Peanuts

“Good ol’ Charlie Brown” is the lovable loser in the zigzag T-shirt—the kid who never gives up though he almost never wins. He manages the world’s worst baseball team and can’t muster the courage to talk to the Little Red-Haired Girl. Even though he gets grief from everyone, Charlie Brown remains the stalwart hero.

The wildly imaginative, supremely confident, world-famous beagle is a canine master of disguise. As Joe Cool, he’s aloof, unflappable, the hip dog we’d all like to be. As a World War I Flying Ace, he engages in combat with the notorious Red Baron. While pondering life atop his doghouse, he writes the great American novel.

This fluttering, sometimes sputtering little yellow bird is Snoopy’s sidekick: a faithful mechanic to the World War I Flying Ace, stalwart secretary to the Head Beagle, and root beer drinking buddy. Chirping in a language only Snoopy understands, Woodstock and his feathered friends are never far from Snoopy’s doghouse.

Known around the neighborhood for being crabby and bossy, Lucy can often be found dispensing advice from her 5-cent psychiatrist’s booth, yanking away brother Linus’ security blanket, or humiliating Charlie Brown. Lucy’s only weakness? Her unrequited love for the piano-playing Schroeder.

The benevolent, blanket-clutching philosopher always has a kind word for everybody, even his bossy older sister, Lucy. While he’s often the voice of reason in the neighborhood, Linus also believes firmly in the Great Pumpkin, and he suffers more than most when people (or pumpkins) let him down.

Charlie Brown’s little sister believes the world owes her an explanation. Why does she have to go to school? Why doesn’t Linus, her Sweet Babboo, love her? And what’s the capital of Venezuela? Sally is always on the hunt for answers—and when she doesn’t get them, she comes up with a whole new philosophy: “Who cares?”

This mini musical genius is rarely separated from his toy piano or his idol, Beethoven—except when he’s calling a game as the reliable catcher on Charlie Brown’s baseball team. The rest of his time is spent fending off unwanted advances from the bane of his existence, Lucy.

Happily traveling in his own private dust storm, Pigpen is completely comfortable in his own (dust-streaked) skin. Despite his outward appearance, he always carries himself with dignity, knowing full well that he has affixed to him the “dust of countless ages.”

Franklin is a busy kid: he plays baseball and is learning guitar; he’s a member of swim club and 4H. Though his life is active, Franklin is never too busy to help his friends. He is supportive and always willing to lend a hand. He also enjoys spending time with his grandparents and learning about the old days from them.

A fearless born leader and a natural athlete, Peppermint Patty is up to any challenge—except studying. She never met a school day she didn’t hate, but this tough girl has a soft side too: She’s hopelessly in love with her pal Charlie “Chuck” Brown, who has no idea. For Peppermint Patty, sports are easy; life is hard.

Marcie enjoys school, nature hikes, and the occasional Tiny Tots concert. Though she can’t tell the difference between a basketball and a cantaloupe, she cheers on her friends at the football game. She calls her best friend, Peppermint Patty, “Sir,” and her friend (and not-so-secret crush) Charlie Brown, “Charles.”

Rerun is Lucy and Linus’s younger brother. He enjoys playing the sandbox, frolicking with Snoopy, and making underground comics. He’s often seen racing across town on the back of his mother’s bicycle. Rerun’s desire for a dog is so great he tries to adopt three of Snoopy’s brothers, Spike, Andy, and Olaf.