What is manic pixie dream girl?

The "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" (MPDG) is a term coined by film critic Nathan Rabin in 2007. It describes a specific female character trope found in film and literature. These characters tend to be quirky, vivacious, and whimsical, and they often exist to help the male protagonist achieve personal growth or self-discovery. The MPDG typically lacks a significant inner life or personal goals, making her more of a catalyst for the male lead's transformation than a fully realized character in her own right.

Some key characteristics of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl include:

1. Quirkiness: She often has eccentric interests and behaviors that set her apart from other characters.

2. Energy and Enthusiasm: The MPDG usually has a vibrant, carefree spirit that is meant to shake the more introverted male lead out of his rut.

3. Lack of Personal Depth: These characters are often criticized for lacking complexity and depth, serving primarily as a plot device for the male character's development rather than as fully-realized individuals.

4. Romantic Interest: The MPDG is often the love interest of the male protagonist, helping him discover joy in life.

This trope has been applied to various film characters such as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Sam in "Garden State," and Summer in "(500) Days of Summer." Over time, this term has faced criticism for being reductive and for promoting a narrow view of female characters in media. Writers and filmmakers have been encouraged to develop more nuanced and complex female characters who have their own goals and stories independent of their impact on male protagonists.