Character Analysis: Rarity · 5:17am Aug 12th, 2016
Ah, Rarity.
The things I could say about her. You see, dear Rarity was what brought me to the fandom you see. It was summer of 2012, and there I sat in the living room, with a want of something to do, when there on the TV guide was "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." Now, I had heard of some weirdos who actually liked this show, so I decided, "Eh, why not see what the deal is?"
And so I began to watch Sweet and Elite.
I half-focus through half the episode, and get to the point where Rarity is pacing in her room, trying to decide whether or not to focus on Twilight's dress or to go and be a socialite.
Now, you see, I thought I had this pinned down. "Oh, she's going to let her friend down, because she's going to be ditsy and go to the party thing."
And lo and behold, the very next thing out of her mouth, and I quote:
Pro: Seeing the Derby from a VIP box is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Con: Going to the Derby cuts into the amount of time I have to finish Twilight's outfit. Pro: Fancy Pants is the most important pony in Canterlot. His stamp of approval could mean big things for me here. Con: Twilight's party might not be as sophisticated as the Derby, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't put all of my energy into creating her birthday ensemble.
And right there, I was shocked. "Wait! A Fashionista, in a cartoon, that actually uses her brain?!"
Yes, she went to the derby, and the dress wasn't what she imagined, but she thought about, which was more than I ever expected from a fashion-minded character in anything.
And yet, other writers around me don't seem to get it. So, let's take a look at the most fabulous pony around, Miss Rarity!
Nature:
The nature of Rarity is actually very easy to figure out. Same for any of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. She's generous.[/shock] Yes, she may struggle with the consequences of it, and she may decide that you aren't worth her generosity, but at her heart, she is generous.
"Yeah! Which is why she gave Spike the smallest gem from her dress that one time!"
I'm getting to that, random reader.
The other, very important thing to remember about Rarity is that she's an artist. She loves to create, and loves to share her artistic flair with everyone around her. Now yes, she may get a little carried away with it, but—
"But she seems to have no concept or respect for other pony's art! How do you explain that!?"
Stop interrupting me.
You see, especially in episodes like "Spice Up Your Life" that she's almost neurotic with her art, to the point of pushing it on others. Things need to be done a "certain way." Things need to be "just right." She has a certain standard, and things need to meet it. That's the way she is.
Personality:
Now for the nurture part of this analysis.
She is a business woman. She has done everything she could to establish her business and make it an honest one. As such, she is constantly trying to find ways to improve her business as well. This means she needs to be shrewd, thinking ahead, and constantly thinking about her clientele and her product. The product, by the way, being fashion, which, from what I understand, is no easy thing. She has brains up there, and it's important to remember that.
Now, because of her shrewdness, she knows how to act like a lady, and how to use that to her advantage, i.e. "A Dog and Pony Show," so we can't forget that either, and this means that people misinterpret her as being a b!tch, when this isn't actually the case. All she is doing is picking her battles carefully and acting accordingly. She tends to sell herself well, which may come off as having an ego. To her, however, it's confidence and holding herself to a standard.
TL;DR In the end, she is not a fashionista stereotype, if she was, I wouldn't be here.
Appreciate the analysis on best pone.
I never really thought why exactly I like her character so much. Pinkie Pie has always been obvious to me but Rarity was just... nice. Eventually I found the answer to be that her character is surprisingly closely relatable to me, simply. Generous, highly appreciative of creative work (and creator themselves), enjoys being "fancy"/looking good... those kind of things. And still not being an ass about it... most of the time.