SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the few shows that have been consistently successful for over two decades. It has over 250 episodes and two movies. Not to mention, it's one of the classic Nickelodeon shows, and actually one of the longest running Nickelodeon show.
SpongeBob SquarePants has been a fan favorite for more than one generation. Its elaborate universe contains both adults and children who have studied its plot and characters with devotion, and sometimes obsession. From the occasional appearances of Barnacle Boy and Mermaid Man to the main stars, this TV show has a great character list. Its rich, quirky characters are funny and relatable, which has often led to the question, "who are the best SpongeBob characters?
Here is a breakdown of the best top 10 SpongeBob characters of all time:
Sheldon James Plankton
Sheldon James Plankton is the antagonist of the show. He owns the Chum Bucket, a restaurant, and is the husband to Karen.
He is quite short, at about the height of SpongeBob's shoe, and has one eye. But he has a big ego, dreams, and ambitions. He is always trying to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula since the show started. You've got to admire his commitment, which almost always ends in temper tantrums because he never steals it.
Despite being diabolical and evil, he is very soft, emotional, and sensitive, especially when around his wife and pet.
One of my favorite Plankton scenes is in "Chum Bucket Supreme" when after stealing Mr. Krabs's customers, he created a machine connected to speakers that makes a Cha-Ching sound every time he makes a sale, causing Mr. Krabs to cry—it is hilarious.
Karen Valencia Plankton
Every time I watch SpongeBob, I remember this one tweet I saw that said something like, "you used to make fun of Plankton for dating a computer; now look at you."
Karen is a powerful waterproof supercomputer that is the wife of Plankton. Plankton created her in grade school out of a calculator and many wires, and they began dating.
She is the busser, cashier, and chef, but she rarely does anything because the Chum Bucket is almost ever empty. She assists Plankton in his schemes and helps him stay on track when he is distracted – which is almost like every time (remember that episode where he was turning into SpongeBob mid-mission?).
She's smart enough to steal the formula by herself and has done so a few times, but her husband always interferes in one way or the other or takes credit for her success. Their contrasting behavior almost always ends up in highly entertaining arguments.
You've got to give her points for being a supportive wife through what must be a nightmare of a marriage. Or maybe Plankton just programmed it in her; who knows? This show has no limits!
Karen is also a very good friend of Sandy Cheeks, probably because they are the only sensible characters in the show.
Sandy Cheeks
Sandy Cheeks is quite an interesting character. She is the only land animal in the show and comes from Houston, Texas, hence her Texan drawl. She is probably the smartest character in the show, with her intelligence and amazing inventing skills.
She used her smarts and skills to create her suit, helmet, and treedome so she could live underwater. But sometimes she loses her helmet or floods her treedome, but thanks to her amazing breath-holding skills, she always comes out of it. She is super strong and is a very good singer!
Although I like her, I don't like how she is sometimes rude to SpongeBob, like when she says, "that SpongeBob is as dumb as a sack of peanuts." Nonetheless, she is all-around loyal and sticks up for characters that need her.
Oh, did I forget to mention she is a squirrel?
Squidward Tentacles
When I was young, I used to relate to SpongeBob, or sometimes Patrick, like that one time I "painted" my dad's face using permanent marker when he dozed off then I was too afraid to say anything when he woke up and watched him go to work like that. Now, Squidward Tentacles is the only relatable character.
Squidward Tentacles is an octopus, not a squid. He contrasts from other characters as he is uptight, moody, and cranky. He hates everyone from his neighbors (who happen to be SpongeBob and Patrick), his workmates, and his job. It is hard not to feel sorry for him when SpongeBob and Patrick torture him with their shenanigans.
It's also a bit sad that one of his biggest dreams is having hair, and he is good at playing the clarinet, but no one else in Bikini Bottom likes it.
Somebody give my man Squidward a break.
Eugene Harold Krabs (Mr. Krabs)
Mr. Krabs owns and runs the Krusty Krab, and has one daughter, Pearl.
He is obsessed with money and is ready to do everything to get more, sometimes even to the detriment of his employees and daughter. He price gouges when he feels like it and sometimes even charges his employees for using the restaurant's facilities. Nonetheless, his penny-pinching and materialistic character have led to some very hilarious moments throughout the show.
Despite his nature, he has a soft side, which is evident in how he relates to Pearl and his girlfriend, Mrs. Puff. They are the only two people he loves enough to overcome his greed and buy expensive gifts. His soft side is also evident in his father-son-like relationship with SpongeBob, who he advises and scolds when he gets into trouble.
He is rivals with Plankton and does everything to keep the secret formula from Plankton, including refusing to sell him a Patty in fear that he may reverse engineer it.
Pearl Krabs
Pearl Krabs is the only teenager in the show and the daughter of Eugene Krabs. She is a typical spoilt teenager, often throwing tantrums when things don't go her way or she is denied anything. She and Mrs. Puff are Mr. Krabs' weak spots.
As a whale, The Krusty Krab shakes when she jumps up and down in a tantrum and the house has drain plugs to drain the water when she cries or blows water out of her blowhole.
She works in Bikini Bottom Mall and will work in the Krusty Krab when she graduates school. She is also very smart and gifted in Math. Her favorite activity is using her dad's credit card to buy whatever she needs.
She sometimes goes out of her way to look out for other people.
Mrs. Puff
Mrs. Puff is the driving instructor at Bikini Bottom's boating school and the girlfriend of Mr. Krabs. She is one of the most mature and sensible and patient characters on the show, often showing remarkable restraint when she is being tested.
Sometimes, however, she is pushed to the edge and snaps, getting too angry and out of control. That doesn't make her too unlikable, however, because she can be quite funny. Her passion is driving and teaching and has taught everyone in Bikini Bottom to drive, except SpongeBob.
You can tell she doesn't like SpongeBob because he tortures her internally with his driving skills. He is great in theory, but panics when it comes to practical. She even tries to kill him in Demolition Doofus.
Gary
Gary is SpongeBob's pet. Although he just plays a supportive role, he is still quite interesting. He meows like a cat and had me thinking he is a type of cat when I was younger. Gary is loyal to SpongeBob and is always there to help him when he is down and cheer him up.
Sometimes he displays a high level of intelligence while sometimes he is quite aggressive for little to no reason at all. In some episodes, he attacks Plankton, and in another, he attacks Squidward. Nonetheless, he is a cute lovable pet.
One of my favorite Gary episodes is that creepy one where SpongeBob turns into a snail.
Patrick Star
Patrick Star is the village idiot in the town but is a friend most of us wish we had. He is loyal and ready to support his best friend, SpongeBob, through whatever lunatic scheme or shenanigan he is up to.
Everyone in the town thinks he is dumb except SpongeBob. Mr. Krabs even said he couldn't hire him because he is too stupid to work for anything. But his dumbness makes him funny and kind of cute. SpongeBob thinks he is a genius and is always impressed with his "remarkable ability" to come up with perfect solutions and plans.
Patrick is a pink starfish living under a rock (which could explain why he is so dumb) with only the barest essentials made of sand. When at home, he is either sleeping or engaging in the "act of doing nothing," which he is an expert at. He also can eat at Plankton's restaurant without becoming sick, "A bit dry and flavorless. I'll take two dozen! ".
His strong bond with SpongeBob holds the entire show together and is often the source of misery to Squidward, who hates the two passionately.
Although he doesn't have a bad bone in his body, he sometimes has some bad moments, such as when he creates chaos for fun on The Card. Or in Nature Pants, where he chases down SpongeBob.
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants is the main character. He is a square sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea. Despite his optimism and child-like attitude, he is a fully-grown adult. He is constantly mistreated by his co-worker and boss at the Krusty Krab, and is severely underpaid but only sees the bright side of things, so he is not bothered.
He is the complete opposite of Squidward: good-natured, enthusiastic, naïve, and loves his job, workmates, and everyone else. He lives with Gary and spends most of his time with Patrick Star, his best friend. They often make Squidward's life miserable, albeit obliviously, because he believes Squidward enjoys his company.
Despite his snarky and annoying character, he has a great heart and is quite likable. That is why his character is popular among beginners and seasoned fans. His hobbies include hanging out with his friends, fishing for jellyfish, practicing karate, and cooking Krabby Patties. He is also a very poor driver.
Get Your SpongeBob Merch
From mind-blowing Spongebob facts to its endless memes, one thing is for sure iconic about this TV show: its great character list. It is impossible to dislike these characters, no matter who your all-time favorite SpongeBob SquarePants character is. You might find one or two things you don't like about them, but you've got to admit they have their qualities. Nonetheless, we give props to Stephen Hillenburg for giving us characters that have taught a couple of generations some critical values from under the sea.
If you would like to show support for your favorite character in SpongeBob, drop by CultureFly. You can find your favorite character's brand t-shirts, Airpod cases, vinyl figures, etc. in our nerd box. You can even purchase the monthly SpongeBob SquarePants box containing various collectibles, accessories, and apparel! Get your SpongeBob merch today on CultureFly!
Sources:
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Sheldon J. Plankton https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Sheldon_J._Plankton
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Karen Plankton https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Karen_Plankton
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Sandy Cheeks https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Sandy_Cheeks
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Squidward Tentacles https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Squidward_Tentacles
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Eugene H. Crabs https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Eugene_H._Krabs
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Pearl Krabs https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Pearl_Krabs
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Mrs. Puff https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Mrs._Puff
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Gary The Pet https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Gary_the_Snail
SpongeBob.fandom.com: Patrick Star https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Patrick_Star
SpongeBob.fandom.com: SpongeBob SquarePants https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/SpongeBob_SquarePants_(character)