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Difference between revisions of "Ralph Wiggum"

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|status = Alive
 
|status = Alive
 
|job = Student at [[Springfield Elementary School]]
 
|job = Student at [[Springfield Elementary School]]
|relatives = '''Father:''' [[Clancy Wiggum]]<br>'''Mother:''' [[Sarah Wiggum]]<br>'''Grandfather:''' [[Iggy Wiggum]]<br>'''Grandmother:''' Mrs Wiggum, and Mrs. Kanneke (one living, one 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>
+
|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]]"
 
|appearance = "[[Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire]]"
 
|voiced by = [[Nancy Cartwright]]
 
|voiced by = [[Nancy Cartwright]]
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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]].
 
'''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]].
  
The son of [[Springfield Police Department|Police]] [[Clancy Wiggum|Chief Clancy]] and [[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 in Springfield, he may not be quite as simple as he first seems, as evidenced by his hinted immense potential as a performer.
+
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.  
  
 
== Biography ==
 
== Biography ==
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[[File:Ralphfolder.PNG|thumbnail|left|Ralph's character folder in the Hall of Records on The Simpsons website.]]
 
[[File:Ralphfolder.PNG|thumbnail|left|Ralph's character folder in the Hall of Records on The Simpsons website.]]
 
=== Personality ===
 
=== Personality ===
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. 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 [[Elizabeth Hoover|teacher]] "School Mommy" and on one occasion calling [[Superintendent Chalmers]] "Super Nintendo Chalmers".<ref>"[[Lisa Gets an "A"]]"</ref> 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.<ref name="I Love Lisa">"[[I Love Lisa]]"</ref> He is in his first year of second grade. He's also shown to be able to drive his dad's police car.
+
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>
  
Ralph is often seen in very awkward situations such as eating paste, crayons, worms, knobs, lamps, and the Easter bunny 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. He has connections because his father is Chief of Police.
+
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>
  
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.<ref name="I Love Lisa"/> Bart is rather long suffering of Ralph. On one occasion, Bart is forced by his mother [[Marge]] to play with Ralph. He is at first bored with Ralph but ends up having fun after they steal Clancy Wiggum's master key to the city, and Bart eventually admits that Ralph is a friend.<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> Ralph can be quite a handful, however, and there are times where Clancy can be neglectful of his son as well. His favourite food is school supplies.
+
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 has a multitude of imaginary friends such as [[Wiggle Puppy]] and a pyromaniacal [[leprechaun]] being particularly well known among viewers. Ralph's teacher, [[Miss 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. He usually misses the point.
+
Ralph was also part of a rather infamous hoax where [[Homer]], [[Seymour Skinner|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>
 
 
Ralph was also part of a rather infamous hoax where [[Homer]], [[Seymour Skinner|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 (and they ultimately 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 very 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> He is best at sleeping and acting.
 
 
[[File:This Little Wiggy.png|thumb|Ralph's friend the Leprechaun]]
 
[[File:This Little Wiggy.png|thumb|Ralph's friend the Leprechaun]]
  
 
=== Typical behavior ===
 
=== Typical behavior ===
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]] see [[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> 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. Ralph has also demonstrated signs at being borderline psychotic, as he has stated that there is a rock in his yard, where he saw a leprechaun, who told 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>
+
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]] see [[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>  
  
Ralph's behavior may be explained in part by the fact that 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>
+
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>
  
When Ralph saw [[Bart]] skateboarding naked, he said, "I like men now!" <ref>''[[The Simpsons Movie]]''</ref>  
+
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.]]
 
[[File:Ralph004.gif|thumb|left|Ralph eating paste.]]
  
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=== Lisa ===
 
=== Lisa ===
Ralph and [[Lisa]] used to date and Lisa seems to be on good terms with Ralph still, often defending him and helping him.
+
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>
  
 
=== Other children ===
 
=== Other children ===
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==== Default ====
 
==== Default ====
 
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Kids|Ralph}}
 
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Kids|Ralph}}
 +
 +
==== Little Helper Ralph ====
 +
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/More Costumes|LittleHelperRalph}}
  
 
==== Ballet Ralph ====
 
==== Ballet Ralph ====
 
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Sporty Wannabes|BalletRalph}}
 
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Sporty Wannabes|BalletRalph}}
 +
 +
==== Christmas Tree Ralph ====
 +
{{TranscludeSection|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Winter 2017|ChristmasTreeRalph}}
  
 
== Behind the Laughter ==
 
== Behind the Laughter ==
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=== Popular culture ===
 
=== Popular culture ===
With a combination of his popular 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 "{{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, presumably a pseudonym. Ralph also became a prominent pop-culture figure in the {{W|United States presidential election, 2008|2008 U.S. Presidential election}} after the episode "[[E Pluribus Wiggum]]" aired in January 2008.
+
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]
 
 
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]
 
 
 
The character from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rowley Jefferson bears similarities to Ralph in terms of appearance and personality.
 
  
 
=== Merchandising ===
 
=== Merchandising ===
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*{{ep|Worst Episode Ever}}
 
*{{ep|Worst Episode Ever}}
 
*{{ep|New Kids on the Blecch}}
 
*{{ep|New Kids on the Blecch}}
*{{ep|Bye Bye Nerdie}}
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*{{ep|Bye, Bye, Nerdie}}
 
*{{ep|I'm Goin' to Praiseland}}
 
*{{ep|I'm Goin' to Praiseland}}
 
*{{ep|Children of a Lesser Clod}}
 
*{{ep|Children of a Lesser Clod}}
 
*{{ep|Sweets and Sour Marge}}
 
*{{ep|Sweets and Sour Marge}}
 
*{{ep|I Am Furious (Yellow)}}
 
*{{ep|I Am Furious (Yellow)}}
*{{ep|Tales From the Public Domain|(as Laertes)}}
+
*{{ep|Tales from the Public Domain|(as Laertes)}}
 
*{{ep|Little Girl in the Big Ten}}
 
*{{ep|Little Girl in the Big Ten}}
 
*{{ep|Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge}}
 
*{{ep|Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge}}
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*{{ep|The Daughter Also Rises}}
 
*{{ep|The Daughter Also Rises}}
 
*{{ep|Beware My Cheating Bart}}
 
*{{ep|Beware My Cheating Bart}}
*{{ep|Ned 'N' Edna's Blend}}
+
*{{ep|Ned 'n' Edna's Blend Agenda}}
 
*{{ep|Lisa Goes Gaga}}
 
*{{ep|Lisa Goes Gaga}}
 
*{{ep|A Tree Grows in Springfield}}
 
*{{ep|A Tree Grows in Springfield}}
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*{{ep|Simpsorama}}
 
*{{ep|Simpsorama}}
 
*{{ep|Covercraft}}
 
*{{ep|Covercraft}}
*{{ep|I Won't Be Home For Christmas}}
+
*{{ep|I Won't Be Home for Christmas}}
 
*{{ep|Walking Big & Tall}}
 
*{{ep|Walking Big & Tall}}
 
*{{ep|My Fare Lady}}
 
*{{ep|My Fare Lady}}
 
*{{ep|Kamp Krustier}}
 
*{{ep|Kamp Krustier}}
 
*{{ep|A Father's Watch}}
 
*{{ep|A Father's Watch}}
 +
*{{ep|Bart's Not Dead}}
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*{{ep|Heartbreak Hotel}}
 +
*{{ep|My Way or the Highway to Heaven}}
 +
*{{THOH|Treehouse of Horror XXIX}}
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*{{ep|Werking Mom}}
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*{{ep|Krusty the Clown (episode)|pipe=yes|3=Krusty the Clown}}
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*{{ep|Daddicus Finch}}
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*{{ep|E My Sports}}
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*{{ep|Bart vs. Itchy & Scratchy}}
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*{{ep|Girl's in the Band}}
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*{{ep|I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say D'oh}}
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*{{ep|D'oh Canada}}
 +
*{{ep|Woo-hoo Dunnit?|(picture)}}
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*{{ep|Crystal Blue-Haired Persuasion}}
 +
*{{ep|The Winter of Our Monetized Content}}
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*{{ep|The Fat Blue Line}}
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*{{ep|Marge the Lumberjill}}
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*{{ep|Livin La Pura Vida}}
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*{{ep|Thanksgiving of Horror}}
 
*{{spec|Homer Shake}}
 
*{{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)}}
 
*{{TSG}}
 
*{{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}}
 
*{{bon|A Chair of One's Own}}
 
*{{bon|A Chair of One's Own}}
 
*{{bon|Cyrano de Bart}}
 
*{{bon|Cyrano de Bart}}
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*{{bon|The Book That Ate Springfield!}}
 
*{{bon|The Book That Ate Springfield!}}
 
*{{bon|Spree for All}}
 
*{{bon|Spree for All}}
*{{bon|Handy Pop Culture Quotes For All Occasions!}}
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*{{bon|Handy Pop Culture Quotes for All Occasions!}}
 
*{{bon|The Disappearing Duchess!}}
 
*{{bon|The Disappearing Duchess!}}
 
*{{bon|Hog Tied}}
 
*{{bon|Hog Tied}}
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*{{game|The Simpsons: Tapped Out}}
 
*{{game|The Simpsons: Tapped Out}}
 
*{{RWeb|Wiggumforprez08.com}}
 
*{{RWeb|Wiggumforprez08.com}}
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*{{merch|Simpsons Mania! (Inkworks)|Simpsons Mania!}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
== External links ==
 
* [http://www.thesimpsons.com/characters/home.htm The Simpsons official site] A profile on the official Simpson website.
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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{{Reflist|2}}
 
{{Reflist|2}}
  
 +
{{Krusty's Li'l Starmaker}}
 
{{LGBT}}
 
{{LGBT}}
 
{{Springfield Elementary|2nd grade=yes}}
 
{{Springfield Elementary|2nd grade=yes}}

Revision as of 17:43, May 3, 2020

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


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

Ralph Every Simpsons Ever.png
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 "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, 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

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 see This Little Wiggy, 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

Bart

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

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

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

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

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 Simpsons family talking with God, then he sees the player and says "Daddy... someone's looking at me...".

The Simpsons: Tapped Out

Default

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Ralph
Image Cost Unlock method Unlocks with Unlock message
Tapped Out Unlock Ralph.png Cash.png45,500 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

Little Helper Ralph

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Ballet Ralph

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Christmas Tree Ralph

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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 "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

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

References

The Saga of Carl - title screen.png Wikisimpsons has a collection of images related to Ralph Wiggum.