Before Homer Simpson, there was Ralph Drabble, a kindhearted, donut-scarfing doofus dad who smokes a bubble pipe. Ralph worked as a pro wrestler and the original mall cop. In 2011, he began working as a security screener at Polecat International Airport. He is famous for dispensing fatherly advice and his trademark glare.

Referred to by Ralph as "Honeybunch," June is the mother and the most responsible one—as long as she keeps her spending habits in check. She likes to sing along with her iPod, which Ralph often mistakes for the cat yowling or the smoke alarm going off. She has the habit of finishing Ralph's sentences, which annoys him.

Sweet, naive, and dim-witted 19-year-old Norman is the oldest son. Norman, a college student, takes on some of his dad's hapless qualities and is every bit as likable. Although he mostly chases after his classmate Wendy, he occasionally goes out with "Echo"—a female counterpart who is like him in almost every way.

The genius younger brother of Norman.

The youngest child of the family.

Norman has been trying to score a date with his college classmate Wendy since the comic strip began. She temporarily married Norman in Las Vegas, but the marriage was annulled because the ceremony wasn't done by an Elvis impersonator. She often says "Norman, run!" to make him flee and avoid a boring conversation.

The Drabbles' excitable, hyperactive dachshund. The "skattle" sounds of his running across the kitchen floor have been known to crowd many a comic panel.