Name: Homer Simpson

Occupation: Father, nuclear power plant safety inspector

Distinguishing Characteristics: Bald dome head, massive belly, google eyes, tendency to drool at mention/thought of food/beer, screaming at the sign of peril

Signature Quote: "I am smart! I am smart! S-M-R-T! I mean S-M-A-R-T!"

Notes: Quite simply the funniest thing that happened in the second half of the 20th century was the conception, creation and evolution of Homer Simpson, a creature whose stupidity, selfishness, indulgence and sloth consistently spell hilarious cartoon disaster for him and everyone around him, while somehow -- and no one has ever quite established quite how -- offering biting commentary on the state of the American soul.