gnome (nōm) n.
A pithy saying that expresses a general truth or fundamental principle; an aphorism.
Gnome #3:
People generally like characters that are sort of like cats.
(Gnome #3.5: Actual cats only count if animated.)
It’s true. I don’t claim to understand it entirely, but throw a few cat-like characters into the plot of a book or movie and suddenly it’s Q Score goes through the roof. If you stop and think about it, I am sure you can think up at least a few cat-like characters in books and movies, all of them wildly popular.
From the Beast in Beauty and the Beast to The Cowardly Lion, just throw a cat suit on someone and BOOM!
Just look at Captain America: Civil War: The entire movie plot depends on a cat character, The Black Panther, getting some revenge and Boom! Huge international hit.
And they make great sidekicks too. Let’s see…there’s Stimpson J. Cat of Ren & Stimpy, Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes, Scratchy of Itchy and Scratchy, and Shrek’s pal Puss in Boots to name a few. If you want your cartoon creation to become hugely popular and immortal, all you have to do is partner your shitty character with a cat character partner and you’re done.
It’s almost too easy. You can’t go wrong with a cat character, even if they’re the bad guy or girl. Continue reading »
