Unveiling the Animal Identities: A Closer Look at All the Characters in Arthur, including the question of what type of animal Arthur is.
The show is known for its educational content, as it addresses a wide range of social and emotional issues that children face, such as friendship, responsibility, and empathy.
Additionally, it includes segments that teach children about different cultures and prepares them to be accepting of others.
The show’s humor and relatable storylines appeal to children and help keep them engaged. The show also features positive role models and age-appropriate content.
The characters in Arthur include a diverse group of animals and humans living in the fictional town of Elwood City.
Is Arthur an Anteater?
Arthur is an aardvark, not an anteater. Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals native to Africa, while anteaters are found in Central and South America. Aardvarks have long snouts and ears and feed primarily on ants and termites. They are known for their powerful digging abilities.
Anteaters have elongated snouts and tongues and feed primarily on ants and termites, but they have different physical characteristics and belong to other families.
Interesting Fact: The show is designed to promote literacy and encourage children to read. Each episode includes segments that show the characters reading books and visiting the library.
Final episode date: February 21, 2022
First episode date: October 7, 1996 (Canada)
Spin-off: Postcards from Buster
Composer: Ray Fabi
Ending theme: “Believe in Yourself” (instrumental)
Created by: Marc Brown
An Overview Of All The Characters In Arthur
Arthur was created as an aardvark character because the show’s creator, Marc Brown, was inspired by the character in the book “The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z” by Steve Martin.
Brown thought an aardvark would be a relatable and interesting main character for a children’s book series.
The characters were created as diverse animals and humans so that children could relate to and learn from them.
The animal characters provided a fun and creative way to explore different traits and characteristics common to all living creatures, helping children learn about empathy and understanding.
Let us go over each animal from the TV Show.
13Arthur Read Is An Aardvark
Throughout the series, Arthur faces various challenges and problems common to children his age, such as dealing with bullies, navigating friendships, and dealing with family issues.
He also learns valuable lessons about responsibility, honesty, and the importance of hard work.
The show also promotes literacy and encourages children to read through Arthur’s love of books and to visit the library.
One of the reasons why Arthur is an important character is that he provides a positive role model for children.
12Binky Barnes Is A Bulldog
Often, Binky picks on other characters, especially Arthur, but he also shows a more vulnerable side from time to time.
The aggressive behavior of the character can be attributed to some personal issues.
Throughout the series, Binky struggles with anger management and learns to deal with his emotions more constructively.
He also learns the consequences of his actions and the importance of taking responsibility for them.
11Buster Baxter Is A Bespectacled Rabbit
Buster is also known for his unique family situation. A close relationship exists between him and his grandparents. He is also shown to be a good grandson and takes care of them.
Buster’s role in the show is crucial because he is a positive role model for children.
He is a kind, curious, and adventurous individual who is always eager to learn and explore new things.
His love of food and cooking also encourages children to be open to trying new things and exploring different cultures.
10Nigel Ratburn Is A Rat
Ratburn is shown throughout the series to be a dedicated and knowledgeable educator who always looks for innovative ways to teach his students.
His students are encouraged to take learning seriously because he believes in the importance of education.
He is also shown to have a personal life, where he is shown to be a talented musician, a gourmet cook, and a loving husband.
9D.W. Read – Dora Winifred
Throughout the series, D.W. is shown to be an intelligent and curious child who is always eager to learn and explore new things but often struggles with her emotions and impulsiveness.
In addition to being jealous of her brother’s abilities and accomplishments, she also looks up to him as a role model.
8Prunella Deegan Is A Rat
Prunella Deegan is a recurring character in the animated television series “Arthur.”
She is a bright and independent young girl known for her love of reading and intelligence.
She is often seen hanging out with Arthur and his friends.
Prunella is also known for her love of writing and expressing herself through poetry and other forms of creative writing.
7Timmy And Tommy Tibble
Throughout the series, Timmy and Tommy are shown to be energetic and playful children who often get into mischief.
They have a strong bond as brothers, and they often play together.
Sports, especially baseball, are also a passion of theirs. Additionally, they are competitive and sometimes go to great lengths to win.
Timmy and Tommy are shown to be kind and caring brothers despite their mischief and troublemaking.
6Sue Ellen Armstrong Is A Cat
Sue Ellen is also known for her love of environmentalism and desire to protect and preserve nature.
As part of her environmental activism, she spreads awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
She is a positive role model for children, showing that they can be responsible, caring, and compassionate people with a deep love for animals and a desire to protect and preserve nature.
5Fern Walters Is A Dog
Fern Walters is a character from the animated children’s television show “Arthur.” She is a young girl who is a friend of the titular character, Arthur Read.
Fern is known for being intelligent and articulate and often uses big words and advanced vocabulary in her speech. She is also a bookworm and enjoys reading.
Fern is a recurring character on the show, appearing in many episodes throughout the series.
4George Lundgren Is A Moose
George Lundgren is a character from the animated children’s television show “Arthur.”
His appearances are less frequent than those of Arthur, Buster, and Francine, as he is a minor character.
George is known for his love of science and technology.
As a curious and intelligent child, he is often seen experimenting with science projects and tinkering with gadgets.
3Alan Powers A.K.A. Brain
The Brain is often shown as the most academically gifted student in his class, excelling in various subjects such as math and science. He is also a strong chess player and a chess club member.
Despite his intelligence, he struggles with being the smartest kid in the class due to his flaws and insecurities.
He is one of the best friends of Arthur, and they often compete in different challenges but also support each other.
2Francine Frensky Is An Anthropomorphic Monkey
Francine Frensky is a character from the animated children’s television show “Arthur.”
She is one of the main characters in the show and is known for her strong personality, determination, and competitive nature.
Francine is a strong, athletic, and confident young girl who is also her best friend, Arthur.
In general, audiences enjoy Francine’s character since she is portrayed as a strong female character who is not afraid to speak her mind and pursue her goals.
Francine’s character development through the series is well-received as well. She is shown to be a multidimensional character with her own interests and struggles, not just a sidekick to Arthur.
1Muffy Is An Anthropomorphic Monkey
Muffy is the daughter of a wealthy businessman and is often shown living a lavish lifestyle, with her private bowling alley and swimming pool.
She is also known for being a bit of a “shopaholic” and enjoys buying designer clothes and accessories.
As an arrogant, snobbish, and complex character, Muffy is often portrayed as an antagonist to Arthur and his friends.
However, her character development is well received. She is also shown to have a kind heart and often helps her friends when needed.
Who were The Famous Guest stars on Arthur?
- Russell Peters: as the voice of Raj, a new student from India
- Jodie Foster: as the voice of Prunella Deegan, a girl with a passion for mysteries
- Tony Hawk: as the voice of himself, a professional skateboarder
- Cyndi Lauper: the voice of herself, a singer and songwriter
- Carole King: the voice of herself, a singer and songwriter
- Yo-Yo Ma: as the voice of himself, a cellist
- Michael J. Fox: as the voice of himself, an actor and advocate for Parkinson’s research
- Paul Reiser: as the voice of Mr. Ratburn’s brother, a teacher
- Marc Brown: Creator of the show, as the voice of David Read, Arthur’s Dad
- Alex Trebek: – as “Alex Lebek”, a game show host, in “Arthur and the Big Riddle”.
- Michelle Kwan: – as herself, teaching Francine how to skate in “The Good Sport”.
- Backstreet Boys: – as themselves in the hour-long special, “Arthur – It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll”.
- Larry King: – interviews the Arthur characters during the interstitial on PBS’s telecasts.
- Tom and Ray Magliozzi: – in the episode “Pick a Car, Any Car” as Click and Clack from the “Car Talk” radio show.
A few more guest stars have appeared on “Arthur.” It is important to note that this is a partial list, and many more guest stars appeared over the years.