One question that I always ask when engaged in these exchanges is, “who is your favorite Disney character”? It’s amazing how quickly most people will respond in definite with their favorite personage penciled by the animators. These characters have somehow struck a personal nerve in them and have found a place to live in their hearts forever.

An interesting character study to me is Eeyore. While working at The Disney Store, it was profound to me how many people have a tremendous, deep affection for him, seemingly more than any other Disney Legend. Rivaling the popularity of Mickey and Pooh, guests would come to the cash register with armloads of Eeyore plush, mugs and t-shirts. These people really love and have a connection with him. But have you listened to him talk? He is the consummate poster donkey for Prozac. Yet, people of all ages, languages and cultures overlook this and adore his caring nature and willingness to help in any way he can. I asked many of them what it is about this hundred-acre-wooder that they love so much. I think one guest summed it up best for all the rest when she replied, “he’s sad and needs a hug.” Eeyore is so much like many of us, loaded with cares, yet he still thinks of others. Somehow he identifies with them personally and will be part of their memories forever.

Stitch is another more recent character that has captured the heart of his fans, mostly kids. In the store, many kids by-pass Mickey and Pooh, the old standards, while making a beeline for the little blue mischievous alien. They snatch him up and interact with him as if he were real. Some hug him, (girls) some smack him around, (boys) but all talk to him in his own unintelligible dialect that they somehow seem to understand.

What is it about these characters that make such an indelible, lasting impression in our psyches?

Having asked many friends, family and cast members who their favorite character is, I began to see a trend, especially in those I know well. In about 95 percent of these people, their favorite character emulates their own human personality. In other words, they tend to like the character that is most like them.

Move over Nielsen! I did my own poll of those people who I am around on a daily basis or know really well to test my theory. In every case, I got them to tell me who their favorite character was before I told them why I was asking. The results were amazing to most of the participants, discovering that they had an animated long-lost twin. Most people were excited to realize this, others seemed to take a second look at themselves.

I’ll give you some examples:

My favorite cast member in the world is Babs. She is a woman who believes strongly in what is right, works hard and is willing to do almost anything to protect those she loves...even if it will sometimes get her into a little trouble with others. We call her “Mrs. Potts” but her favorite character is...”Meriwether”. Another cast member, Evalyn, who is honest, soft spoken and dedicated to the cause of all things Disney likes “Mickey“. Paula, a cast member who is kind and knowledgeable yet requests to be treated with respect and dignity adores “Minnie“.

A man I work with is a huge history buff, studying even minor historical details such as the hats worn during a certain period. His favorite character...”Davy Crocket”. Incidentally, Jim was the only one polled who had a live-action favorite.

My oldest daughter Nikki, is beautiful, happy, trusting, yet cautious. Who is her favorite character? “Princess Aurora“. My 18 year-old daughter Danielle, is peaceful, passionate, considerate, and caring for people and animals alike. Her Favorite? “Cinderella”. My Son Ben, a skateboarding daredevil who from day one has been curious even to the detriment of his own health, (He once volunteered to light his shirt on fire to test “stop, drop and roll...” Yikes!) he likes “Stitch”.

My theory was put to the test when Jerry, a 5’ 6” scrappy middle-aged fellow told me his favorite Disney character was “Goofy“. While I was still thinking “Hmm...it doesn’t fit him at all”, he immediately retorted, “but my favorite cartoon character is ‘Yosemite Sam‘”. Ok, back on track.

Davyd, usually sees the annoying side of people. People he sees as simple-minded test his patience daily. Davyds? Drum roll... Shere Khan.

Sharon, a work mate, told me her favorite character was “Pinocchio“. When I told her my theory, she concluded that Pinocchio wasn’t like her at all since he told a lie and his nose grew. I explained that “Pinocchio” wasn’t about a liar, but it’s the story of a wooden puppet that wanted desperately to be a “real boy“. He was fiercely loyal to his family (Geppetto and Figaro) even in the face of danger, yet sometimes he was taken advantage of in his naiveté. She agreed.

A few men chose Donald Duck. They are guys who tend to take matters into their own hands. One of them is a career bar bouncer. Another denied being like “the angry one“, but he is a black belt in Karate...go figure.

My friend Rodney who constantly quips back at you off the cuff, and at times makes you wonder what planet he came from, proclaimed “Genie” from “Aladdin” as his fave. Another fellow, Gabe, admitted he was like his favorite, “Grumpy”.

A couple of people were nothing like their favorite, one who quickly touted “Tigger”, is definitely more like “Grumpy”. This person will never see this article.

Last but certainly not least, my lovely wife Corinne, absolutely adores “Tink”. That’s all I have to say about her, you’ve seen the t-shirts...

Regardless of whether they agreed or not, it was interesting and brought a little Disney magic into our day, as we recounted our favorite characters, films and moments. If nothing else, this was a fun, unofficial study of the gambit of human emotion, disposition and character.

Disney has told so many stories about so many different kinds of characters. Undoubtedly, at least one of them has touched you in some way, and even if just for a moment, made you look at yourself and others in a different manner.

Which character do you like most? Can you see yourself in them? Take your own little survey and see if this doesn’t ring true with you and your friends.

Do me a favor though, if you encounter someone whose favorite character is “Kronk”, please let me know...if you know what I mean.