In honor of the five-episode return of the hit HBO television series Girls, I’ve decided to share my objectively correct assertions about you — the reader — based on which Girls character you resonate with the most.
Set in Brooklyn, the comedy surrounds four young millennials navigating life, love, and their careers all while reflecting on what it meant to be a post-grad in a new, digital, supposedly more progressive world. The four main girls — Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna — are such stunningly written characters and are so human that it’s almost impossible to not see them in some of the people in your life, or even yourself.
Upon its debut in 2012 and throughout the series’ six season run, Girls garnered a ton of criticism because of how insufferable and entitled the characters were. But, in retrospect, they’re an accurate — albeit definitely exaggerated — portrayal of lost, young women in their 20s.
- Hannah Horvath
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Played by Lena Dunham, the creator of Girls, Hannah is the protagonist amongst the ensemble of characters. In that vein, you might feel like the main character of a story of your own making.
Being a writer, Hannah treats every situation like it would be a perfect addition to her diary, and if you relate to her, this might lead you to make some precarious decisions… like spending two days straight with a handsome stranger you met off the street. You might be a little messy and your life choices may concern the people in your life, but that’s all a part of your charm.
Like Hannah, you’re probably witty, adorably charming, and have an opinion on everything. Maybe you lack the ability to commit to long-term goals or take accountability, but that’s all a part of the learning curve for a bright young adult like you.
- Marnie Michaels
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Marnie, Hannah’s best friend, is a rule-following go-getter who always has an idealized version of what her life will look like in her head. Like Marnie, you’re ambitious and (at least on the outside) have your life together, or have the hope that it will be soon. You’re also probably a perfectionist and might consider yourself the “mom-friend,” even if you’d never admit that aloud and rather be perceived as free-spirited.
Additionally, you aren’t afraid to “climb cringe mountain” while chasing your dreams, which you believe are your fated destiny. (If you’ve seen the scene of Marnie singing “Stronger” by Kanye West, you know what I mean). At times you may not be the most self-aware individual and have a high opinion of yourself, but you have good intentions.
- Jessa Johansson
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My first question for you is, Really? You relate to Jessa? It’s a common understanding in the Girls fandom that no one is really a Jessa. She’s a dramatized version of someone you don’t know very well. She’s British (supposedly — it’s a convoluted backstory), bohemian, and a flight risk.
Like Jessa, you may have impulse-control issues and hate the idea of being tied down for too long, whether that be to a job or relationship. You may also be very open-minded and the least judgmental person in your social circle, making it easy for people to open up to you.
While at times too wrapped up in her mythical journey (and issues) to be a reliable friend, Jessa can sometimes offer better advice than anyone on the series, showing some true insight.
- Shoshanna Shapiro
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Last, but not least — sweet Shoshanna. Shoshanna begins the series as a fast-talking, slightly neurotic student at New York University (and cousin to Jessa). Shoshanna is a total people-pleaser, as seen in her toleration of Jessa’s behavior in the beginning of the series, and has an inability to say no.
Like Shosh, you are probably tapped into all the newest trends and aren’t afraid of being “mainstream.” Out of the four girls, Shoshanna definitely is the most considerate and attentive friend. Although she is the youngest in the group, she has the best grasp on reality and that the world doesn’t totally revolve around her.
You’re probably the optimistic friend, though naive, and have a plan for everything, from daily itineraries to week-long vacations. Although awkward and a little try-hard at times, Shosh is a great friend, and you probably are too.
Although there are a plethora of other Girls characters, the main four are iconic and an undeniable staple in pop culture, making it easy to resonate with them.
At the end of the day, we all have our virtues and vices, just like the girls of Girls.
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