Princess Carolyn is a central character in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “BoJack Horseman,” a show that ingeniously melds humor with heavier themes of mental health, addiction, and the human condition.
Voiced by Amy Sedaris, Princess Carolyn, a pink anthropomorphic Persian cat, is more than just a character; she embodies resilience, ambition, and the complexities of modern womanhood.
Princess Carolyn begins the series as BoJack’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, and dedicated talent agent. Her character represents the epitome of the “career woman” in contemporary society – relentlessly striving for success while navigating the turbulence of personal life. She’s smart, witty, and often the voice of reason in a world filled with eccentric personalities and chaotic circumstances.
Princess Carolyn of Bojack Horseman
Princess Carolyn’s character arc is a masterful blend of comedic and tragic elements. Initially, her sole focus is her career and the demanding, egocentric BoJack. But as the show progresses, we witness her grappling with her desire for motherhood, her failed relationships, and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance.
The series’ writers brilliantly explore Princess Carolyn’s maternal instinct and her struggles with infertility. This manifests in a heartbreaking miscarriage storyline, the subsequent fallout of her relationship with Ralph Stilton, and, ultimately, her decision to adopt.
Throughout these experiences, Princess Carolyn’s character continues to evolve. Her resilience in the face of personal and professional hardship adds depth to her character, portraying her as a flawed yet undeniably strong woman.
Symbolism and Impact
Princess Carolyn is more than just an entertaining character; she symbolizes perseverance. She is constantly on the move, putting out fires in her professional life while trying to keep her personal life afloat. Her relentless optimism and her knack for spinning negatives into positives, often using playful tongue twisters, make her a beacon of resilience.
Despite being an anthropomorphic cat, Princess Carolyn’s struggles resonate with many viewers. She tackles issues like workaholism, miscarriage, and single parenthood with a raw honesty rarely seen in animated series. This genuine portrayal has earned her a special place in viewers’ hearts and sparked important conversations about working women’s challenges.
Behind the Voice
Amy Sedaris, who lends her voice to Princess Carolyn, is a remarkable performer known for her comedic talent in acting and writing. Sedaris’s nuanced voice performance truly brings Princess Carolyn to life. The actress successfully conveys the character’s whip-smart humor, underlying emotional turmoil, and never-say-die spirit, often within the same scene.
Moreover, Sedaris’s comedic timing adds depth to Princess Carolyn’s fast-paced, tongue-twisting dialogues, an essential part of her character’s charm. The way Sedaris switches between humorous, dramatic, and emotionally heavy moments exhibits the depth of her talent and the complexity of Princess Carolyn as a character.
Physical Appearance
A vibrant female Persian cat, Princess Carolyn boasts pink fur, complemented by a whimsical curl of hair on her head. Her green eyes carry an intriguing mix of life’s wisdom and fatigue, underscored by long, black whiskers. Her petite stature, standing at just about 4’9″ barefoot and reaching 5’1″ with her heels on, adds to her distinct appearance.
Adorning herself in fashion that reflects her vivacious personality, Princess Carolyn rocks a knee-length teal green dress that bears a fun yellow fish pattern. A grey belt cinches her waist, while a yellow sweater adds an extra layer of sophistication. Hanging around her neck, she sports a gold necklace featuring an upside-down triangle pendant, cradling a vivid red gem in the center. Her look gets the perfect finish with dark pink high heels and a lipstick matching her fur color, as revealed in the episode “Yes And.”
Her physical agility as a cat is frequently utilized in the series to comic effect. Whether it’s landing gracefully on her feet or utilizing her claws for emphasis during a negotiation, her physical characteristics play an essential part in her character portrayal.
Personality
Princess Carolyn’s personality is a dynamic blend of ambition, wit, resilience, and warmth. She is a career-driven individual who is fiercely dedicated to her clients, often going above and beyond her call of duty as a manager and agent. Her sharp intelligence and fast-talking wit make her a force to be reckoned with in the competitive Hollywood scene.
However, beneath her tough exterior, she possesses a nurturing and caring side, especially in her relationships. Her loneliness and longing for a family reveal a vulnerable side to her character, adding depth to her persona. Despite her hardships, she maintains a remarkable optimism and determination, always bouncing back from failures.
In the cutthroat environment of Hollywood, she can transform into a stubborn negotiator, a smooth talker, or even a manipulative strategist to seal deals and align others with her objectives, even when morality might question her tactics. Yet, beneath her business-driven persona, she carries a good-natured and considerate heart.
Friendships
Princess Carolyn’s relationships are a defining aspect of her character. Her most complex relationship is undoubtedly with BoJack, her client and occasional romantic partner. Their bond oscillates between professional, personal, and romantic, often blurring the lines and causing joy and heartbreak.
Her friendship with her assistant-turned-manager Judah is one of mutual respect and admiration. While initially purely professional, their relationship deepens over the series, revealing a shared understanding and trust.
Princess Carolyn’s interactions with her frenemy and rival, Vanessa Gekko, often highlight her competitive side, highlighting her determination not to be outdone in her professional sphere.
Memorable Moments
BoJack Horseman is a show filled with many unforgettable moments, and Princess Carolyn is at the heart of some of the most poignant ones. For instance, the episode “Ruthie” stands out as a defining moment for her character.
It is set in the future, narrated by her alleged great-great-great-granddaughter Ruthie, only for the audience to discover that Ruthie is an imaginary character conjured by Princess Carolyn to cope with a particularly tough day.
Another unforgettable moment comes in the episode “The Stopped Show,” where Princess Carolyn finally becomes a mother. The journey to this point, riddled with disappointments and heartbreaks, makes the moment even more rewarding and a significant milestone in her character arc.
Legacy of Princess Carolyn
Princess Carolyn leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of animated television characters. She is a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention. Through her highs and lows, the character teaches the audience about the real-world struggles of balancing career and personal life, highlighting both the hardships and the rewards.
Her character goes beyond the traditional female roles in animation, breaking stereotypes and offering an honest portrayal of modern womanhood. Princess Carolyn’s multifaceted persona, struggles, victories, and unyielding spirit will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come.
Relationships
- Ruthie (adopted daughter)
- Judah Mannowdog (former assistant/business partner/husband)
- BoJack Horseman (former client/ex-boyfriend/friend)
- Diane Nguyen (former employee/frequent collaborator/friend)
- Mr. Peanutbutter (client/friend)
- Todd Chavez (former house-guest/former-boss/daughter’s nanny/friend)
- Vanessa Gekko (former business rival/friend)
- Ralph Stilton (ex-boyfriend/friend)
- Rutabaga Rabitowitz (ex-boyfriend/former colleague/former business partner/former business rival)
- Vincent Adultman (ex-boyfriend)
Aliases
- PC
- Carolyn (Rutabaga Rabitowitz)
- Tangled Fog of Pulsating Yearning In The Shape Of A Woman (Mary-Beth)
- Priscilla Crustacean (Dr. Indira)
- Pink Cat Lady (Henry Winkler)
Occupation
- Manager (currently)
- Head of her own production studio (currently)
- Owner of VIM Management (currently)
- Producer of “Philbert”(formerly)
- Producer of “Birthday Dad”
- Talent agent at Vigor Agency (formerly)
- Secretary/assistant for Marv Sbarbori (formerly)
- Intern at Vigor Agency (formerly)
The Full Story of Princess Carolyn
What is Princess Carolyn’s profession?
Princess Carolyn starts as a talent agent in the series, later becoming a manager and eventually opening her own agency and management company.
What is Princess Carolyn’s relationship with BoJack Horseman?
Princess Carolyn is BoJack’s agent and on-again, off-again girlfriend. Their relationship is complex and often blurs the lines between professional and personal.
Does Princess Carolyn ever become a mother?
Yes, Princess Carolyn adopts a baby hedgehog named Untitled Princess Carolyn Project, whom she later names Ruthie, fulfilling her long-held desire to become a mother.
How does Princess Carolyn handle her career and personal life?
Princess Carolyn often struggles with the balance between her demanding career and personal life. The series explores her journey of managing her professional ambitions, personal relationships, and desire for motherhood.