age = 8
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|status = Alive
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|job = Student at [[Springfield Elementary School]]
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|relatives = '''Father:''' [[Clancy Wiggum]]<br>'''Mother:''' [[Sarah Wiggum]]<br>'''Grandfather:''' [[Iggy Wiggum]]<br>'''Grandmother:''' Unnamed (deceased)<ref>"[[The Blue and the Gray]]"</ref><ref>"[[Four Regrettings and a Funeral]]"</ref><br>'''Uncle:''' [[Fred Kanneke]]<ref>"[[Million-Dollar Abie]]"</ref><br>'''Aunt:''' Lucy Wiggum<br>
 +
|appearance = "[[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire]]"
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|voiced by = [[Nancy Cartwright]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Ralph Wiggum''' is a fictional character on the animated series ''[[The Simpsons]]'', voiced by [[Nancy Cartwright]]. He is best known as the show's resident oddball, and has been immortalized for his non sequiturs and erratic behavior. His lines range from nonsensical, or bizarre interpretations of a current event, to surprisingly profound statements that go over people's heads. For this, Ralph is somewhat of an outcast among his peers, although he seems to be on good terms with a fair number of the major child characters on the show such as [[Bart Simpson|Bart]], [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]], and [[Milhouse Van Houten|Milhouse]].
 
  
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The son of [[Clancy Wiggum|Chief Wiggum]] and [[List of recurring characters from The Simpsons#Sarah Wiggum|Sarah Wiggum]], Ralph is a good-hearted and generally well-meaning boy who suffers from either severe learning and social disabilities, or some other form of childhood psychiatric disorder. The nature of his mentality is kept rather ambiguous, much like many of the signature traits of much of the show's cast. Like almost every other character on the show, he may not be quite as simple as he first seems, as evidenced by his hinted immense potential as a performer. He is creator [[Matt Groening]]'s favorite character.<ref>{{cite news | author = Eric Moro | title = SDCC 07: The Simpsons Panel | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-07-28]] | url = http://tv.ign.com/articles/808/808965p1.html | accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref>
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'''Ralph Wiggum''' is a student who attends [[Springfield Elementary School]]. He is best known as the [[Springfield|town's]] resident oddball, and has been immortalized for his non sequiturs and erratic behavior. His lines range from purely nonsensical, or bizarre interpretations of a current event, to surprisingly profound statements that go over people's heads. For this, Ralph is somewhat of an outcast among his peers, although he seems to be on good terms with a fair number of the other kids at school such as [[Bart]], [[Lisa]], and [[Milhouse]].
  
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==Role in ''The Simpsons''==
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The son of [[Springfield Police Department|Police]] [[Clancy Wiggum|Chief Clancy]] and [[Sarah Wiggum]], Ralph is rarely picked on or bullied due to his unscrupulous father's position. He purportedly has immense potential as a musical performer (school roles attained for him, however, by his police chief father's extorting Springfield teachers, including [[Miss Hoover]], which may explain her dislike for Ralph). He also manipulated the Republican and Democratic parties in Springfield to join forces in their support of him for public office in "[[E Pluribus Wiggum]]", a parody of voting and elections.  
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Ralph is quite an enigma of a child. Upon first glance, one might mistake him for a child with dementia; or perhaps they might even look at him as a mentally challenged child. Throughout the course of the show however, there have been many hints dropped over the true nature of his character. What is definite however, is that he suffers from learning disabilities of some sort, as evidenced by his apparently slow grasp of things in the world around him, his difficulty in studying, and his sporadic speech impediments. His unique manner of speech is often the source of the character's trademark random quotes, where Ralph may make a comment such as "What's a battle?", "It tastes like...burning!", or "[[Ned Flanders|Mr. Flanders]], you're blindeded!," as well as his tendency to call his teacher "School Mommy" and on one occasion calling Superintendent Chalmers "Super Nintendo Chalmers." However, Ralph is also able to speak in a normal manner much of the time, which only adds to the question of his condition and character. He also appears to have several talents. He is an incredible tap dancer and played the role of George Washington in the school play. As Washington, he not only recited his lines perfectly but also managed to play the role so well that he brought the audience to tears.
 
  
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Ralph is often seen in very awkward situations such as eating paste, crayons, worms, knobs, and other such erratic forms of behavior that have since become a staple of the character. Ralph has a rather immense imagination, and is seemingly oblivious to the world around him. As such, he is generally a cheerful boy. However, Ralph also has a hint of tragedy and dark satire to him, like almost every other character on the show. Throughout the show's history, Ralph is eternally the odd one out among his peers at school.
+
== Biography ==
 +
[[File:Ralph Every Simpsons Ever.png|thumb|left|250px]]
 +
[[File:Ralphfolder.PNG|thumbnail|left|Ralph's character folder in the Hall of Records on The Simpsons website.]]
 +
=== Personality ===
 +
Ralph suffers from learning disabilities of some sort, as evidenced by his apparently slow grasp of things in the world around him, his difficulty in studying, and his sporadic speech impediments. His unique manner of speech is often the source of the character's trademark random quotes, where Ralph may make a comment such as "What's a battle?", "It tastes like... burning!", or "[[Ned Flanders|Mr. Flanders]], you're blindeded!", as well as his tendency to call his [[Elizabeth Hoover|teacher]] "School Mommy", and, on one occasion, calling [[Superintendent Chalmers]] "Super Nintendo Chalmers"; neither was happy with the moniker.<ref>"[[Lisa Gets an "A"]]"</ref> He may not be as unintelligent as he normally appears and has strong performing talents. An incredible tap dancer and played the role of [[George Washington]] in the school play, he not only recited his lines perfectly but also managed to play the role so well that he brought the audience to tears.<ref name="I Love Lisa">"[[I Love Lisa]]"</ref> When he was a baby, his father dropped him on his head. After that, Ralph had trouble bringing a baby bottle to his mouth.<ref>"[[Moms I'd Like to Forget]]" (flashback)</ref>
  
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Ralph seems to generally get along with many people, as well as occasionally irritate and baffle them. After Lisa gave him a Valentine out of pity, Ralph developed a crush on her. Lisa publicly breaks up with him and Ralph is left devastated. The pair eventually become friends and Lisa has generally been nice toward him since. Bart is rather long suffering of Ralph. On one occasion, Bart is forced by Marge to play with Ralph. He is at first bored with Ralph but ends up having fun after they steal Clancey Wiggum's master key to the city. Bart eventually admits that Ralph is a friend. Ralph's father is the police chief of [[Springfield]], Clancy Wiggum and his mother is Sarah Wiggum. Ralph's relationship with his parents seems to be loving and affectionate. Clancy, in particular, rather adores his son as the two do much together, such as various road trips or Ralph's first trip to a major league baseball game as depicted in the comic ''If you can't Wiggum, join 'em!''. Ralph can be quite a handful, however, and there are times where Clancy can be neglectful of his son as well.
+
Ralph is often seen eating paste, crayons, worms, knobs, lamps, and the Easter bunny. He has a rather immense imagination and is seemingly oblivious to the world around him. As such, he is generally a cheerful boy. However, in one episode Ralph displays a dark side (pyromania).<ref name="This Little Wiggy"/> After seeing Ralph cry over not receiving a Valentine's card, Lisa gave him one out of pity. He then developed a crush on her, which eventually becomes so annoying that she breaks up with him but the pair eventually become friends again.<ref name="I Love Lisa"/> On one occasion, Bart is forced by his mother [[Marge]] to play with Ralph. At first bored, Bart ends up having fun after they steal Ralph's father's master key to the city, the convoluted consequences of which almost result in the electrocution of [[Mayor Quimby]].<ref name="This Little Wiggy">"[[This Little Wiggy]]"</ref> Ralph's relationship with his parents seems to be loving and affectionate. Clancy, in particular, rather adores his son as the two do much together, such as various road trips or Ralph's first trip to a major league baseball game.<ref>''[[If You Can't Wiggum, Join 'Em!]]''</ref>
  
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Ralph has a multitude of imaginary friends such as [[Wiggle Puppy]] and a pyromaniacal [[leprechaun]] being particularly well known among viewers. Ralph's teacher, [[Springfield Elementary School#Elizabeth Hoover|Ms. Hoover]], is indifferent to his personality and his imagination.  Though she will often correct him in a dull, condescending manner, ("The children are ''right'' to laugh at you, Ralph," she tells him at one point) she has yet to outright scold him.
+
Ralph has a multitude of imaginary friends such as [[Wiggle Puppy]] and a pyromaniacal [[leprechaun]]. His teacher, [[Miss Hoover]], will often correct him in a dull, condescending manner ("The children are ''right'' to laugh at you, Ralph", she tells him at one point) but he always misses the point.
  
−
===The typical Ralph moment===
+
Ralph was also part of a rather infamous hoax where [[Homer]], [[Principal Skinner]], [[Apu]], [[Lenny]], [[Carl]], Chief Wiggum and others had become so fed-up with the whole issue of voting early for the election that they decided to cast all of their votes to someone who was not only unbelievably small, but also so young and unbelievably unintelligent it would be impossible for him to be considered a candidate (they unsurprisingly chose Ralph). Ironically, Lisa discovers that Ralph is not only aware of what being nominated means, but is also taking the idea of being elected seriously. Using his childish behavior, he intentionally manipulated the Republican and Democratic parties to join forces in their support of him.<ref>"[[E Pluribus Wiggum]]"</ref>
 +
[[File:This Little Wiggy.png|thumb|Ralph's friend the Leprechaun]]
  
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Ralph's signature use as a character in the show is to deliver either an odd bit of behavior, or dialogue which either perplexes others or merely gives the audience a quick laugh. During class, Ralph's teacher [[Springfield Elementary School#Elizabeth Hoover|Ms. Hoover]] will stop lecturing the class for a moment to question Ralph's actions such as eating something he shouldn't, or saying something bizarre or oblivious. Another common 'Ralph' moment is that Ralph will be at a major event in the episode's story, and will say something to either perplex everyone present or point out something so glaringly obvious it's funny. Ralph has quite a knack for getting himself into sticky situations as well, which is another type of scene he is often used for. Examples of scenes with Ralph include gorging himself with chocolate in "[[Bart the Murderer]]", being profiled by a scary dentist in "[[Last Exit to Springfield]]",  pretending to be a firetruck in "Fraudcast News," and proclaiming that he will attend "Bovine University" (an abattoir) in "[[Lisa the Vegetarian]]". There is criticism that as the show has gone on, Ralph has become less of a merely clueless and eccentric child to more of a dim-witted one liner character with little subtlety, (for example "Me fail English, that's unpossible!"). In later seasons in particular, Ralph is depicted showing mentally challenged behavior a little more often. In "[[Little Girl in the Big Ten]]", he is shown wetting himself in public. Similarly, in "[[Future-Drama]]", he is seen talking to a classmate by the punchbowl, saying "I can use the potty now.". Also, in the episode "[[Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song]]", Skinner looks at the building sadly and remembers touching moments with kids saying things like "I know how to read" and "Thank you, Principal Skinner". You hear Ralph's distinctive voice saying "Principal Skinner, I got carsick in your office".  This seems to have subsided a little recently, although appearances by Ralph himself have been lighter.
+
=== Typical behavior ===
−
Ralph also made an appearance in [[The Simpsons Movie]] when [[Bart]] was skateboarding naked, he said "I like men now".
+
During class, Ralph's teacher [[Miss Hoover]] will stop lecturing the class for a moment to question Ralph's actions such as eating something he shouldn't, or saying something bizarre or oblivious. Another common 'Ralph' moment is that Ralph will be at a major event, and will say something to either perplex everyone present or point out something so glaringly obvious it's funny. Ralph has quite a knack for getting himself into sticky situations as well. Examples of Ralph moments include him gorging himself with chocolate,<ref>"[[Bart the Murderer]]"</ref> being profiled by a scary dentist,<ref>"[[Last Exit to Springfield]]"</ref> pretending to be a firetruck,<ref>"[[Fraudcast News]]"</ref> pretending he is an imaginary [[Wiggle Puppy|puppy]],<ref name="This Little Wiggy"/> and proclaiming that he will attend "Bovine University".<ref>"[[Lisa the Vegetarian]]"</ref> He has been shown wetting himself in public.<ref>"[[Little Girl in the Big Ten]]"</ref>
  
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==Creation==
+
Similarly, in the future, he can be seen talking to a classmate by the punchbowl, saying "I can use the potty now.".<ref>"[[Future-Drama]]"</ref> Also, Skinner looked at the building sadly and remembers touching moments with kids saying things like "I know how to read" and "Thank you, Principal Skinner". Ralph's distinctive voice saying "Principal Skinner, I got carsick in your office", is heard.<ref>"[[Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song]]"</ref> This seems to have subsided a little recently, although appearances by Ralph himself have been lighter. He demonstrated signs at being borderline psychotic, seeing a leprechaun who tells him to burn things. When he later helps save the Mayor of Springfield with Bart and Lisa, the leprechaun appears and tells him, "You've done grand laddie. Now you know what you have to do? Burn the house down! Burn them all!", with Ralph smiling vacantly and nodding in agreement.<ref name="This Little Wiggy">"[[This Little Wiggy]]"</ref>
  
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In Ralph's first credited appearance in the show was the episode "[[Moaning Lisa]]", he was considerably different in both appearance and behavior from his later appearance. Originally intended to be a "Mini-Homer", Ralph eventually took on a life of his own.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} The staff figured that he'd also fit perfectly as the son of [[Chief Wiggum]], a fact made canon in "[[I Love Lisa]]", (although he is referred to by his last name of Wiggum in "[[Kamp Krusty]]" before). Ralph was named after comedian Jackie Gleason's character on ''The Honeymooners'' Ralph Kramden. [[Matt Groening]] considers any lines for Ralph "really hard to write."
+
When Ralph saw [[Bart]] skateboarding naked, he said, "I like men now!"<ref>''[[The Simpsons Movie]]''</ref>
 +
[[File:Ralph004.gif|thumb|left|Ralph eating paste.]]
  
−
[[Nancy Cartwright]] raises her eyebrows whenever she performs Ralph's voice.  
+
== Relationships ==
 +
=== Bart ===
 +
[[File:This Little Wiggy - Bart and Ralph.png|thumb|right|Ralph and Bart.]]
 +
Ralph has shown to have an occasional friendship with [[Bart]]. Bart stood up to bullies who were bullying him and befriended Ralph as a result of this and befriended him after finding out about all the cool police stuff he had in his house.<ref name="This Little Wiggy"/> Ralph has also been invited to a party for Bart by [[Marge]], and Bart insulted him, causing him to run off crying.
  
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The original Ralph design makes a cameo appearance in the episodes [[Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song]] and [[Bart's Comet]] as well as in Simpsons Comics #59.
+
=== Lisa ===
 +
Ralph and [[Lisa]] used to date and Lisa seems to be on good terms with Ralph still, often defending him and helping him. Lisa identified Ralph as representing "The Chose One" among [[The 20 Types of People You Meet in Elementary School]].<ref>''[[The Lisa Book]]''</ref>
  
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==Popular culture==
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=== Other children ===
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With a combination of his hilarious commentary and his endearingly innocent character, Ralph eventually became one of the show's most popular characters. Ralph's popularity as a character has even spread so far that the rock band The Bloodhound Gang made a song called "[[Ralph Wiggum (song)|Ralph Wiggum]]," dedicated to the character and comprised solely of some of his most famous quotes for lyrics. The song can be found on their album ''Hefty Fine''. Another band, Trillium Circle has a member named Ralph Wiggum, presumably a pseudonym. Show creator [[Matt Groening]] has stated that Ralph is one of his personal favorite characters on the ''Simpsons'', and whenever someone asks who writes specific characters (a common misconception about the writing process), writers will most likely take credit for writing for Ralph.[http://www.avclub.com/content/node/47771/3]
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Ralph has been shown with different children all the time. He is often seen with the rest of the second grade class: rolling down hills and climbing trees.
  
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==External links==
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== Non-canon ==
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* [http://www.thesimpsons.com/characters/home.htm The Simpsons official site] A profile on the official Simpson website.
+
{{Noncanon}}
 +
In the episode ''"[[Lisa's Wedding]]"'', he becomes one of [[Krusty]]'s [[sideshow]]s.<ref>"[[Lisa's Wedding]]"</ref>
  
 +
=== The Simpsons Game ===
 +
Ralph appears along with [[Rod]] and [[Todd Flanders]] as Hobbit-like children who help Homer and Marge defeat the two-headed dragon in order to get the keycard.<ref>"[[NeverQuest]]"</ref> He also appears as a holder of one of the three Sparklemon that Homer and Lisa must defeat.<ref>"[[Big Super Happy Fun Fun Game]]"</ref> At the end of the game, he is seen watching the closing moments of the Simpson family talking with [[God]], then he sees the player and says "Daddy... someone's looking at me...".
  
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{{Simpsons characters}}
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=== The Simpsons: Tapped Out ===
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==== Ralph ====
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{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Kids|Ralph}}
  
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[[Category:Characters|Wiggum, Ralph]]
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==== Costumes ====
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<gallery>
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File:Tapped Out Little Helper Ralph.png|[[Little Helper Ralph]]
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File:Ballet Ralph.png|[[Ballet Ralph]]
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File:Christmas Tree Ralph.png|[[Christmas Tree Ralph]]
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File:Broccoli Ralph.png|[[Broccoli Ralph]]
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</gallery>
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 +
== Behind the Laughter ==
 +
=== Creation ===
 +
In Ralph's first credited appearance in the show was the episode "[[Moaning Lisa]]", he was considerably different in both appearance and behavior from his later appearance, although he also briefly appeared in the first episode "[[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire]]".
 +
Ralph's signature use as a character in the show is to deliver either an odd bit of behavior, or dialogue which either perplexes others or merely gives the audience a quick laugh. Originally intended to be a "Mini-Homer", Ralph eventually took on a life of his own. The staff figured that he'd also fit perfectly as the son of [[Chief Wiggum]], a fact made canon in "[[I Love Lisa]]", (although he is referred to by his last name of Wiggum in "[[Kamp Krusty]]" before). Ralph was named after comedian Jackie Gleason's character on ''The Honeymooners'' Ralph Kramden. [[Matt Groening]] considers any lines for Ralph "really hard to write."
 +
 
 +
[[Nancy Cartwright]], the voice of Ralph, raises her eyebrows whenever she performs Ralph's voice.
 +
 
 +
=== Popular culture ===
 +
Ralph's popularity as a character has even spread so far that the rock band The Bloodhound Gang made a song called "{{ap|Ralph Wiggum|song}}," dedicated to the character and comprised solely of some of his most famous quotes for lyrics. The song can be found on their album ''{{W|Hefty Fine}}''. Another band, Trillium Circle, has a member named Ralph Wiggum. Ralph also became a prominent pop-culture figure in the {{W|United States presidential election, 2008|2008 U.S. Presidential election}} after "[[E Pluribus Wiggum]]" aired in January 2008. Show creator [[Matt Groening]] has stated that Ralph is one of his personal favorite characters on ''The Simpsons'', and whenever someone asks who writes specific characters (a common misconception about the writing process), writers will most likely take credit for writing for Ralph.[http://www.avclub.com/content/node/47771/3]
 +
 
 +
=== Merchandising ===
 +
Ralph has his own book in the series [[The Simpsons Library of Wisdom]]. He also had presidential posters and merchandise for the 2008 election, a'la "E Pluribus Wiggum".
 +
 
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== Appearances ==
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{{Incomplete}}
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|E4n=Intrusion of the Pod-Y Switchers; Geriatric Park
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|E8n=A-Gobble-Ypto; The Last Thanksgiving
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*{{spec|Homer Shake}}
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*{{spec|Join The Simpsons at the Daytona 500}}
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*{{spec|Springfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson|(picture)}}
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*{{TSG}}
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*{{ad|Bart Surfing at the Beach}}
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*{{ad|CC's Dare Number 14}}
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*{{ad|The Bully}}
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*{{ad|Bart's Locker}}
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*{{bon|A Chair of One's Own}}
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*{{bon|Cyrano de Bart}}
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*{{bon|Hill of Beans}}
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*{{bon|Bartology 101}}
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*{{bon|Comics Fan No More!}}
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*{{bon|Bart Cops Out}}
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*{{bon|If You Can't Wiggum, Join 'Em!}}
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*{{bon|The Book That Ate Springfield!}}
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*{{bon|Spree for All}}
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*{{bon|Handy Pop Culture Quotes for All Occasions!}}
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*{{bon|The Disappearing Duchess!}}
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*{{bon|Hog Tied}}
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*{{bon|The Uter Bomber}}
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*{{bon|Faking the Band}}
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*{{bon|The Man of the House}}
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*{{bon|Ralph's Room 1}}
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*{{bon|Ralph Wiggum's Day Off}}
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*{{bon|Where's Ralph?}}
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*{{bon|Ralph's Room 2}}
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*{{bon|Ralph the Role Model}}
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*{{bk|The Ralph Wiggum Book}}
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*{{bk|The Lisa Book}}
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*{{bk|Flanders' Book of Faith}}
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*{{bk|Simpsons World The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1-20}}
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*{{bk|Chief Wiggum's Book of Crime and Punishment}}
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*{{game|Virtual Bart}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons Wrestling}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons Road Rage}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons Skateboarding}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons: Hit & Run}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons: Tapped Out}}
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*{{RWeb|Wiggumforprez08.com}}
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*{{merch|Simpsons Mania! (Inkworks)|pipe=yes|3=Simpsons Mania!}}
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*{{merch|Springfield's Festive Friends}}
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{{TC}}
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}}
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== References ==
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{{Images|Ralph}}
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{{Reflist|2}}
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{{Krusty's Li'l Starmaker}}
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{{LGBT}}
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{{Springfield Elementary|2nd grade=yes}}
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{{Springfield High School}}
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{{Springfield Isotots Baseball Team members}}
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{{Party Posse}}
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{{Tapped Out characters|kids=yes}}
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{{Simpsons World factfiles|4=yes|19=yes}}
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{{Simpsons characters|elementary=yes}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wiggum, Ralph}}
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[[Category:Children]]
 
[[Category:Wiggum family]]
 
[[Category:Wiggum family]]
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[[Category:Springfield Elementary School students]]
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[[Category:Celebrities]]
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[[Category:Party Posse]]
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[[Category:Characters voiced by Nancy Cartwright]]
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[[Category:Recurring characters]]
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[[Category:Characters introduced in season 1]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, November 18, 2024


For the song by The Bloodhound Gang, see Ralph Wiggum (song).
"Ralph" redirects here. For other uses of "Ralph", see Ralph (disambiguation).
"Me fail English? That's unpossible!"
―Ralph[src]
Ralph Wiggum
Ralph Wiggum.png
Artwork of Ralph by Matt Groening
Character Information
Gender:
Male ♂
Status:
Alive
Age: 8
Hair: Black
Occupation: Student at Springfield Elementary School
Relatives: Father: Clancy Wiggum
Mother: Sarah Wiggum
Grandfather: Iggy Wiggum
Grandmother: Unnamed (deceased)[1][2]
Uncle: Fred Kanneke[3]
Aunt: Lucy Wiggum
First appearance: "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"
Voiced by: Nancy Cartwright
v • d • e • h


Ralph Wiggum is a student who attends Springfield Elementary School. He is best known as the town's resident oddball, and has been immortalized for his non sequiturs and erratic behavior. His lines range from purely nonsensical, or bizarre interpretations of a current event, to surprisingly profound statements that go over people's heads. For this, Ralph is somewhat of an outcast among his peers, although he seems to be on good terms with a fair number of the other kids at school such as Bart, Lisa, and Milhouse.

The son of Police Chief Clancy and Sarah Wiggum, Ralph is rarely picked on or bullied due to his unscrupulous father's position. He purportedly has immense potential as a musical performer (school roles attained for him, however, by his police chief father's extorting Springfield teachers, including Miss Hoover, which may explain her dislike for Ralph). He also manipulated the Republican and Democratic parties in Springfield to join forces in their support of him for public office in "E Pluribus Wiggum", a parody of voting and elections.

Biography[edit]

Ralph Every Simpsons Ever.png
Ralph's character folder in the Hall of Records on The Simpsons website.

Personality[edit]

Ralph suffers from learning disabilities of some sort, as evidenced by his apparently slow grasp of things in the world around him, his difficulty in studying, and his sporadic speech impediments. His unique manner of speech is often the source of the character's trademark random quotes, where Ralph may make a comment such as "What's a battle?", "It tastes like... burning!", or "Mr. Flanders, you're blindeded!", as well as his tendency to call his teacher "School Mommy", and, on one occasion, calling Superintendent Chalmers "Super Nintendo Chalmers"; neither was happy with the moniker.[4] He may not be as unintelligent as he normally appears and has strong performing talents. An incredible tap dancer and played the role of George Washington in the school play, he not only recited his lines perfectly but also managed to play the role so well that he brought the audience to tears.[5] When he was a baby, his father dropped him on his head. After that, Ralph had trouble bringing a baby bottle to his mouth.[6]

Ralph is often seen eating paste, crayons, worms, knobs, lamps, and the Easter bunny. He has a rather immense imagination and is seemingly oblivious to the world around him. As such, he is generally a cheerful boy. However, in one episode Ralph displays a dark side (pyromania).[7] After seeing Ralph cry over not receiving a Valentine's card, Lisa gave him one out of pity. He then developed a crush on her, which eventually becomes so annoying that she breaks up with him but the pair eventually become friends again.[5] On one occasion, Bart is forced by his mother Marge to play with Ralph. At first bored, Bart ends up having fun after they steal Ralph's father's master key to the city, the convoluted consequences of which almost result in the electrocution of Mayor Quimby.[7] Ralph's relationship with his parents seems to be loving and affectionate. Clancy, in particular, rather adores his son as the two do much together, such as various road trips or Ralph's first trip to a major league baseball game.[8]

Ralph has a multitude of imaginary friends such as Wiggle Puppy and a pyromaniacal leprechaun. His teacher, Miss Hoover, will often correct him in a dull, condescending manner ("The children are right to laugh at you, Ralph", she tells him at one point) but he always misses the point.

Ralph was also part of a rather infamous hoax where Homer, Principal Skinner, Apu, Lenny, Carl, Chief Wiggum and others had become so fed-up with the whole issue of voting early for the election that they decided to cast all of their votes to someone who was not only unbelievably small, but also so young and unbelievably unintelligent it would be impossible for him to be considered a candidate (they unsurprisingly chose Ralph). Ironically, Lisa discovers that Ralph is not only aware of what being nominated means, but is also taking the idea of being elected seriously. Using his childish behavior, he intentionally manipulated the Republican and Democratic parties to join forces in their support of him.[9]

Ralph's friend the Leprechaun

Typical behavior[edit]

During class, Ralph's teacher Miss Hoover will stop lecturing the class for a moment to question Ralph's actions such as eating something he shouldn't, or saying something bizarre or oblivious. Another common 'Ralph' moment is that Ralph will be at a major event, and will say something to either perplex everyone present or point out something so glaringly obvious it's funny. Ralph has quite a knack for getting himself into sticky situations as well. Examples of Ralph moments include him gorging himself with chocolate,[10] being profiled by a scary dentist,[11] pretending to be a firetruck,[12] pretending he is an imaginary puppy,[7] and proclaiming that he will attend "Bovine University".[13] He has been shown wetting himself in public.[14]

Similarly, in the future, he can be seen talking to a classmate by the punchbowl, saying "I can use the potty now.".[15] Also, Skinner looked at the building sadly and remembers touching moments with kids saying things like "I know how to read" and "Thank you, Principal Skinner". Ralph's distinctive voice saying "Principal Skinner, I got carsick in your office", is heard.[16] This seems to have subsided a little recently, although appearances by Ralph himself have been lighter. He demonstrated signs at being borderline psychotic, seeing a leprechaun who tells him to burn things. When he later helps save the Mayor of Springfield with Bart and Lisa, the leprechaun appears and tells him, "You've done grand laddie. Now you know what you have to do? Burn the house down! Burn them all!", with Ralph smiling vacantly and nodding in agreement.[7]

When Ralph saw Bart skateboarding naked, he said, "I like men now!"[17]

Ralph eating paste.

Relationships[edit]

Bart[edit]

Ralph and Bart.

Ralph has shown to have an occasional friendship with Bart. Bart stood up to bullies who were bullying him and befriended Ralph as a result of this and befriended him after finding out about all the cool police stuff he had in his house.[7] Ralph has also been invited to a party for Bart by Marge, and Bart insulted him, causing him to run off crying.

Lisa[edit]

Ralph and Lisa used to date and Lisa seems to be on good terms with Ralph still, often defending him and helping him. Lisa identified Ralph as representing "The Chose One" among The 20 Types of People You Meet in Elementary School.[18]

Other children[edit]

Ralph has been shown with different children all the time. He is often seen with the rest of the second grade class: rolling down hills and climbing trees.

Non-canon[edit]

Donut Homer.png The contents of this article or section are considered to be non-canon and therefore may not have actually happened or existed.

In the episode "Lisa's Wedding", he becomes one of Krusty's sideshows.[19]

The Simpsons Game[edit]

Ralph appears along with Rod and Todd Flanders as Hobbit-like children who help Homer and Marge defeat the two-headed dragon in order to get the keycard.[20] He also appears as a holder of one of the three Sparklemon that Homer and Lisa must defeat.[21] At the end of the game, he is seen watching the closing moments of the Simpson family talking with God, then he sees the player and says "Daddy... someone's looking at me...".

The Simpsons: Tapped Out[edit]

Ralph[edit]

This section is transcluded from The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Kids. To edit it, please edit the transcluded page.
Ralph
Image Cost Unlock method Unlocks with Unlock message
Tapped Out Unlock Ralph.png Cash45,500 Level 26
This Little Wiggy Pt. 1 		Wiggum House My breath smells like cat food too.
Technical Information ID Groups Internal Name
55 Regular Characters, Regular Male, Dimwit, Youngster, Kook, Rommelwood Students, Wiggum Family, Normal Springfielders Ralph

Costumes[edit]

Behind the Laughter[edit]

Creation[edit]

In Ralph's first credited appearance in the show was the episode "Moaning Lisa", he was considerably different in both appearance and behavior from his later appearance, although he also briefly appeared in the first episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire". Ralph's signature use as a character in the show is to deliver either an odd bit of behavior, or dialogue which either perplexes others or merely gives the audience a quick laugh. Originally intended to be a "Mini-Homer", Ralph eventually took on a life of his own. The staff figured that he'd also fit perfectly as the son of Chief Wiggum, a fact made canon in "I Love Lisa", (although he is referred to by his last name of Wiggum in "Kamp Krusty" before). Ralph was named after comedian Jackie Gleason's character on The Honeymooners Ralph Kramden. Matt Groening considers any lines for Ralph "really hard to write."

Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Ralph, raises her eyebrows whenever she performs Ralph's voice.

Popular culture[edit]

Ralph's popularity as a character has even spread so far that the rock band The Bloodhound Gang made a song called "Ralph Wiggum," dedicated to the character and comprised solely of some of his most famous quotes for lyrics. The song can be found on their album Hefty Fine. Another band, Trillium Circle, has a member named Ralph Wiggum. Ralph also became a prominent pop-culture figure in the 2008 U.S. Presidential election after "E Pluribus Wiggum" aired in January 2008. Show creator Matt Groening has stated that Ralph is one of his personal favorite characters on The Simpsons, and whenever someone asks who writes specific characters (a common misconception about the writing process), writers will most likely take credit for writing for Ralph.[1]

Merchandising[edit]

Ralph has his own book in the series The Simpsons Library of Wisdom. He also had presidential posters and merchandise for the 2008 election, a'la "E Pluribus Wiggum".

Appearances[edit]

Incomplete.png This article or section is incomplete.


Please improve the article, or discuss the issue on the talk page.

References[edit]

The Saga of Carl - title screen.png Wikisimpsons has a collection of images related to Ralph Wiggum.
  1. ↑ "The Blue and the Gray"
  2. ↑ "Four Regrettings and a Funeral"
  3. ↑ "Million-Dollar Abie"
  4. ↑ "Lisa Gets an "A""
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "I Love Lisa"
  6. ↑ "Moms I'd Like to Forget" (flashback)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "This Little Wiggy"
  8. ↑ If You Can't Wiggum, Join 'Em!
  9. ↑ "E Pluribus Wiggum"
  10. ↑ "Bart the Murderer"
  11. ↑ "Last Exit to Springfield"
  12. ↑ "Fraudcast News"
  13. ↑ "Lisa the Vegetarian"
  14. ↑ "Little Girl in the Big Ten"
  15. ↑ "Future-Drama"
  16. ↑ "Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song"
  17. ↑ The Simpsons Movie
  18. ↑ The Lisa Book
  19. ↑ "Lisa's Wedding"
  20. ↑ "NeverQuest"
  21. ↑ "Big Super Happy Fun Fun Game"


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