4 Iconic Animation Characters Who Wear Glasses
Fig. 1 - Glasses worn by fictional characters serve as integral elements of character design.
In animation and film, disability representation is crucial in shaping the portrayal and perception of characters. A previous article took a closer look at Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, and found that disability can either be a barrier or a defining characteristic that enhances a character’s depth and relatability to audiences. Such representations are often taken for granted, yet they carry significant symbolic and practical weight. This can be particularly evident in how vision disability is depicted through characters who wear glasses. Glasses worn by fictional characters serve as integral elements of character design, reflecting personality traits, intellectual abilities, and personal journeys (Fig. 1). Below, we examine four iconic animation characters who are well-known for their eyeglasses and what these eyeglasses signify in their narratives.
Glasses in Pop Culture
The influence of glasses in popular culture extends far beyond their functional purpose. A prime illustration of this phenomenon is the iconic eyewear of Ray-Ban. Today, Ray-Ban sells its most popular models as either prescription glasses or sunglasses, and you can regularly spot fictional characters wearing Wayfarers or Clubmasters on film or TV. This prominence in cultural consciousness can be traced back to their features in blockbuster movies like Top Gun (Tony Scott, 1986), wherein Tom Cruise's portrayal of a naval aviator wearing Aviators not only solidified his status as a Hollywood icon but also catapulted these frames into enduring symbols of confident masculinity.
This cultural resonance is mirrored in younger audiences through characters like Harry Potter. The famous circular frame glasses worn by the introspective young wizard, crafted by renowned costumer Simon Murray and initially purchased as a prop for 114 British pounds, have become emblematic of Harry’s character throughout adaptations (Sukheja 2022). The significant cultural impact of these glasses was made particularly evident when they were auctioned in 2022 for up to £20,000.
Unsurprisingly, the popularity and symbolism of glasses in live-action media are equally well-matched in animated films and series. Glasses in animated characters can similarly signify a range of traits — from intelligence and curiosity to vulnerability and resilience — demonstrating their versatility as a tool for diverse character portrayal.
Arthur Read
Arthur Read, the beloved aardvark from the long-running PBS series Arthur (Kathy Waugh & Marc Brown, 1996-2022), is a quintessential example of how glasses are integral to a character’s identity (see left). In the series finale in 2022, Arthur reveals his book to his friends, beginning with “Chapter 1, How I Got My Very First Pair of Glasses” - a moment that is a poignant callback to the very first episode of the series, “Arthur’s Eyes,” which highlights the importance of glasses in his journey. Arthur’s glasses symbolise his growth and learning experiences throughout his youth, making them a staple of his character from childhood to adulthood.
Milo Thatch
Milo Thatch, the protagonist of Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise, 2001), is characterised by his round, wireframe glasses. These are intended to symbolise his academic background and his role as a linguist and cartographer, highlighting his intellectual curiosity and determination as essential traits that drive the narrative forward. Through Milo, glasses are portrayed as a tool that aids in exploration and discovery, reinforcing his identity as a dedicated and passionate scholar.
Velma Dinkley
Velma Dinkley from the Scooby-Doo franchise (and a character created in 1969 by writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears) is another iconic character whose glasses are a defining feature of her design. Velma’s glasses highlight her intelligence and analytical prowess, setting her apart as the brains of the Mystery Inc. team. The recent adaptation of Velma (Charlie Grandy, 2023) further emphasises her role as a central character, showcasing that women can be intelligent and pivotal figures in classic narratives.
Edna Mode
Edna Mode, the fashion designer from Pixar’s The Incredibles (Brad Bird, 2004), is instantly recognisable by her oversized glasses. These glasses are more than a fashion statement. They represent her sharp vision in both a literal and figurative sense, underscoring her meticulous attention to detail and authoritative presence in the world of superhero fashion. This enhances her quirky yet formidable personality, making her a side character that stands out in both the original film and its sequel.
The use of glasses in both live-action and animated media underscores their enduring appeal and their role in shaping memorable and relatable characters. As seen through the iconic animated characters above, glasses can represent intelligence, uniqueness, and growth, enriching the narrative and enhancing viewer connection.
**Article published: July 26th, 2024**
References
Khosla, Proma. 2023. “‘Velma’ Review: Cheeky Prequel Is Less Scooby-Doo and More Mindy Kaling.” Indiewire (January 12, 2023), available at: https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/velma-review-prequel-mindy-kaling-1234799186/.
Romano, Nick. 2022. “Where are they now? Arthur series finale reveals the kids all grown up.” Yahoo Entertainment (February 22, 2022), available at: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/where-now-arthur-series-finale-154411286.html.
Sukheja, B. 2022. “Daniel Radcliffe's Famous Harry Potter Glasses Set To Be Auctioned In UK.” NDTV World (November 4, 2022), available at: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/daniel-radcliffes-famous-harry-potter-glasses-set-to-be-auctioned-in-uk-3490452.
Wroot, Jonathan. 2022. “Disability Is (Not) A Barrier – For Fantasy Heroes, or Commercial Success.” Fantasy-Animation (May 13, 2022) available at: https://www.fantasy-animation.org/current-posts/disability-is-not-a-barrier-for-fantasy-heroes-or-commercial-success.
Biography
Hollie Hobbs is a freelance author and a long-time fan of animation and comics. When she's not checking out recent releases, she's rewatching old favorites like Paprika (2006) and The Last Unicorn (1982).