Cartooning has long been a field dominated by males — males drawing other males, in fact. It's futile to try to list all of the types of male characters that have appeared in cartoons, because there are too many. However, a quick discussion of the most popular types is useful in seeing how several different features combine to give an overall effect.

Some common male types

The Hero

The hero type is, by far, the most popular male type in cartooning. He has a broad chest, attractive facial features, and a square jaw. Costuming can include a cape, a mask, boots, and for some reason shorts outside of pants.

The Slacker

Another celebrated male type is the slacker. In times past, these were called hippies and dropouts. In any case, they are often characterized by awkward proportions — either tall and gangly or short and heavy. These are typically young men with odd or unkempt hair and loose-fitting clothes.

The Heavy

This male type goes back as far as the hero. He is usually of better-than-average height and broad across the shoulders but not as physically fit as a hero and is often a little overweight. Almost always, he has no neck.

The Old Man

The old man is usually used as a source of humor. He is physically shrunk in stature — at or under the seven-head proportion found in most people. Bushy facial hair and exaggerated male-pattern baldness are the norm.

The Straight Man

Another popular sight, especially in newspaper comics, is the straight man. He is the everyman of the feature — the one we're supposed to identify closely with. His proportions fall short of heroic — especially his width. In terms of hair and costume, he's average in every way.

The Imp

The imp is a playful sprite who usually causes trouble for the hero or the straight man. Five heads tall or shorter, he personifies a puckish personality. His diminished size takes the threatening aspect out of the fact that he's a source of aggravation. Childlike features make him even less of a threat.

The Blowhard

This guy is a slob and a bit of a bully. He is almost always overweight. His head is connected directly to his shoulders; he is somewhat of a threat.

The Authority Figure

This man is the boss. He is older than the rest of the cast and usually heavier. Cigar smoking and male-pattern baldness are his common traits.