By Anna Volkova
In a world full of stories, certain character archetypes have become symbols of societal expectations. One of these archetypes that has amassed both fascination and criticism is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG). Created by film critic Nathan Rabin in 2005, the term refers to a specific type of female character found in literature, film, and television. Rabin defines the MPDG as a girl who “exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.” Some popular and well-known examples of MPDGs are Summer from 500 Days of Summer, Penny Lane from Almost Famous and Alaska Young from Looking for Alaska.
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is often portrayed as a whimsical, quirky, and clever young woman whose sole purpose is to inspire and transform the life of the male protagonist. She is an enigma and a burst of energy, like nobody the protagonist has met before. However, her character tends to lack depth, existing primarily as a vessel to drive the protagonist’s catharsis rather than a fully realised individual.
The term "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" encapsulates key elements of these characters. "Manic" refers to their free-spirited nature, while "Pixie" implies a surreal and magical aura. The term "Dream Girl" suggests their role as an ideal romantic partner, a whimsical muse who helps the male protagonist see the beauty in life.
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl typically displays the following characteristics:
1. Quirkiness
MPDGs are often defined by their unconventional hobbies, interests, or fashion choices. These quirks are meant to set them apart from every other girl and capture the attention of the protagonist.
2. Lack of Personal Goals
The MPDG's character arc is typically centered around assisting the male lead in his journey of self-discovery. Their own ambitions, desires, and struggles are often sidelined, if mentioned at all.
3. Unpredictability
These characters are known for their spontaneous behaviour and crazy ideas. Whether it's embarking on a road trip at a moment's notice, dancing around in the rain or befriending a stranger, their actions are designed to inject excitement into the male protagonist's life.
4. Minimal Backstory
The MPDG often lacks a fleshed-out backstory or personal history. Her past is overshadowed by her present role as a catalyst for the male lead's growth. She is often present in the protagonist’s life for a brief but incredibly memorable period of time, and disappears as suddenly as she appeared.
5. Not Like Other Girls
‘Normal girls’ don’t have the philosophical musings and unique tastes of MPDGs, making them basic and uninteresting to the male lead. In contrast, the MPDG is mysterious and creative, therefore making her special.
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope has faced significant backlash for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing gender roles. Critics argue that reducing female characters to mere instruments of male development diminishes their agency and autonomy.
Furthermore, the trope can contribute to unrealistic expectations of women in real-life relationships. Often, the MPDG is unattainable to a certain extent, allowing the male protagonist to admire her from afar. Because of this distance, his behaviour towards her is not held to any kind of standard, while she exists on a pedestal, other-wordly, perfect and special. The male lead often seems to fall in love with the idea of the MPDG rather than her real self, although her poorly fleshed-out character often leaves the audience wondering who she even is as a person.
One of the reasons the MPDG is so transformative to a character’s story is because she is a foil to the protagonist’s responsibility. Her behaviour allows him to ‘let go’ and live, until he eventually regains control and pursues his life goals when she leaves. Meanwhile, she moves on to change the life of another self-pitying adolescent loner.
The impact of the MPDG trope extends beyond the screen, influencing societal perceptions of women and shaping cultural narratives. It reinforces the notion that a woman's value lies in her ability to inspire and uplift men rather than in her own individuality, aspirations, or complexities.
While the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope has been a recurring theme in media, discussions surrounding its implications have prompted a reevaluation of character representation. There is a growing awareness of the need for more nuanced and authentic portrayals of female characters that go beyond serving as mere plot devices. Female directors such as Greta Gerwig and Sofia Coppola are at the forefront of this movement, portraying women’s stories on a worldwide stage. As the media landscape evolves, it is crucial to challenge and reshape these tropes to foster a more diverse and inclusive representation of women in storytelling.