I think AJ can distinguish between her things (farming, cooking, athletics and maybe a few other things), other ponies things (magic, weather, animals and so on - she’d likely respect Rainbow as much as Twilight or more if Rainbow had twi’s personality) and things she doesn’t get at all (like fashion). It’s the last she has trouble respecting, though she does learn (even if it’s as late as Honest Apple) that just because she doesn’t care about them doesn’t mean others don’t.
Pinkie’s problem, on the other hoof, is that in the absence of direct evidence otherwise she will tend to believe that anyone else shares her own likes, dislikes and desires - a big deal when she’s actively going out of her way to try and please them. That’s why she keeps such through files on everypony - to remind her of how they’re not like her.
I know some people consider her an “unesccessary” chracter, and she;s not so popular among kids or bronies… but that just kind of makes me want to make her my favourite, even though I don’t really have one.
Has the central focus thing been counted?
She doesn’t have to be the central focus in episodes to be a properly used side character.I think the fact of the matter is she’s one of the main characters, so we should see her be used as such. It’s a total shame the writers didn’t know what to do with her because they could’ve really hone down on her being the “Mom friend”.
Applejack was designed as an opposite to the others in some way to help define them
It’s interesting to note that the “things” she can grasp have an obvious and physical effect on society. Crops, weather, critters. They all serve a use whereas fashion doesn’t. Jury is out on “parties” but considering the number of festivals in Ponyville I think she accepts due to her traditionalism.
That’s interesting to note. Pinkie appears to struggle with social cues and, much like Applejack, can’t really see things outside of her lens. At some point she must have picked up on this fault and started cataloging other’s wants and needs. Definitely worth investigating further.
Her role is very reactionary. Demonstrating any specific goals (her farm “succeeding” is kinda hazy) or faults early on would have left hooks for fans to latch onto. That requires a more active role.
To my knowledge, no. Maybe someone has the time to do that though. It would be useful information.
Curse of the foil. Applejack was designed as an opposite to the others in some way to help define them, leaving very little definition for herself.
As evidenced by the fact that they ended up introducing romances, just for other characters.
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