11 Not-So-Bad Cartoon Characters We’ve All Been Misunderstanding

    Animated underdogs!

    Pedro Fequiere
    by Pedro Fequiere

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. D.W. from Arthur

    PBS

    Explanation: D.W. was always presented as the thorn in Arthur's side, but it was only because she spoke her mind and was always there to play devil's advocate while keeping Arthur grounded and of sound mind. Some might say she was the realest bitch who ever lived.

    2. Mommy and Daddy from Caillou

    Télétoon

    Explanation: These two deserve a best parent award for dealing with the little shit that is Caillou. WE DON'T EVEN KNOW THEIR NAMES! They're just mommy and daddy — I'm sure they have lives outside of tending to every need of Caillou.

    3. Jerry from Rick and Morty

    Adult Swim

    Explanation: Jerry is pretty misunderstood. Yeah, he's pathetic, but he's clearly in touch with his feelings and he doesn't reek of toxic masculinity. It's also pretty clear that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when you think about how awesome his son Morty is. Better be thankful for Summer's genes up in there!

    4. Jodi Landon from Daria

    MTV

    Explanation: Jodi Landon is OG Black Girl Magic, she was woke before woke was awake! She wasn't in every episode, but with the small amount of times she appeared she gave us depth and always spoke her mind.

    5. Piccolo from the Dragon Ball series

    FUNimation

    Explanation: Piccolo doesn't get enough respect. His blood is that of royalty! The reincarnation of King Piccolo, so put some respect on his name. He trained and practically helped raise his former enemy, Goku's son, Gohan. And he was willing to risk his life in Dragon Ball Z to save Gohan...oh yeah and then he did risk his life in Dragon Ball GT to save earth and he's not even from earth, so there's that.

    6. Mr. Krabs from SpongeBob SquarePants

    Nickelodeon

    Explanation: Mr. Krabs is who he says he is!!! There's nothing more, nothing less to him. He's a crab that owns a restaurant who is ALL about his money. So money comes first. If he loves you, he'll take care of you as long as it doesn't interfere with his bread.

    7. Vicky from The Fairly OddParents

    Nickelodeon

    Explanation: Vicky is a 16-year-old teenager navigating through the most important years of her life. She probably needs money to have fun with her friends like most teenagers do, so she decides to be a babysitter for the Turners and their "precious" boy they probably rant and rave about. But what happens when she comes over on weekends to babysit this precious child?...EVERYTHING HAPPENS.

    8. Phil and Lil from Rugrats

    Nickelodeon

    Explanation: Sure, Phil and Lil spent half their time arguing about any and everything, but they were always there to give pretty sound advice to their friends. And more importantly they never tried to trick the "dumb babies" into doing their bidding (cough Angelica) and they never forced Chuckie into situations that obviously frightened him to death (cough Tommie).

    9. Phoebe Heyerdahl

    Nickelodeon

    Explanation: First of all, Phoebe delivered a speech in the school auditorium with a stomachache, and that takes guts, pun intended. Then, she survived the ridicule of letting a fart slip on a microphone in front of the whole school after that same speech! But somehow she always found time to listen to all of Helga's problems...

    10. The Gross Sisters from The Proud Family

    Disney

    Explanation: OK, just because they take your money doesn't mean they don't have feelings. Now, some internet theory states that they weren't blue either, they were just ashy. Now, that's hilarious and sad. And if that theory is true wouldn't you be a little on edge at school? They're tough as nails and they always shared a piece of the pie with each other. True family values if you ask me.

    11. Tom Cat from Tom and Jerry

    MGM

    Explanation: The saddest story of cat and mouse is Tom's life. He's a cat that doesn't even know how to cat. WTF! He's constantly unsuccessful and he fails in dramatic fashion, every time. He's sooo pathetic that Jerry still takes pity on him, even though Tom is constantly threatening his life. That just adds insult to injury, and injury, and injury...and you get the point.