Cue Dramatic Swoon

It's a day to celebrate Rarity once again, and she's overcome with emotion about it, obviously...

I truly love this character, so I want to take this moment to give praise where it's due:

Rarity is objectively the best character in MLP:FIM.

Not that she should necessarily be everyone’s *favorite* character, but now that we’re 8 seasons into the show I think some aspects of her character design and role really stand out.

While all of the Mane Six are successful at it (which is why they’re all such well-designed characters), I think that Rarity excels at being able to fill any role an episode requires with the maximum impact, whether it be the lead, a supporting role, or just a quick cameo. She has the broad personality to steal a very funny moment in someone else’s story, but also enough of a level head to play the straight mare or voice of reason when called to do so. She can carry emotional moments, both the quiet kind and the high drama. She’s the most versatile of the cast.

She was given the best path of character progression on the show. Her career dreams are open-ended yet clearly there... we’ve gotten to see her progress in the fashion industry at a steady, satisfying pace without ever hitting anything that feels like it needs to be the end of that story. The rest of the cast either had no defined goals to work towards or, like Dash, had a finish line in becoming a Wonderbolt that had to be delayed for as long as possible because once it was achieved, it didn’t leave anywhere else to go.

While pursuing her larger narrative, the character hasn’t needed to be reset over and over again for fear of outgrowing her defining traits, nor has she been forced to negate her interesting quirks by having them be flaws to overcome. Rarity can stay Rarity, even as she improves as a sister and as a friend.

Her role and nature as a pony interested in the broader culture of her world invites the creation of great new characters. Before the map was introduced and the show finally started exploring the world, her episodes brought the most new characters to the show, making her vital to MLP’s gradual world-building.

And finally, she’s just anchored by an outstanding performance. Tabitha St. Germain is a treasure and does so much with even the smallest of lines. She made Rarity a classic for the ages, and I really can’t imagine the character being as successful without her.

So in honor of her, I wish you a Fabulous Rarity Day to you and yours!



After being told to do so numerous times, I have finally set up a tip jar at Ko-Fi:  ko-fi.com/harwicksart
If you're feeling generous and would like to encourage me, feel free to drop me a small amount... it would be most appreciated!