Editing Bart Simpson (section)

==Character==

=== Creation ===
[[File:Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore -retouch.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7|[[Matt Groening]] (''pictured in 2009'') conceived Bart in 1987.|alt=A man in glasses and a plaid shirt sits in front of a microphone.]]
[[Matt Groening]] conceived Bart and the rest of the [[Simpson family]] in 1987 while waiting in the lobby of producer [[James L. Brooks]]'s office.<ref name="p299">{{cite web | last=Thielman | first=Sam | title=Happy Birthd'oh!: ''The Simpsons'' Celebrates 30 Years of Cultural Milestones | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203044608/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/19/the-simpsons-birthday-30-years-fox-history |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |url-status=live | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/19/the-simpsons-birthday-30-years-fox-history | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="k770">{{cite web | last=Bianculli | first=David | title=''Simpson''{{'}}s Creator Matt Groening | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 14, 2003 | url=https://www.npr.org/2003/02/14/1162008/simpsons-creator-matt-groening | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201144554/https://www.npr.org/2003/02/14/1162008/simpsons-creator-matt-groening | url-status=live }}</ref> Groening was invited to pitch a series of animated shorts for ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and initially planned to adapt his comic strip, ''[[Life in Hell]]''. Realizing that adapting the strip would require him to relinquish [[publication right]]s, he decided to create something new.<ref name="a529">{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Ivan | title=The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History | website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] | date=November 29, 2016 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/11/the-most-unexpected-spinoffs-in-tv-history.html | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207183931/https://www.vulture.com/2016/11/the-most-unexpected-spinoffs-in-tv-history.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Groening sketched a concept for a [[dysfunctional family]],{{sfn|Sito|2006|p=305}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=It's a Family Affair?|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 1990|page=67|volume=6|issue=4}}</ref> naming the characters after members of his family.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=21}}<ref name="k983">{{cite web | last=Day | first=Patrick Kevin | title=Matt Groening's mom dies; maiden name Wiggum, she inspired Marge Simpson | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-matt-groening-mom-marge-simpson-dies-20130507-story.html | access-date=December 21, 2024 | archive-date=May 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520081916/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-matt-groening-mom-marge-simpson-dies-20130507-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> For the rebellious son, he chose "Bart", an [[anagram]] of ''brat'',{{sfn|Ezell|2016|p=133}}{{sfn|Pinsky|2007|p=5}} instead of his own name because he felt that "Matt" would not "go over well in a pitch meeting".<ref name="i616">{{cite web | title=Marge Simpson's Namesake Has Died | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marge-groening-matt-groening-marge-simpson-inspiration_n_3226541 | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201211131/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marge-groening-matt-groening-marge-simpson-inspiration_n_3226541 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="w413">{{cite web | last=Blackall | first=Luke | title=From the Wiggums to Chain-Smoking Aunt Patty: The Real-Life Groening | website=[[The Independent]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/from-the-wiggums-to-chainsmoking-aunt-patty-the-reallife-groening-family-behind-the-simpsons-revealed-in-obituary-of-creator-s-mum-8606463.html | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202062008/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/from-the-wiggums-to-chainsmoking-aunt-patty-the-reallife-groening-family-behind-the-simpsons-revealed-in-obituary-of-creator-s-mum-8606463.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's middle initial "J" is an homage to the animated characters [[Bullwinkle J. Moose]] and [[Rocket J. Squirrel]] from ''[[The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show]]'', who were named after creator [[Jay Ward]].<ref name="x978">{{cite web | last=Bibby | first=Daniel | title=Bart & Homer Simpson's Names Subtly Honor Another Classic Cartoon | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=February 11, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-honors-rocky-bullwinkle-character-names/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="q895">{{cite magazine | last=Stransky | first=Tanner | title='Rocky & Bullwinkle': Happy 50th Birthday to the Sweet Duo! (And Boris and Natasha, too!) | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=November 19, 2009 | url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/19/rocky-and-bullwinkle-50th-birthday/ | access-date=November 24, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203112203/https://ew.com/article/2009/11/19/rocky-and-bullwinkle-50th-birthday/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Although numerous interpretations of his middle initial have been given, Groening said that Bart's full middle name is "Jo-Jo", which was chosen by Cartwright during a recording session.{{sfn|Groening|1996|pp=12, 54, 82, 101, 103, 154, 168, back cover}}{{sfn|Groening|2001b|p=90}}

According to ''[[The Oregonian]]'', Bart was conceived as "a much milder, troubled youth given to existential angst who talks to himself"; the character was changed due to [[Nancy Cartwright]]'s voice acting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christmans Is 'Life in Hell' for ''The Simpsons''|date=December 17, 1989|work=[[The Oregonian]]|last=Farrell|first=Peter}}</ref> Groening has credited numerous sources as inspirations for Bart's character. His older brother, Mark Groening, influenced Bart's rebellious attitude. Mark introduced him to a variety of comics, including [[Mad (magazine)|''Mad'']] (when it was still a comic), ''[[Donald Duck in comics|Donald Duck]]'', ''[[Uncle Scrooge]]'', ''[[Little Lulu]]'', and ''[[Tales from the Crypt (comics)|Tales From the Crypt]]''; all were sources of inspiration for Matt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Alan|title=Life in Hell|work=[[Flux (magazine)|Flux]]|date=September 30, 1995|url=http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|access-date=December 26, 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208235641/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|archive-date=February 8, 2007}}</ref> Bart was envisioned as an exaggerated version of a typical misbehaving child, combining the extreme traits of characters such as [[Tom Sawyer]] and [[Huckleberry Finn]].{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=182}} Groening described Bart as "what would happen if the son of [[Eddie Haskell]] [from ''[[Leave It to Beaver]]''] got his own show".<ref>{{cite news |title=With Spirit of Youthful Rebellion, ''Simpsons'' Creator Takes on Success |last=Kolbert|first=Elizabeth|date=March 11, 1993|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> He was disappointed with the premise of ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'', which inspired him to create a character who was genuinely mischievous.<ref>{{cite news|last=Groening|first=Matt|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Two Bad Neighbors]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> Bart first appeared with the Simpson family on April 19, 1987, in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]".{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=14}}<ref name="u828">{{cite web | last=Tallerico | first=Brian | title=''The Simpsons'' at 30: Six Era-Defining Episodes | website=[[The New York Times]] | date=September 28, 2018 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/arts/television/simpsons-history-season-30-timeline.html | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=April 22, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422062640/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/arts/television/simpsons-history-season-30-timeline.html | url-status=live }}</ref> On December 17, 1989, the shorts were developed into ''The Simpsons'', a half-hour series on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]],<ref name="s787">{{cite web | last=Ortved | first=John | title=''The Simpsons'' Family Values: How the Cartoon Took Over TV | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=July 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214051941/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/08/simpsons200708 |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |url-status=live | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/08/simpsons200708?srsltid=AfmBOoov6_MhRIP-W7X_IkrOMxHI8xGIoMzxYvu8fhvg-liiZBYylU3c | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref name="a058">{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=''The Simpsons'' Opening Sequence Had A Continuity Error For 20 Years | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 7, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-opening-credits-homer-boxes-garage-continuity-error/ | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411140317/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-opening-credits-homer-boxes-garage-continuity-error/ | url-status=live }}</ref> where Bart and the Simpson family became the central characters.<ref name="b306">{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=''The Simpsons'' Season 35 Finally Addressed One Of The Show's Biggest Mysteries | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=October 9, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-season-35-characters-age-mystery/ | access-date=November 26, 2024 | archive-date=September 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915224608/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-season-35-characters-age-mystery/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Design===
[[File:Bart - Good Night.png|upright=0.9|thumb|Bart in his first televised appearance in "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]"|alt=A cartoon image of a yellow boy with spiky hair in bed]]
The Simpson family was designed to be easily recognizable in silhouette.<ref name="h479">{{cite web | title=25 Things You Never Knew About ''The Simpsons'' | first=Michael | last=Hogan | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-access=subscription | date=December 15, 2014 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/the-simpsons/11289466/25-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons.html | access-date=November 28, 2024 | archive-date=August 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820085806/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/the-simpsons/11289466/25-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="x786">{{cite web | title=21 Things You Never Knew About ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | first=Michael | last=Hogan | date=December 27, 2014 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/21-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons-20141219-12b5jj.html | access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref> The characters were initially crudely drawn because Groening submitted rough sketches to the animators, expecting them to refine the designs, but they simply traced over his drawings.<ref name="q232">{{cite magazine | last1=Bachor | first1=Kenneth | last2=Lin | first2=Joseph C. | title=The 30 Best Celebrity Cameos on ''The Simpsons'' | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=August 21, 2014 | url=https://time.com/3154233/simpsons-television-celebrity-entertainment/ | access-date=November 28, 2024 | archive-date=June 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606023744/https://time.com/3154233/simpsons-television-celebrity-entertainment/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's early design, featured in the first shorts, included hair with spikes of varying length;<ref>{{cite news|first1=David|last1=Silverman|author-link1=David Silverman (animator)|last2=Archer|first2=Wes|author-link2=Wes Archer|year=2004|title=Illustrated Commentary for "[[Treehouse of Horror IV]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> this was later standardized to nine spikes of equal length. Groening primarily worked in [[black-and-white]] at the time and, without considering the eventual use of color, designed Bart's spikes to look like an extension of his head.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Mike B.|last1=Anderson|author-link1=Mike B. Anderson|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|author-link2=Matt Groening|last3=Michels|first3=Pete|author-link3=Pete Michels|year=2006|title="A Bit From the Animators", Illustrated Commentary for "[[All Singing, All Dancing]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Ninth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> This design feature is not replicated in other characters, although some background characters in the first few seasons shared his spiky [[hairline]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Groening|first1=Matt|last2=Reiss|first2=Mike|author-link2=Mike Reiss|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|author-link3=Mark Kirkland|year=2002|title=Commentary for "[[Principal Charming]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref>

Bart's head was described by director [[Mark Kirkland]] as a basic rectangular shape resembling a [[coffee]] can. Homer's head is also rectangular, with a dome on top, while spheres define the heads of Marge, Lisa, and Maggie.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Archer|first1=Wes|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|year=2005|title="A Bit From the Animators", Illustrated Commentary for "[[Summer of 4 Ft. 2]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> In the [[The Simpsons season 7|season-seven]] (1995) episode "[[Treehouse of Horror VI]]", Bart, alongside Homer, was first rendered as a three-dimensional character in the episode's "Homer<sup>3</sup>" segment. The computer animation was by [[Pacific Data Images]]. Designing Bart's 3D model, the animators did not know how they would depict his hair; realizing that vinyl Bart dolls were in production, they purchased one to use as a model.<ref name="3D">{{cite news|last1=Oakley|first1=Bill|author-link1=Bill Oakley|last2=Weinstein|first2=Josh|author-link2=Josh Weinstein|last3=Johnson|first3=Tim|author-link3=Tim Johnson (film director)|last4=Silverman|first4=David|author-link4=David Silverman (animator)|last5=Mirkin|first5=David|author-link5=David Mirkin|last6=Cohen|first6=David X.|author-link6=David X. Cohen|title="Homer in the Third Dimension" (2005), In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref>

=== Voice ===
[[File:Nancy Cartwright.jpg|alt=A blonde middle-aged woman smiling with a black background|left|upright=0.9|thumb|Nancy Cartwright (''pictured in 2007'') voices Bart.]]
Bart's voice is provided by [[Nancy Cartwright]],{{sfn|Browne|Browne|2001|p=737}}<ref name="n954">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson Voice Used to Promote Scientology | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-access=subscription | date=January 29, 2009 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4382672/Bart-Simpson-voice-used-to-promote-Scientology.html | access-date=November 30, 2024 | archive-date=June 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617095610/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4382672/Bart-Simpson-voice-used-to-promote-Scientology.html | url-status=live }}</ref> who also voices several other child characters on ''The Simpsons'' who include [[Nelson Muntz]],<ref name="k637">{{cite magazine | last=Boardman | first=Madeline | title=''The Simpsons'': See the Voice Actors Behind Your Favorite Characters | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=April 29, 2016 | url=https://ew.com/gallery/the-simpsons-voices-actors/ | access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="g377">{{cite web | last=Aubrey | first=Elizabeth | title=Sabrina Carpenter Fans Shocked to Discover Her Aunt is the Voice of Bart Simpson | publisher=[[NME]] | date=July 10, 2024 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-fans-shocked-to-discover-her-aunt-is-the-voice-of-bart-simpson-3773518 | access-date=November 30, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202082314/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-fans-shocked-to-discover-her-aunt-is-the-voice-of-bart-simpson-3773518 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ralph Wiggum]],<ref name="g377"/> [[Todd Flanders]],{{sfn|Browning|Picart|2014|p=166}} and [[Kearney Zzyzwicz]].{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=553}} After [[Dan Castellaneta]] and [[Julie Kavner]] were cast as Homer and Marge due to their roles on ''The Tracey Ullman Show'',<ref name="z494">{{cite web | title=D'oh, You're the Voice | website=[[The Age]] | date=February 27, 2003 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/doh-youre-the-voice-20030227-gdvamr.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=November 2, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102224412/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/27/1046064146568.html | url-status=live }}</ref> the producers held auditions for Bart and Lisa. [[Yeardley Smith]] initially auditioned for Bart, but casting director [[Bonita Pietila]] felt that her voice was too high-pitched. Smith recalled, "I always sounded too much like a girl. I read two lines as Bart, and they said, 'Thanks for coming!{{'"}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1565538/simpsons-trivia-from-swearing-lisa-to-burns-sexual-smithers/ |title=''Simpsons'' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=January 15, 2022 |date=July 26, 2007 |author=Carroll, Larry |publisher=[[MTV News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> She was subsequently cast as Lisa instead.<ref name="m386">{{cite web | last=King | first=Darryn | title=Why Lisa Simpson Matters | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=February 26, 2018 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/why-lisa-simpson-matters?srsltid=AfmBOorwsnUX_qdkPoAwWSsEG2bptCdqVYLDrUuXgvMaW1ZRBFpFxdaH | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> On March 13, 1987, Cartwright auditioned for Lisa.<ref name="i801">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson: The Shorts That Ate the World | website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] | date=January 3, 2001 | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bart-simpson-the-shorts-that-ate-the-world/AOTICOHPYZTRIAMHAJ2SZSQWJM/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203070032/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bart-simpson-the-shorts-that-ate-the-world/AOTICOHPYZTRIAMHAJ2SZSQWJM/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Discovering that Lisa was described only as the "middle child", with little personality at the time, she became interested in Bart, who was characterized as "devious, underachieving, school-hating, irreverent, [and] clever".<ref name="i801"/>{{sfn|Cartwright|2000|pp=35–40}} Groening allowed her to audition for Bart, and offered her the role immediately after hearing her read.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm|title=Bart's Voice Tells All|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=November 10, 2000|website=[[BBC News]]|archive-date=December 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230012816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Cartwright is the only one of the [[List of The Simpsons cast members|six primary ''Simpsons'' cast members]] who had formal voice-acting training before joining the show.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=21}}

According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', Cartwright's speaking voice has "no obvious traces of Bart".<ref name="y825">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=That's My Boy | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=August 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 5, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205160018/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | url-status=live }}</ref> The voice she uses for Bart came naturally to her, since she had incorporated elements of it on shows like ''[[My Little Pony]]'', ''[[Snorks]]'', and ''[[Pound Puppies]]''.<ref name="y825"/><ref name="l405">{{cite web | title=That's My Boy | website=[[The Age]] | date=November 4, 2004 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/thats-my-boy-20041104-gdyx8r.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204090710/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/thats-my-boy-20041104-gdyx8r.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Cartwright described Bart's voice as easy to create: "Some characters take a little bit more effort, upper respiratory control, whatever it is technically. But Bart is easy to do. I can just slip into that without difficulty".<ref name="y825"/> She typically records five or six takes of each line for variety, allowing producers more options to work with.<ref name="BBC News"/> Even in [[flashforward]] episodes, Cartwright continues to voice Bart; in the episode "[[Lisa's Wedding]]" ([[The Simpsons season 6|season six]], 1995), Bart's voice was electronically pitched lower to reflect his age.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mirkin|first=David|author-link=David Mirkin|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Lisa's Wedding]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> Despite Bart's fame, Cartwright is seldom recognized in public. When she is recognized and asked to use Bart's voice in front of children, she declines because it "freaks [them] out".<ref name="i159">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=Bart's Big Mouth | website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] | date=August 2, 2004 | url=https://www.salon.com/2004/08/02/bart_2/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202011806/https://www.salon.com/2004/08/02/bart_2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[The Simpsons season 1|first season]] of ''The Simpsons'', Fox Network barred Cartwright from interviews to avoid the revelation that Bart was voiced by a woman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson's Secret: He's a Woman|last=Bark|first=Ed|date=July 15, 1990|work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]}}</ref>

Cartwright was paid [[US dollar|US$]]30,000 per episode for her work on ''The Simpsons'' until 1998.<ref name="l144">{{cite web | last=Hontz | first=Jenny | title=Cartwright's Vox to Pop for ''Simpsons'' | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=March 26, 1998 | url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/cartwright-s-vox-to-pop-for-simpsons-1117469167/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="p643">{{cite web | last1=Block | first1=Alex Ben | last2=Masters | first2=Kim | title='Simpsons' Cast Blinks in Salary Showdown With Fox (Exclusive) | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=October 7, 2011 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/simpsons-cast-fox-pay-cut-245648/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201173926/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/simpsons-cast-fox-pay-cut-245648/ | url-status=live }}</ref> A pay dispute arose that year, during which Fox threatened to replace the six main voice actors and began preparing for new casting.<ref name="Glaister">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|title=''Simpsons'' Actors Demand Bigger Share|access-date=October 26, 2008|date=April 3, 2004|last=Glaister|first=Dan|work=[[The Age]]|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202171844/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|archive-date=December 2, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="s696">{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=Harry Shearer to Exit 'The Simpsons'? | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=May 8, 2015 | url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/08/harry-shearer-exiting-simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204005526/https://ew.com/article/2015/05/08/harry-shearer-exiting-simpsons/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The conflict was resolved, and Cartwright's salary increased to $125,000 per episode.<ref name="y759">{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Patrick | title=D'oh! ''Simpsons'' Go On Strike | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/apr/01/broadcasting.uknews | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o315">{{cite web | last=Stowe | first=Dusty | title=How Much Does The Cast Of ''The Simpsons'' Get Paid? | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=October 2, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-cast-salary-paid/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=March 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325185357/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-cast-salary-paid/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The voice cast pushed for higher wages in 2004, seeking $360,000 per episode.<ref name="l796">{{cite web | title=D'oh! Am I Underpaid?; Negotiations Are Stalled for Voice Actors in ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | first=Bernard | last=Weinraub | author-link=Bernard Weinraub | date=April 14, 2004 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/14/arts/d-oh-am-i-underpaid-negotiations-are-stalled-for-voice-actors-in-the-simpsons.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204163825/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/14/arts/d-oh-am-i-underpaid-negotiations-are-stalled-for-voice-actors-in-the-simpsons.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="e937">{{cite web | last=Block | first=Alex Ben | title=''The Simpsons'' Pay Disputes | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=October 11, 2011 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-pay-disputes-246835/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203065624/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-pay-disputes-246835/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The dispute was soon settled, and Cartwright's pay was increased to $250,000 per episode.<ref name="t905">{{cite web | last=Collins | first=Scott | title=''Simpsons'' Cast, Fox Reach Deal | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 1, 2004 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-01-fi-simpsons1-story.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203220257/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-01-fi-simpsons1-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="g965">{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Voices Carry at Fox | website=[[variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=May 2, 2004 | url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/voices-carry-at-fox-1117904168/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=October 18, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018054719/https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/voices-carry-at-fox-1117904168/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008, further negotiations increased the cast's salaries to about $400,000 per episode.<ref name="h432">{{cite web | last=Byrne | first=Ciar | title=Homer's No Loser with a Voice Worth $400,000 Per Show | website=[[The Independent]] | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/homer-s-no-loser-with-a-voice-worth-400-000-per-show-839589.html | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203132550/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/homer-s-no-loser-with-a-voice-worth-400-000-per-show-839589.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="i903">{{cite magazine | last=Wortham | first=Jenna | title=''Simpsons'' Ink Deal for 20th Season, Score More D'Oh | magazine=[[WIRED]] | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.wired.com/2008/06/simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207143546/https://www.wired.com/2008/06/simpsons/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Fox demanded production-cost reductions in 2011, threatening to cancel the series if costs were not cut. In response, Cartwright and the other main cast members agreed to a 30-percent pay reduction, lowering their per-episode earnings to just over $300,000.<ref>{{cite news|last=Block|first=Alex Ben|title=''The Simpsons'' Renewed for Two More Seasons|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 7, 2011|archive-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125073424/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748|url-status=live}}</ref> Cartwright was paid $315,000 per episode by 2016, which, according to [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']], made her one of the highest-paid voice actors.<ref name="w127">{{cite web | last=Bryant | first=Jacob | title=Highest-Paid TV Comedy Stars | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]| date=October 4, 2016 | url=https://variety.com/gallery/highest-paid-tv-actors-comedy-dwayne-johnson-big-bang-theory/nancy-cartwright-3/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221182233/https://variety.com/gallery/highest-paid-tv-actors-comedy-dwayne-johnson-big-bang-theory/nancy-cartwright-3/ | archive-date=December 21, 2024 | url-status=live | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref>

=== Hallmarks ===
In the [[The Simpsons opening sequence|opening sequence]] of many episodes of ''The Simpsons'', the camera zooms in on Springfield Elementary School, where Bart is shown writing lines on a chalkboard. This scene, known as the "[[chalkboard gag]]", varies by episode.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The messages often include political humor, such as "[[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|The First Amendment]] does not cover burping",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=06|number=24}}</ref> [[popular culture|pop culture]] references like "[[The Sixth Sense|I can't see dead people]]",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Take My Wife, Sleaze|episode-link=Take My Wife, Sleaze|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Neil Affleck|Affleck, Neil]]|network=Fox|date=November 28, 1999|season=11|number=08}}</ref> and meta-commentary such as "I am not a 32-year-old woman" or "Nobody reads these anymore".{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The animators create the gags quickly, and they sometimes reflect current events.<ref name="z743">{{cite web | last=Tsang | first=Christopher | title=''The Simpsons'' Video Reveals 700th Episode Couch Gag | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=March 19, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-show-700-episode-couch-gag-reveal/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> In the episode "[[Homer the Heretic]]" ([[The Simpsons season 4|season four]], 1992), the chalkboard gag read "I will not defame New Orleans"; it was an apology for a controversial song in the previous week's episode, "[[A Streetcar Named Marge]]", which described the city as a "home of pirates, drunks, and whores".<ref name="q396">{{cite web | last=Kurland | first=Daniel | title=''The Simpsons'': 15 Episodes That Were Censored | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=September 3, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-episodes-scenes-censored/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=August 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825114707/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-episodes-scenes-censored/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="n461">{{cite web | last=Vrabel | first=Jeff | title=FXX's "''Simpsons World''" App: Here's Your Comprehensive A to Z | website=[[GQ (magazine)|GQ]] | date=October 21, 2014 | url=https://www.gq.com/story/simpsons-world-app-guide | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207195725/https://www.gq.com/story/simpsons-world-app-guide | url-status=live }}</ref>

An early hallmark of Bart's character was his [[prank call]]s to [[Moe's Tavern]], where he would ask owner [[Moe Szyslak]] for a fictitious person with a [[gag name]].<ref name="r263" /> Moe would try to find the person, eventually realizing it was a prank and (unaware that Bart was the caller) responding with angry threats. The calls were inspired by the [[Tube Bar prank calls|Tube Bar recordings]], a series of prank calls to bar owner Louis "Red" Deutsch (whose profane reactions influenced Moe's violent temperament).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925085614/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-date=September 25, 2008|title=Joke on ''Simpsons'' Started in JC|access-date=October 30, 2008|date=August 10, 2005|work=[[Jersey City Reporter]]|last=Kaulessar|first=Ricardo}}</ref> The calls first appeared in "[[Homer's Odyssey]]" ([[The Simpsons season 1|season one]], 1990), the third episode to air.<ref name="y694">{{cite web | last=Gornael | first=J.S. | title=The 10 Best Running Gags in ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=May 12, 2024 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-running-gags/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=May 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514190834/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-running-gags/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It became increasingly difficult for the writers to create new fake names and Moe's responses, leading to the pranks being phased out as a regular feature by the [[The Simpsons season 4|fourth season]];<ref>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Moaning Lisa (The Simpsons)|Moaning Lisa]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' |publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="Some">{{cite news|author-link1=James L. Brooks|last1=Brooks|first1=James L.|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Jean|first3=Al|author-link3=Al Jean|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Some Enchanted Evening (The Simpsons)|Some Enchanted Evening]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref> however, they have occasionally resurfaced in later episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|title=''The Simpsons'': "Lost Verizon" Review|access-date=November 3, 2008|date=October 6, 2005|last=Canning|first=Robert|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009060657/http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|archive-date=October 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

The catchphrase "Eat my shorts" originated as an [[ad-lib]] by Cartwright during one of the show's early table readings, inspired by an incident during her high-school years.<ref name="g797">{{cite web | last=Welsh | first=Daniel | title=''The Simpsons'' Voice Actor Reveals Surprising Origin Story Of 1 Of The Show's Most Iconic Catchphrases | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=July 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219053249/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nancy-cartwright-reveals-history-bart-simpson-catchphrase_uk_668cf2b0e4b08f09c1fb11fd | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | url-status=live | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nancy-cartwright-reveals-history-bart-simpson-catchphrase_uk_668cf2b0e4b08f09c1fb11fd | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> While performing with the marching band at Fairmont High School, the group chanted "Eat my shorts" instead of their usual cheer ("Fairmont West! Fairmont West!")<ref name="g385">{{cite web | last=Hewitt | first=Scott | title=Voice of TV's ''Simpsons'' character shares a more personal tale | website=[[The Columbian]] | date=September 22, 2017 | url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/22/voice-of-tvs-simpsons-character-shares-a-more-personal-tale/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207214721/https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/22/voice-of-tvs-simpsons-character-shares-a-more-personal-tale/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The phrase may also refer to ''[[The Breakfast Club]]'' (1985), in which John Bender says it to Principal Vernon.<ref name="k518">{{cite web | last=Curovic | first=Irina | title=10 Best Pop Culture References Created By The Breakfast Club | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 17, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/best-pop-culture-breakfast-club/ | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=July 24, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724020142/https://screenrant.com/best-pop-culture-breakfast-club/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart's other notable catchphrases include "''[[¡Ay, caramba!]]''" and "Don't have a cow!".<ref name="v311">{{cite web | last1=Southern | first1=Keiran | last2=Angeles | first2=Los | title=Ay caramba! Homer Simpson Stops Throttling Bart | website=[[The Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ay-caramba-homer-simpson-stops-throttling-bart-qkrj87k8n | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="b263">{{cite web | last=Hughes | first=Jason | archive-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207232514/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simpsons-bart-learns-meaning-ay-caramba-video_n_4335614 | url-status=live | title=''The Simpsons'': Bart Finally Learns Meaning Of 'Ay Caramba!' | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=November 25, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simpsons-bart-learns-meaning-ay-caramba-video_n_4335614 | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="z868">{{cite web | last=Harmon | first=Steph | title='Don't have a cow': ''The Simpsons'' Response to Apu Racism Row Criticised as 'Toothless' | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 10, 2018 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/10/dont-have-a-cow-the-simpsons-response-to-apu-racism-row-criticised-as-toothless | access-date=December 7, 2024 | archive-date=April 11, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411120955/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/10/dont-have-a-cow-the-simpsons-response-to-apu-racism-row-criticised-as-toothless | url-status=live }}</ref> The former was inspired by a Portuguese flamenco dancer;{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} the latter, popularized during the 1950s, originated from the British phrase "Don't have kittens".{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} Both were prominently featured on merchandise such as T-shirts during the show's early seasons.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=25}}<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525125524/http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|title=Bart Simpson|archive-date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=June 8, 1998|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another catchphrase, "Cowabunga", was borrowed from Chief Thunderthud of ''[[The Howdy Doody Show]]''.<ref name="z052">{{cite web | last=Epstein | first=Leonora | title=What The Hell Does 'Cowabunga' Mean, Anyhow? | website=[[BuzzFeed]] | date=June 21, 2013 | url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/what-the-hell-does-cowabunga-mean-anyhow | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=December 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213192324/https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/what-the-hell-does-cowabunga-mean-anyhow | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Bart Simpson - Skateboarding.png|thumb|upright=0.65|Bart's nude scene in [[The Simpsons Movie|''The Simpsons Movie'']] (2007).|alt=A cartoon drawing of a yellow nude child skateboarding outdoors, with a leaf covering his genitals]]
Bart frequently appears nude in ''The Simpsons'', often by [[mooning]].<ref name="Time"/> In ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'' (2007), he skateboards nude.<ref name="a832">{{cite web | last=Graham | first=Adam | title=Movie Review: Weird Prevails in 'Once Upon a Time in Venice' | website=[[Detroit News]] | date=June 16, 2017 | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2017/06/15/movie-review-upon-time-venice/102902964/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="m370">{{cite web | last=Collett-White | first=Mike | title=Early Peek at ''Simpsons Movie'': Lisa Goes Green, Bart Goes Nude | website=[[The Globe and Mail]] | date=July 6, 2007 | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/early-peek-at-simpsons-movie-lisa-goes-green-bart-goes-nude/article689045/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref> Although various objects obscure his genitalia throughout the scene, his penis is briefly visible.<ref name="m117"/> This scene was among the first created for the film, but producers were initially concerned that it might result in an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R rating]].<ref name="m117">{{cite magazine | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=''The Simpsons Movie'': 10 Stories on the 10th Anniversary | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=July 27, 2017 | url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/the-simpsons-movie-10th-anniversary/ | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=December 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213190739/https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/the-simpsons-movie-10th-anniversary/ | url-status=live }}</ref> However, the [[Motion Picture Association of America]] ultimately rated the film [[PG-13]] for "irreverent humor throughout".<ref name="u277">{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219075444/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/simpsonania/ | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | url-status=live | title=Simpsonania | publisher=[[CBS News]] | date=July 25, 2007 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/simpsonania/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="l934">{{cite web | last=Chocano | first=Carina | title=Where's the Fire? | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=July 27, 2007 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-27-et-simpsons27-story.html | access-date=December 12, 2024 | archive-date=January 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111143309/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/27/entertainment/et-simpsons27 | url-status=live }}</ref> The scene was later recognized by ''Entertainment Weekly'' as one of 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20229685_5,00.html|title=Bodies of Work: 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|last=Raphael|first=Lisa|year=2008|access-date=October 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027181236/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20229685_5%2C00.html|archive-date=October 27, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Personality ===
Bart's disregard for authority has been compared to [[Founding Fathers of the United States|America's founding fathers]], and been described as a modern fusion of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cantor|first=P.|title=''The Simpsons'': Atomistic Politics and the Nuclear Family|journal=[[Political Theory (journal)|Political Theory]]|volume=27|issue=6|pages=734–749|date=December 1999|doi=10.1177/0090591799027006002|jstor=192244|s2cid=143998133|issn=0090-5917}}</ref> In his book ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', [[Chris Turner (author)|Chris Turner]] characterizes Bart as a [[nihilist]] who has the philosophical view that life lacks inherent meaning, purpose, or [[Intrinsic value (ethics)|value]].{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=124}} Bart's rebellious nature makes him disruptive at Springfield Elementary School, where he identifies as an underachiever.{{sfn|Lee|2012|p=132}}<ref name="l059">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Gus | title=Brilliant, and We Saw You Do it All, Bart | website=[[Irish Independent]] | date=1 July 2000 | url=https://www.independent.ie/news/brilliant-and-we-saw-you-do-it-all-bart/26255347.html | access-date=14 December 2024 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220035228/https://www.independent.ie/news/brilliant-and-we-saw-you-do-it-all-bart/26255347.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He frequently clashes with his teacher, Ms. Krabappel, and [[Principal Skinner]].<ref name="z888">{{cite web | last=Heritage | first=Stuart | title=Marcia Wallace: Edna Krabappel's Best ''Simpsons'' Episodes | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=October 28, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214110504/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/oct/28/marcia-wallace-edna-krabappel-best-simpsons-episodes | archive-date=December 14, 2024 | url-status=live | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/oct/28/marcia-wallace-edna-krabappel-best-simpsons-episodes | access-date=December 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o292">{{cite web | last=Littlechild | first=Chris | title=''The Simpsons'': 10 Worst Things Bart Ever Did To Principal Skinner | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=November 29, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-worst-things-bart-simpson-did-principal-skinner-tv-show/ | access-date=December 14, 2024 | archive-date=August 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818171245/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-worst-things-bart-simpson-did-principal-skinner-tv-show/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Bart acknowledges his poor performance at school: "I am dumb, okay? Dumb as a post! Think I'm happy about it?"{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=128}} Much like his father, his mental processes are often illogical and absurd;<ref name="f142">{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=''The Simpsons'' Just Retconned Bart's Controversial Origin Story | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 10, 2022 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-season-33-retcon-bart-stupidity-gene-why-explained/ | access-date=December 14, 2024 | archive-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531162725/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-season-33-retcon-bart-stupidity-gene-why-explained/ | url-status=live }}</ref> he once believed that if he reincarnated as a butterfly, he could burn the school down without suspicion, imagining he could hold a gas can as a butterfly.<ref>{{cite episode|title='Round Springfield|episode-link='Round Springfield|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, Joshua; Ventimilia, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=April 30, 1995|season=6|number=22}}</ref> Bart thinks that writing his name in wet cement will leave people wondering how he did it in hardened cement.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=6|number=24}}</ref> "[[Brother's Little Helper]]" ([[The Simpsons season 11|season eleven]], 1999) reveals that Bart has [[attention deficit disorder]].<ref name="r841">{{cite magazine | last=Madarang | first=Charisma | title=150 Best ''Simpsons'' Episodes of All Time | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=December 17, 2019 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/springfield-of-dreams-150-best-simpsons-episodes-229356/12/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219134324/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/springfield-of-dreams-150-best-simpsons-episodes-229356/12/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His intelligence may be impacted by the hereditary "[[Simpson gene]]", which affects males in his family.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lisa the Simpson|episode-link=Lisa the Simpson|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Ned Goldreyer|Goldreyer, Ned]]; Dietter, Susie|network=Fox|airdate=March 8, 1998|season=09|number=17}}</ref> Despite his misbehavior and selfishness, he has moments of integrity and compassion and occasionally helps Ms. Krabappel and Principal Skinner.<ref name="Confidential">{{cite episode|title=Grade School Confidential|episode-link=Grade School Confidential|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Pulido, Rachel]]; [[Susie Dietter|Dietter, Susie]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 6, 1997|season=08|number=19}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|episode-link=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Oakley, Bill]]; [[Josh Weinstein|Weinstein, Josh]]; [[Bob Anderson (director)|Anderson, Bob]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 28, 1994|season=05|number=19}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=Bart is a really good boy. He's just mischievous. He's not bad, like characters who followed him such as [[Eric Cartman|[Eric] Cartman]] (''[[South Park]]'') or [[Beavis]] and [[Butt-head|Butthead]]. Bart can do some nasty things, but they seem so tame, by today's standards. What was shocking 19 years ago, when the show started, isn't the least bit shocking today. Bart hasn't changed.|author=—&nbsp;[[Nancy Cartwright]]<ref name=Sentinel>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507,0,318783.story|title=Nancy Cartwright, Voice of Bart Simpson, Has Personal Theme: ''Simpsons'' Forever|access-date=September 13, 2008|date=July 25, 2007|last=Moore|first=Roger|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015162851/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507%2C0%2C318783.story|archive-date=15 October 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Bart's mischievous nature and Homer's often-negligent, incompetent behavior create a turbulent, volatile, and abusive relationship between them.<ref name="r756">{{cite web | last=Heritage | first=Stuart | title=Homer Has Stopped Strangling Bart in ''The Simpsons'' and it's About Time | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220032316/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/nov/07/homer-strangle-bart-simpsons | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/nov/07/homer-strangle-bart-simpsons | access-date=December 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name="u412"/> Bart frequently calls Homer by his first name rather than "Dad",{{sfn|Jackson|Moshin|2013|p=184}} and Homer often refers to him dismissively as "the boy".<ref name="p862">{{cite web | last=Deb | first=Sopan | title=Is Homer Simpson a Good Dad Now? | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/arts/television/homer-simpson-bart-strangle.html | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=November 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120192517/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/arts/television/homer-simpson-bart-strangle.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="c582">{{cite web | title=Ever Wonder What an Interview with Homer Simpson Will Be Like? Read on | website=[[Hindustan Times]] | date=September 26, 2014 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/ever-wonder-what-an-interview-with-homer-simpson-will-be-like-read-on/story-4pQublmzHDc33btEldCeBM.html | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=February 15, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215075554/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/ever-wonder-what-an-interview-with-homer-simpson-will-be-like-read-on/story-4pQublmzHDc33btEldCeBM.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Homer's short temper leads to cartoonishly-violent outbursts, such as impulsively [[Strangulation in domestic violence|strangling]] Bart.<ref name="u941">{{cite web | last1=Andersson | first1=Eric | last2=Jackson | first2=Dory | title=Homer Will Continue to Strangle Bart on ''The Simpsons'', Says Co-Creator: 'Nothing's Changing' (Exclusive) | website=[[People (magazine)|People]] | date=November 12, 2023 | url=https://people.com/homer-continue-strangle-bart-the-simpsons-says-co-creator-exclusive-8400789 | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219084852/https://people.com/homer-continue-strangle-bart-the-simpsons-says-co-creator-exclusive-8400789 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="o514">{{cite web | last=Gornael | first=J.S. | title=The 10 Best Homer Episodes in ''The Simpsons'', Ranked | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=November 26, 2023 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-best-homer-episodes-ranked/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=August 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816012729/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-best-homer-episodes-ranked/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Marge is the more caring, understanding and nurturing parent,<ref name="o164">{{cite web | last1=Century | first1=Sara | last2=Gantt | first2=Kareem | title=''The Simpsons'' 13 Funniest Christmas Specials, Ranked | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=December 9, 2021 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-christmas-specials-funniest-ranked/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=December 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208213150/https://collider.com/the-simpsons-christmas-specials-funniest-ranked/ | url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Evans|2017|p=79}} although she acknowledges that Bart is "a handful"{{sfn|Brown|Logan|2009|p=18}} and is often embarrassed by his antics.<ref name="Defined">{{cite episode|title=Homer Defined|episode-link=Homer Defined|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Howard Gewirtz|Gewirtz, Howard]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=October 17, 1991|season=03|number=05}}</ref> In the episode "[[Marge Be Not Proud]]" ([[The Simpsons season 7|season seven]], 1995), Marge struggles with adjusting her parenting style after Bart is caught [[shoplifting]]; she becomes more distant to avoid over-mothering, which causes Bart to feel guilty and try to make amends.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge Be Not Proud|episode-link=Marge Be Not Proud|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Scully, Mike; [[Steven Dean Moore|Moore, Steven Dean]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 17, 1995|season=07|number=11}}</ref> Despite his rebellious attitude, Bart occasionally endures humiliation to please his mother.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge's Son Poisoning|episode-link=Marge's Son Poisoning|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Daniel Chun|Chun, Daniel]]; Anderson, Mike B.|network=Fox|airdate=November 13, 2005|season=17|number=05}}</ref> Marge frequently defends him, understanding his complexity.<ref name="u412">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=''The Simpsons'': 10 Bart And Marge Moments That Broke Our Hearts | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=August 22, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-bart-marge-moments-broke-hearts/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=October 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029183916/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-bart-marge-moments-broke-hearts/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="d796">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=10 ''The Simpsons'' Episodes That Went Too Far | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=July 3, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-storylines-jokes-went-too-far/ | access-date=December 18, 2024 | archive-date=July 29, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729003949/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-storylines-jokes-went-too-far/ | url-status=live }}</ref> She describes him as her "special little guy",{{sfn|Sanders|2009|p=144}} saying, "I know Bart can be a handful, but I also know what he's like inside. He's got a spark. It's not a bad thing{{nbsp}}[...] of course, it makes him do bad things".<ref name="Defined"/>

Bart shares [[sibling rivalry]] with his younger sister, Lisa.<ref name="r151">{{cite web | last=Sherlock | first=Ben | title=''The Simpsons'': 10 Best Bart & Lisa Episodes | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 26, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-most-memorable-bart-lisa-episodes/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=August 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804121108/https://screenrant.com/simpsons-most-memorable-bart-lisa-episodes/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Although they often disagree—sometimes physically—they have a deep bond and care for one another.<ref name="r151"/> Bart often apologizes when he goes too far and recognizes Lisa's superior intellect, frequently seeking her advice about problems.<ref name="First Word">{{cite episode|title=Lisa's First Word|episode-link=Lisa's First Word|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Martin, Jeff; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=December 3, 1992|season=04|number=10}}</ref><ref name="Duffless">{{cite episode|title=Duffless|episode-link=Duffless|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, David M.; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=February 18, 1993|season=04|number=16}}</ref> He is a popular "[[wiktionary:cool kid|cool kid]]" at school,<ref name="Summer">{{cite episode|title=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|episode-link=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Dan Greaney|Greaney, Dan]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=May 19, 1996|season=07|number=25}}</ref> and has many friends;<ref name="z099">{{cite web | last=Peeke | first=Dan | title=''The Simpsons'': 5 Reasons Bart Was The Best Main Character (& 5 Reasons It Was Homer) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=June 29, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-homer-best-main-character/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=April 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404161918/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-homer-best-main-character/ | url-status=live }}</ref> his closest is [[Milhouse Van Houten]].<ref name="h244">{{cite web | last=Sanders | first=Hank | title=Pamela Hayden, the Voice of Bart's Friend Milhouse, Retires From ''The Simpsons'' | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 21, 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/arts/television/pamela-hayden-retires-simpsons-milhouse-voice.html | access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> His influence on Milhouse is often negative, leading them into mischief.<ref name="p387">{{cite web | last=Banks | first=Kayleigh | title=''The Simpsons'': 5 Times Bart Was A Terrible Friend To Milhouse (& 5 Times He Was Great) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=July 16, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-good-bad-friend-to-milhouse/ | access-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-date=May 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515103056/https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-bart-good-bad-friend-to-milhouse/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In "[[Homer Defined]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991), [[Luann Van Houten|Milhouse's mother]] forbids him from playing with Bart due to his bad influence; Bart is unfazed until he realizes how much he values their friendship, and Marge convinces Mrs. Van Houten to reconsider.<ref name="Defined"/>

Bart is a fan of the children's television host [[Krusty the Clown]], and has stated that "I've based my whole life on Krusty's teachings"; his room is filled with Krusty merchandise.{{sfn|Alberti|2004|p=12}}<ref name="KGB">{{cite episode |title=Krusty Gets Busted |episode-link=Krusty Gets Busted |series=The Simpsons |series-link=The Simpsons |credits=Kogen, Jay; Wolodarsky, Wallace; Bird, Brad |network=Fox |airdate=1990-04-29 |season=1 |number=12}}</ref> Bart helps Krusty a number of times, thwarting [[Sideshow Bob]]'s attempt to frame Krusty for armed robbery in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" (season one, 1990),<ref name="KGB"/> reuniting Krusty with his estranged father in "[[Like Father, Like Clown]]",<ref name="LFLC">{{cite episode|title=Like Father, Like Clown|episode-link=Like Father, Like Clown|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Jay Kogen|Kogen, Jay]]; [[Wallace Wolodarsky|Wolodarsky, Wallace]]; [[Brad Bird|Bird, Brad]]; Lynch, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=October 4, 1991|season=3|number=6}}</ref> and helping Krusty relaunch his career with a comeback special in "[[Krusty Gets Kancelled]]".<ref name="KGK">{{cite episode|title=Krusty Gets Kancelled|episode-link=Krusty Gets Kancelled|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=May 13, 1993|season=04|number=22}}</ref> Bart's initial confrontation with Sideshow Bob in "Krusty Gets Busted" sparks a long-term rivalry. The writers developed Bob as an intelligent, obsessive antagonist, inspired by the dynamic between [[Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner]].<ref name="JeanBW">{{cite news|last=Jean|first=Al|date=2003|title=Commentary for "[[Black Widower]]", In ''The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Home Entertainment]]}}</ref>