Taking Care of the Characters 

Woody

“Now Woody, he’s been my pal for as long as I can remember. He’s brave, like a cowboy should be, and kind and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special is he’ll never give up on you…ever. He’ll be there for you, no matter what.”  Andy

Background Basics:  Woody is the main character of the Toy Story trilogy and whose view point we see from all three films. He is a cowboy doll with a pull-string that has six individual sayings. He had his own television show from the 1950s called, “Woody’s Roundup.” Today, Woody is recognized and beloved by millions of children around the globe.

Nicknames:  Sheriff /Sheriff Woody, Cowboy (Buzz)   

Classification:  Andy’s toy 

Hobbies:  Playing checkers with Slinky Dog, Holding staff meetings, Being played with by Andy!  

Connections to Characters:

·         Strongest Relationships:  Andy, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie

·         Other:  Bo Peep, (love interest), Bullseye, Slinky Dog  

·         Enemies: Buzz Lightyear (1st half of Toy Story), anything/anyone who separates him from Andy

·         Through Andy’s Eyes:  Woody is Andy’s favorite toy growing up since kindergarten. Although Andy gets excited for new toys from time to time(most notably Buzz), he continues to hold on and cherish his Woody doll.  For more see below….  

Voiced by:  Tom Hanks

Personality Profile:  Woody is loyal at heart. He’s loyal to his friends and most notably Andy. He battles often with his pride, is a born leader, and someone who you can count on. He isn’t afraid to let his opinion be known and posses a strong dose of common sense.

Strengths:  Woody’s underlining strength is undoubtedly his faith in Andy. Although he wavers at certain points, he never gives up on Andy and will do anything to be there for him. Also Woody is a strong and good friend to the rest of Andy’s toy willing to put himself in harm’s way for them. He’s a strong leader (as shown in Toy Story),  is intelligent, and quick to make decisions.

Weaknesses:  Being the main character in which the three films revolves again, Woody is seen to have many flaws. In Toy Story, his pride in who he is in Andy’s eyes, clouds his judgment and he gives in to jealously when Buzz begins to take his place as Andy’s new favorite toy. In Toy Story 2, Woody lets fear of the unknown get in the way of his love and devotion for Andy.  His pride once comes into play as well. In Toy Story 3, Woody is unwilling to let go of the past and move on; which leads him to forsake his friends to cling to what once was.

Defining Moments:  Each movie in the Toy Story trilogy showcases a defining moment in Woody’s life as Andy grows up.  In Toy Story, he must lay down his pride and accept Buzz has a friend.  Although it can be said that when it’s all said and done, Buzz went through a much more significant character development than Woody in the original film. In Toy Story 2, Woody is faced with a much larger and more challenging dilemma that runs its course through the third film–Andy growing up. When his arm is torn he realizes that toys weren’t made to last forever . After being kidnapped, he is given a chance to abandon his calling as Andy’s toy, and instead embrace the easy life of immorality. No more hurt, pain, or heartbreak. The catch is that he’ll never experience love again. After Jessie reveals her tragic tale of being abandoned, Woody initially decides to go with Stinky Pete, Jessie, and Bullseye to Japan.  When Buzz and the gang find him later on, he still is stubborn and wouldn’t change his mind. But after seeing a television clip of a Woody doll being loved by a child, he is reminded of what being loved by a child is all about and his loyalty to Andy is renewed. In Toy Story 3, ten years have passed and Andy is going to college. Woody is determined to stick with Andy no matter what despite the unwelcoming circumstances. Andy chooses to take Woody to college and after a mix-up, Andy’s toys end up nearly thrown away. When the toys decide to donate themselves to Sunnyside Daycare, Woody refuses to let go of Andy and instead abandons them to head back home.  After the long and epic struggle to get back home, he initially chooses to go with Andy to college before he realizes that the most loving thing he can do is let him go. Andy comes to this realization as well and gives Andy to Bonnie, very reluctantly. Much more of Woody’s character development will be discussed in the upcoming Real of the Reel blogs–stay tuned!!

Memorable Quotes:

Pull-String sayings:

“Reach for the sky!”

“You’re my favorite deputy.”

“Somebody’s poisoned the water-hole!”

“Yee-haw! Giddy-up partner! We’ve got to get this wagon train-movin’!”

“There’s a snake in my boot.”

“This town ain’t big enough for the two of us.

“I’d like to join your posse, boys, but first I’m gonna sing a little song.”

Other:  

“Pull my string! The birthday party’s today?”  Woody, first spoken lines

“So play nice.”

“There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home!”

“Who am I to break up the Roundup Gang?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, Buzz. Okay, here’s your list of things to do while I’m gone. Batteries need to be changed. Toys at the bottom of the chest need to be rotated. Oh, and make sure everyone attends Mr. Spell’s seminar on what to do if you or part of you is swallowed. Okay? Okay. Good, okay.”

“YOU ARE A TOY!!! You aren’t the real Buzz Lightyear! You’re – you’re an action figure!”
“You are a child’s play thing!”

“Oh, great. If anyone attacks we can blink em’ to death.”

“Ride like the wind, Bullseye!”

“You actually think you’re the Buzz Lightyear? Hey, look, everybody! It’s the real Buzz Lightyear!”

“So long… partner.” Woody’s parting words to Andy 

Fun Facts:

• Woody’s full name is Woody Pride. His last name is never revealed in the three films. Lee Unkrich, the director of Toy Story 3, made this known in his Twitter account.  
• Woody appears in A Bug’s Life in the bloopers and Cars as a woody wagon during the end credits.
• Jim Hanks, the brother of Tom Hanks, voices most of the Woody toys, Woody in the video games, and also in the Toy Story shorts.
• Woody is based on John Lassester’s Casper doll, as well as the Howdy Doody puppets from the 1950s.
• Woody is the only one of Andy’s toys (or any toy in Toy Story) to “come alive” while in the presence of a human.
• Woody has 229 animation points of movement in his face.
• Tom Hanks was attracted to the voice of Woody because he often would wonder as a child if his toys were alive and moved around when nobody was in his room.
• Woody was originally going to have a much more distasteful personality before the script was altered. After a Black Friday viewing and a near cancellation of Toy Story, Woody was given a much more likeable character. Thanks to the changes, Toy Story became a huge success and Woody become one of the most beloved characters in cinema history.
• Woody’s physical features: he stands 15.18 inches tall, his plastic components are made out of vinyl polymer, his cloth components are made out of dyed fabric, and denim for his jeans. He has a pull-string gramophone voicebox which has 9 tracks for each possible phrase.
• Woody, along with most of the characters from Toy Story 3, appeared in the short, Hawaiian Vacation that played before Cars 2. There is also another Toy Story short being released titled, Small Fry, before The Muppets movie opening November 23, 2011.

Buzz Lightyear 

“And this is Buzz Lightyear, the coolest toy ever! Look! He can fly, oh, and shoot lasers! He’s sworn to protect the galaxy from the Evil Emperor Zurg!”  Andy  

Background Basics:  Buzz Lightyear is a main character of the Toy Story trilogy and is the co-leader of Andy’s toys. He is a space ranger action figure who believes he is a real space ranger in some fashion/form in all three films.  

Nicknames:  Astronut (Hamm), Lightbeer (Woody) Lightweight (Stinky Pete), Lightsnack (Woody)   

Classification:  Andy’s toy  

Hobbies:  Acting like he’s a real Space Ranger (he tends to do this often!), shooting lasers (or a blinking light bulb!), flying (aka falling with style), battling the evil Emperor Zerg, Salsa dancing (Spanish Buzz!) 

Connections to Characters: 

·         Strongest Relationships:  Woody (best friend), Jessie (love interest), Andy  

·         Other: Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Hamm  

·         Enemies: Emperor Zerg!, Woody (first half of Toy Story)  

·         Through Andy’s Eyes:  Buzz is every young boy’s fantasy for a toy with all the gadgets and cool features. When Andy receives him for his birthday present, Buzz overtakes Woody as his favorite toy. Through losing both Buzz and Woody he appreciates both and gives them more equal standing. Woody remains his favorite, beloved toy when it’s all said and done, but Buzz holds a special place in Andy’s heart as well. 

Voiced by:  Tim Allen, Javier Fernandez-Pena (Spanish Mode Buzz) 

Personality Profile:  Buzz Lightyear is revealed to have many sides and aspects to his personality throughout the Toy Story trilogy. In Toy Story he is delusional, arrogant, and very self-serving when we first meet him. Through his time spent with Woody at Sid’s house, the truth is revealed and he accepts reality and turns into a selfless friend to Woody. In Toy Story 2, Buzz is even keeled throughout willing to go the extra mile (literally and figuratively) to help save Woody. The Al’s Toy Barn Buzz resembles the real Buzz’s personality from the first film. In Toy Story 3, we see 3 different sides to Buzz–the level headed and sane Buzz, the demo mode Buzz who again mirrors the Space Ranger mentality, and the Spanish mode Buzz who obviously speaks Spanish and is a romantic at heart.    

Strengths:  Buzz is a complex character who has a vast amount of strengths. First, of course, he has many gadgets and useful features he can use at his disposal. Although he can’t shoot lasers or fly he is the envy of every toy because of what he posses. He is very passionate in natural about his causes whether it be being a Space Ranger, helping his friends, or being there for Andy.  Buzz is also a natural born leader, although this sometimes creates conflict with Woody. 

Weaknesses:  The obvious weakness of Buzz is his arrogance in his abilities and his features that he possesses. His pride often clouds his judgment on the true nature of reality (most seen in Toy Story). He’s also prone not to listen to his peers(in this case, toys) when they offer advice. 

Defining Moments:  In Toy Story, Buzz is lead to believe that he is a real Space Ranger and refuses to accept his true identity as a toy. Despite Woody  constantly telling him so and all the evidence right before his eyes, he is blind to the truth. When he and Woody are separated in Sid’s house, he sees a commercial of Buzz Lightyear toys and now the reality of the situation begins to set in. Stubborn and in self-denial he tries to fly out the window, but falls and his left arm detaches.  When Buzz is strapped to a rocket, Woody finally helps him see the significance of what a toy is all about. From that point on, Buzz accepts who he is and begins to carry out his unique purpose as a good friend to the other toys and being loyal to Andy.  His faith in himself is then shown most vividly when he “falls with style” to Andy’s car at the end of the movie. 

**Spoiler Alert!** In Toy Story 3, Buzz goes through a few character changes along the way and it is revealed early on that he has hidden feelings for Jessie. He hasn’t gotten the courage to take the next step. Once his Spanish mode is activated,  Buzz turns into a love stricken romantic and let’s his affection for Jessie be known through salsa dancing (albeit goofy!) They eventually end up in the garbage truck and Jessie is stuck  under garbage. He selflessly rescues her at the risk of his own life and throws her out of harm’s way before a television come crashing on top of him. Woody and the others pull him out and he is revived to his old self again after Jessie believes him to be “dead.” Later on, Jessie and Buzz hold hands as they await their impending doom in the incinerator and after they are saved as well.  Although he seems to have no memory of his two unique personalities beforehand, he is no longer timid in letting his true feelings for Jessie be known. They are last seen salsa dancing putting a finishing touch to the Toy Story trilogy! 

Memorable Quotes:  

“To infinity and beyond” Buzz’s catchphrase and the Toy Story’s most memorable quote  

“¡El Vaquero! (The cowboy!)”  ”Senorita! Senorita, donde estas?! (Miss! Miss, where are you?)” 

Spanish Buzz  

“I am Buzz Lightyear. I come in peace.” 

“Well, no, actually, I’m stationed up in the Gamma Quadrant of Sector Four. As a member of the elite Universe Protection Unit of the Space Ranger Corps, I protect the galaxy from the threat of invasion from the Evil Emperor Zurg, sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance.” 

“Come on, Sheriff. There’s a kid over in that house who needs us. Now let’s get you out of this thing.” 

“This isn’t flying. This is falling, with style!”

“The air isn’t toxic. How dare you open a spaceman’s helmet on a uncharted planet! My eyeballs could have been socked from their sockets!”  

Buzz: “I just want you to know that even though you tried to terminate me, revenge is not an idea we promote on my planet.”
Woody: “Oh, oh that’s good.”
Buzz: “But we’re not on my planet, ARE we?” 

Buzz: “Right now, poised the edge of the galaxy. Emperor Zurg has been secretly building a weapon with the destructive capacity to annihilate an entire planet. I alone have information that reveals it weapon’s only weakness. And you my friend are responsible for delaying my rendezvous with Star Command!”
Woody: “YOU ARE A TOY!! You’re not the real Buzz Lightyear; you’re…oh, you’re an action figure! You are a child’s plaything!”
Buzz: “You are a sad strange little man, and you have my pity. Farewell.”
Woody: “Oh, yeah? Well, good riddance, ya loony!” 

“Don’t worry, Woody. In just a few hours you’ll be sitting around a campfire with Andy making delicious hot schmoes.’” 

“Has your mind been melded? You could have killed me, Space Ranger! Or should I say traitor?” “Don’t let this impostor fool you! He’s been trained by Zurg himself to mimic my every move.” Buzz 2, Toy Story 2  

“Woody you’re not a collector’s item; you’re a child’s plaything. You are A TOY!” 

“To do what, Woody? Watch kids from behind glass and never be loved again? Some life.” 

“Uh, ma’am? I, uh, um, well, I just wanted to say you’re a bright young woman with a beautiful yarn full of hair. A hair full of yarn. It’s ah… um… I must go.”  Buzz talking to Jessie  

“Yes, sir, Well-Groomed Man!”  Buzz to Ken  

Fun Facts: 

• Buzz makes a cameo in the Pixar film, Finding Nemo, as a toy in the dentist’s waiting room.
• Also in the Pixar film, Cars, the Lightyear Blimp is a reference to Buzz and a parody of the Goodyear Blimp. Another reference to Buzz is the Piston Cup racer’s tires which are branded, “Lightyear” which as is another parody to Goodyear as well.
• Buzz makes a few references to Star Trek in the Toy Story films. He remarks: “There seems to be no sign of intelligent life anywhere…” which is a direct quote from Admiral James T. Kirk in the film Star Trek (1966). Also he does a Vulcan salute when he says “Farewell” to Woody at the gas station and to the 2nd Buzz playing catch with Emperor Zerg.
• Buzz’s fictional home planet is Morph.
• Billy Crystal, Bill Murray, and Jim Carrey were all considered for the voicing role of Buzz Lightyear. I think Pixar made the right decision with Tim Allen…wouldn’t you agree?!
• The toy line of Buzz Lightyear was based on the G.I. Joe toys from the 1960s.
• The catchphrase of “To infinity and beyond!” was said by Flik in the outtakes of A Bug’s Life and by Tim Allen’s character in Shaggy Dog.
• The original script for Toy Story 3 had Buzz and his entire toy line recalled back to Taiwan (where the Buzz Lightyear toys are made) due to a defect. Apparently, that defect could have explained why Buzz and his toy line believed themselves to be real space rangers. While this plot idea was ultimately scrapped, the final script did still include an explanation as to why the entire toy line had at the very least initial delusional beliefs to being the real Buzz Lightyear (as apparently they are pre-set to Demo Mode when first made).
• Buzz has the following features:  Wrist Laser, Pop Out Wings, Retractable Helmet, Flip out wrist communicator, Joints, Karate Chop Action

Andy Davis 

Buzz: “Come on, Sheriff. There’s a kid over in that house who needs us. Now let’s get you out of this thing.” Buzz realizing his significant value in Andy’s eyes 

“Thanks guys.” Andy’s parting words in Toy Story 3   

Background Basics: Andy Davis the main human character in the Toy Story trilogy. He is owner of the main characters we’ve grown to love: Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Jessie, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm. He has a little sister Molly, a dog named Buster, and his Mom who takes care of him(Ms. Davis). His father is never seen or mentioned. This implies that he was either adopted (highly unlikely), his Mom and Dad divorced, or he passed away while Andy was very young.

Voiced By:  John Morris, Charlie Bright (young Andy in Toy Story 3) 

Hobbies:  Playing with his toys!, Cowboy camp, playing sports, rock music, going to Pizza Planet 

Connections to Characters: 

·         Strongest Relationships:  Woody, Buzz Lightyear, His Mom, Molly (his sister)    

·         Other: Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Slinky Dog, Jessie, Green Aliens Bullseye  

·         Enemies: Growing Up (Major Theme of Toy Story 3)   

Personality Profile:  Andy, like most kids growing up, loves his toys.   He has a special relationship with his favorite toy, Woody since kindergarten. He has a very active imagination and during his playtime sets up wild and creative stories with his toys. Andy is also prone to what kid goes through–excitement over a new toy as seen when he receives Buzz  for his birthday. Buzz has all the cool features and gadgets any kid who want! When he loses Buzz and Woody in Toy Story he is very upset and depressed. Once he finds them again, both Buzz and Woody become his favorite toys to play with. In Toy Story 2, he is shown to be slightly older, but has much less screen time. He learns the value lesson of taking care of his toys and the sad truth about toys–they don’t last forever. He doesn’t take Woody to Cowboy camp, but when he returns repairs his arm further bonding with in his relationship with him.  Also he welcomes in Jessie, Bullseye, and the Aliens with open arms.

Strengths:  Andy’s greatest strength is found in how he treasures and values his toys. He has a very strong imagination,  is strong academically (graduating high school), and a good athlete (as shown by his trophies, certificates in Toy Story 3). 

Weaknesses:  **Spoiler Alert** Andy is shown to have a weakness most children have at one point in their lives–letting go of their childhood and moving on. In Toy Story 3, we are re-introduced to Andy as now a 17-year old who is headed off to college. He still has his most valued toys from his childhood kept in a chest in his room. He initially decides to put them in the attic and hold out to them for a little longer (and take Woody to college with him). As the toys end up at Sunnyside Daycare, it is revealed that Andy is looking for his toys and is devastated when he discovers they may have been thrown away accidentally by his Mom. Once the toys make their way back to Andy at the conclusion of Toy Story 3, they climb into the box labeled, “Attic” and Andy finds them. Then he reads a note written by Woody that suggests he should donate them to Bonnie instead. It is here that Andy comes to his defining moment.

Defining Moment:   **Spoiler Alert** Andy realizes that donating his toys is the right thing to do. He donates his toys to Bonnie handing them off one by one giving a short verbal introduction for each character.  It is a bitter farewell to each of his toys as well. When Woody is found at the bottom of the box, Andy is very hesitant and reluctant to let go of his best friend from his childhood. But he decides he must finally let Woody go coming to the realization that Woody will always be a part of him even if he’s not physically present with him. He has one last playtime with Bonnie with Woody, Buzz, and the others before moving on and embracing the changes he’s about to make moving from childhood to adulthood. (More on this in a future Real of the Reel) blog coming soon!

Trivia:   

• Andy’s second and current home is 234 Elm Street.
• John Morris voiced Andy in all 3 films despite the age difference from Toy Story 2 to Toy Story 3. His voice changed quite a bit, but it’s still the same person!
• His last name of Davis isn’t revealed until we get a brief look at his high school dilemma in Toy Story 3.
• Andy’s cell phone number is 555-0112 (in case you were wondering!)
• How does Andy know Jessie and Bullseye names since they were “given” to him at the end of Toy Story 2? Perhaps he found out by one of Jessie’s pullstring phrases but the answer is never revealed.
• In Toy Story 3, Andy chooses Woody over Buzz to take to college. This echoes a similar scene in the first film where he had to pick between his two favorite toys to sleep with and choose Buzz instead. 

Bonnie Anderson 

Background Basics: Bonnie is a 4-year old girl who appears in Toy Story 3. She goes to Sunnyside Daycare and the daughter of the receptionist. She is shy and withdrawn when she is around adults. She finds Woody hanging by his pull string as she’s leaving Sunnyside Daycare. She takes him home  where Woody is introducing to her own toys: Mr. Pricklepants, Buttercup, Trixie, Chuckles the Clown, and Dolly. Similar to Andy she has an active imagination, but she includes herself as a character in the story she’s telling unlike Andy. **Spoiler Alert!**  At the end of Toy Story 3, Andy donates his toys to Bonnie as he hands them off one by one. She recognizes Woody and Andy pulls him away before letting him go. The toys are in good hands with Bonnie as she is seen to be a child who takes care of her toys, treasures them, and has a special bond with each toy. Similar to Andy, she draws pictures of her toys shown in the end credits. Some were given from Andy to Bonnie from his childhood.    

Voiced By:  Emily Hahn 

Trivia:   

• Bonnie and her Mom live at 1225 Sycamore Street.
• Bonnie appears briefly in the Toy Story short, Hawaiian Vacation.
• When Bonnie toss herself on her bed and hugs her toys, it mirrors part of the home video of Andy doing the same in the beginning of Toy Story 3. Also Bonnie makes Woody and Buzz high-five just as Andy did in the home video.