Comic Discussion > QUESTIONABLE CONTENT
What is Faye's fundamental character?
Spectreofwar:
Bumping an old thread partly because of references in the Marigold thread, but also because it seems that this didn't even get discussed, much less had the quality of discussion on the character that is coming up elsewhere...
I think a lot of people misjudge Faye because they don't see her as a "person," per se. Sure, we've all dealt with jerks and assholes, martyrs and morons, but most of us didn't have to deal with them on a daily basis. Those of us that do can usually tell the difference between them and the Fayes out there: Faye is still a friend to the people in QC, whereas those people we had encounters with are more likely to be termed bullies.
Faye has a rough exterior (I doubt anyone would challenge that), but the bare bones of her being still points her to be a fiercly loyal friend who would stick her neck out (preceded by two powerful fists) for those she cares about. Even when she appears to be sassing her friends in ways we might consider "cruel" she does a good portion of it for their betterment. Could she be doing it in a more respectful, subdued manner? Of course she could, but then she wouldn't quite be the same person. Anyone else could fill the "gentle nudge" position, but it takes a certain kind of gusto to really give you that kick in the ass to just STOP MOANING ABOUT IT AND DO SOMETHING ALREADY (and I'm sure many of you have known someone who really needed that at one point or another).
The people in QC have the benefit of being in the position of recieving her words and actions which, let's face it, always look different than when coming at it from a 3rd-party viewpoint. They also have the benefit of doing stuff behind the scenes, whereas our opinions can only really be formed by what we are allowed to view through the comics. We extrapolate the rest based on what we feel would be most logical, as well as our own experiences. While we are doing our best, this still doesn't bring us any closer to being Faye's "friend," those who would figure out before us why we'd want her around and not kick her to the curb. Though I'll concede you may never want more than ONE of her, she's a damned worthwhile friend to have in my opinion: one that has your back no matter what and is both able and willing to tell you when youve screwed up. The cost? Sass and the need to toughen up that thin skin a bit. And i'd take that trade.
I did my best to avoid the "she's had such a hard time" aspect of making excuses and taking her for what she is, not how she got that way. Now I'm curious as to how many may agree.
Random Al Yousir:
In my opinion wide patches of QC live plenty off the witty banter between Faye and her friends.
You know who she reminds me of? Leela from Futurama.
A lady with a hot, steaming body combined with insecurity-induced mental flaws that are always prepared to vent off in bursts of uncalled violence. But in her very own way she's kind enough at heart to not cause serious damage to anyone, and as long as she feels safe she is quite capable of friendship and compassion.
I find this concept of sexy trouble highly appealing. I can do fine without such a specimen in my personal environment, thank you very much, but it's kinda fun to watch other (hopefully fictional) characters to collect bruises by encountering her.
For an invented (punch-line centric) character she has considerable depth, only it's a bit of a challenge to take her superhuman strength for serious, or her broadsword-wielding without getting in legal trouble. If we bloody insist on venturing into "Ha ha, only serious" territory, we might wonder, where she does her welding or if she is honest about having no further ambitions for her life than working at the COD.
As for her boyfriend: Professional straw man? Come on, give me a break.
I love her, for what she is: An enticing cartoon character, well thought out, fun to watch, a challenge to her environment with buckloads of surprises in store. Nasty surprises, if the story demands.
Come on, we're here for she show. Aren't we?
questionablecontentfan:
I will admit that when Faye was grossing out Marten saying that her asshole was killing her and saying she had to wipe 40 times to get clean, etc, it was funny. That's perhaps one of the few times I actually enjoyed Faye. She does that less often now.
It's just funny because men share their every bodily function, but when a woman does, men (of all people) are like
O_O
Sometimes she amuses me, but mostly I think she's a bitch. As people here well know.
Carl-E:
--- Quote from: questionablecontentfan on 03 Sep 2011, 18:50 ---I will admit that when Faye <snip> it was funny. That's perhaps one of the few times I actually enjoyed Faye.
<snip>
Sometimes she amuses me, but mostly I think she's a bitch. As people here well know.
--- End quote ---
Well, that's a bit of an improvement.
I have to admit, it was the witty banter that attracted me to the comic in the first place, and Faye in particular was one of the best at it. Her violence early on was very much cartoon violence - as someone who grew up schooled on Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry and Popeye cartoons, it never really bothered me.
With increased realism in both the writing and the art the violence became more disturbing. But it also seemed to change somewhat in nature, and with things like the introduction of Raven, Faye gained a lot of introspection into what was going on inside her, and what was causing her to be so violent. I kind of doubt that the violence stemmed from her father's suicide, rather I think that spawned her trust issues. The violence had probably been there all along, in the form of "roughhousing" with her sister, being a "tomboy" growing up, etc. It just became another manifestation of her issues after the "incident", a way that she used to cope with disturbing situations.
And the violence has abated. Did she mop up the floor with Dora? No, she hugged her (then threatened her if she didn't do what needed to be done). The espressosaurus sale, therapy, and her new relationship with Angus seem to be mellowing her, or at least alleviating some of the stress that caused her to react to things with violence. I hope the spotlight of Jeph's storytelling swings back to her, it's been a while since we've really been able to see what she's been up to.
questionablecontentfan:
Are you kidding me? Dora can break up with her boyfriend if she wants. That's one instance where Faye was WAY out of line. She had no right to confront Dora about it the way she did.
Don't misunderstand me; I still very much dislike Faye. But on very very rare occasions, she has said something that amused me.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version