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The Most Human of Disney’s Animal Characters
Donald Duck, now 90 years old, has always been a “problem child”
Of all the memorable animal characters Walt Disney has created, Donald Duck stands out as the most cantankerous. That’s the way Disney himself wanted it: “Mickey, Pluto, Goofy and the whole gang have always been a lot of fun to work with. But like many large families, we have a problem child. You’re right, it’s Donald Duck.”
I always loved Donald Duck and I think I know why. Donald Duck is more than just a cartoon character — he was assigned a complex human-like personality that gives him a much deeper dimension than most of Disney’s original band of animal characters. According to DisneyWiki:
“Donald’s most dominant trait is his short temper, which is predominantly expressed through explosive outbursts and fits of quacking and squawking. Much of Donald’s anger stems from his exceptional bad luck, though his misfortunes are often the karmic result of his own arrogance and greed.
“In contrast to these negative traits, Donald is — at his core — a warm and loving character. … For all his bravado, Donald is secretly insecure about himself. He takes offense to those who cannot understand his voice and is notoriously envious of Mickey Mouse’s popularity. Donald’s bad luck also plays a part in…
