Snoopy is the popular and one of the most lovable characters from the comic strip, Peanuts. He was created by Charles M. Schulz in 1950 and is still popular as ever. Though it ended in 2000, it still has reruns in several newspapers around the world.
Snoopy is a pet beagle of the main character Charlie Brown. The story of Snoopy revolves around the larger than life fantasy world he lives in and how he interacts with several characters in the series. So far Snoopy has appeared in all of the Peanuts movies and television specials, like The Peanuts Movie. He has also inspired various merchandise like the Snoopy and Peanuts themed t-shirts.
The Dream World of Serial Dreamer
A large part of the story takes place in Snoopy’s fantasy world. He is the happiest dog in the world with a highly imaginative mind. He is very loyal to his owner Charlie Brown, extremely funny and good-hearted. Although he cannot remember the name of the owner, calling him “the Round-Headed Kid", he genuinely likes Charlie Brown.
In his fantasy world, he imagines himself to be hundreds of different things which make up for the major part of the story and the comic strip. He imagines himself to be an author, college student, a World War I Royal Flying Corps ace among several other things that he wants to be. In his dream world, he can do anything. His dreams or fantasies have a certain fixed formula. He often wants to be someone special and world famous. The things that make the comic strip and Snoopy so popular are that he constantly fails. Its creator Charles M. Schulz admitted that “Winning is great, but it isn’t funny". Therefore, the real fun lies in losing as far as Snoopy in Peanuts goes. It is the failure itself that makes the story of Snoopy so interesting.
Although he cannot speak, he always imagines that he does. His thoughts and feelings are represented with a thought bubble, even in most of the motion pictures movies. As for the real friends, he has little bird friends, of which Woodstock is the most loyal one. Snoopy was born in a puppy farm and has seven siblings including Spike, Belle, Marbles, Olaf, and Andy.
Snoopy enjoys a special or rather different kind of relationships with Charlie Brown and his friends. Initially Charlie wasn’t his owner, Lila was. Lila gives up Snoopy for some reason and he moves in with Charlie at some point of time. In one such story, Snoopy is confused with whom he should stay with: Charlie or Lila. He decides that he likes Charlie better.
Snoopy and the other Characters
Peanuts feature other human characters as well. Apart from Charlie Brown, Snoopy interacts with several of his friends in his own ways. Some of them like him while others feel disgusted by his display of affection.
- Charlie Brown
He is the main protagonist of the Peanuts movies and comic strip. He has also been hailed as one of the best cartoon characters of all time. Charlie is a very lovable character, a relatable one for the kids his age. He seems to be gentle, intelligent but sincere. He often fails in his task despite his determination. But he can be smart and he has great leadership skills.
- Linus van Pelt
Linus Van Pelt is one of the major characters in Peanuts and is the best friend of Charlie Brown. He has a security blanket that he loves dearly. Charles M. Schulz describes him as serious, intellectual, well informed but somewhat insecure. He is often bullied by his sister Lucy. Linus always tries to smooth things out in the gang.
- Lucy Van Pelt
She is one of the major female characters in Peanuts and is often portrayed as mean, sarcastic and she likes annoying people especially Charlie Brown on whom she has a crush on. She is also stubborn, temperamental and loud. Snoopy always tries to kiss her which disgusts her.
- Sally Brown
She is the younger sister of Charlie Brown and doesn’t seem to think much about Snoopy. She can be sweet, innocent and good natured, but at the same time she can be a little self-centered, and extremely lazy.
The world of Snoopy and his friends have entertained several generations and they are still as popular as ever. The story of the kids and a cool beagle puppy has inspired many t-shirt designs. Fans of this popular comic strip will find these designs really endearing.