Guide to the characters of Seinfeld
The television series “Seinfeld” ended in 1998, but thanks to the magic of syndication, we can still watch it daily in most areas. And why does it still draw faithful viewers? The writing is good, but I think the memorable characters are the big draw.
The core cast is made up of four characters-Jerry Seinfeld, Elaine Benes, George Costanza and Cosmo Kramer, and they each exhibit all-too-human traits in personality that viewers can identify with.
Jerry is the title character and co-creator of the series. He is a stand-up comic living in Manhattan who spends a great deal of time making clever comments about everyday subjects. Jerry is an immature man approaching middle age with trepidation and a sense of humor. Shallow and superficial by his own admission, he dates an endless parade of beautiful women but manages to find some flaw in all of them. A fascination with Superman and breakfast cereals and a phobia about germs round out his personality.
Elaine is Jerry’s ex-girlfriend and the lone female in this group of musketeers. She is jaded by the dating scene but still hopes for Mr. Right to appear. Elaine changes jobs often, each time hoping to find her true calling, which never comes. Despite a bit of vulnerability, she can be a tenacious bulldog when she really wants something, as in the episode where she seeks to retrieve a submarine sandwich punch card to get a free sub.
George is a childhood friend of Jerry’s and a bit of a loser. Balding and paunchy, he still lives with his parents and is often unemployed. George is brash and uncouth, loud and impatient, lazy and cowardly. He is always trying to date some beautiful woman, be it model or movie star, yet when he finally does become engaged, he ends up killing his fiance with poisoned wedding invitations.
Cosmo Kramer is Jerry’s neighbor in the apartment building. A free spirit with unconventional views on most everything, Kramer is the most quirky of the ensemble. Tall and lanky with a wild head of hair, he is nonetheless irresistible to women, managing to seduce a lesbian and cause a nun to leave the church. The greatest physical comedy in the series belongs to this character, who slides into rooms, does pratfalls, and juggles a variety of cumbersome props with casual restraint.
Along with these characters are a recurring group of family and friends, including Jerry’s parents, George’s parents, Elaine’s bosses Mr. Pitt and Mr. Peterman, George’s various employers and Kramer’s lawyer Jackie Chiles. All of these characters add to the fun, but I think some of the greatest moments in the series belong to those wonderful performers who only appeared once. These are some of my favorites:
The “Sunset Boulevard” type actress who meets Kramer during his trip to Hollywood. In a long and very dramatic scene she recounts her memories of making a movie with the Three Stooges in which the Stooges end up going to the electric chair. Norma Desmond has nothing on this lady.
The metaphysical healer who tries to cure George’s tonsillitis by placing a pyramid over his head and giving him tea which makes him turn purple. The mumbo-jumbo hand motions he uses are inspired.
The library cop who tries to make Jerry pay for a long overdue copy of “Tropic of Cancer”. His hardboiled “Dragnet” style delivery is a joy to watch.
The gentleman brought in by Elaine to circumcise a friend’s baby. He is loud, angry, impatient and jumpy and ends up cutting Jerry’s finger during the ceremony.
These are just some of the many well-drawn, well-acted characters that have made the series “Seinfeld” one of America’s favorites. If you haven’t ever watched, give it a try. If you’re already a fan, I’m preaching to the choir.
Giddyup!
Leave a Comment