Of course the fact that Mr. Incredible's family, tasked with living incognito and being AVERAGE, their name is PARR -- as in par in golf = average -- that's just coincidence, right? Right?!

Thanks for your great post, Jason! The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar movie, packed with heart, and super powers, and great family stuff. I was a bit irked their super powers pretty much copy Fantastic Four's, but I forgave Pixar quickly (all art is derivative, after all, it's what you bring to it that matters, audience familiarity is a good thing, and they made something so special with The Incredibles). Regarding Mr. Incredible's character, Pixar story rule #6 from Emma Coats seems apt: "What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?" Being a serious do-gooder stuck in a heinous job, that is certainly a challenge. I think when Mr. Incredible spelled out Norma Wilcox's name is the moment I became smitten with his character, such a great and character-revealing line of dialogue.

Thanks GITSfanI, I love that Pixar story rule #6. If we make it too easy for our characters to live their lives, then who would care? Movies, and stories period, are great ways to learn how others overcome obstacles. By the end, either I can relate because I have experienced something similar or know someone who has, I can't relate but I am REALLY relieved that all I had to do was eat popcorn and watch, or I am inspired by their desirable achievement. Either way, you are absolutely right, characters need serious challenges.

I love when character names have deeper meanings that reflect their nature.

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