The 20 Iconic Cartoon Characters of the 20th Century

The 20th century was a golden era for animation—an age of invention, experimentation, and cultural transformation. From early silent shorts projected in theaters to television series that became family rituals, animation evolved alongside modern society itself. As technology advanced and storytelling matured, cartoon characters emerged not merely as entertainment but as cultural symbols reflecting humor, resilience, fear, optimism, rebellion, and imagination.

These characters transcended their original drawings. They shaped global pop culture, influenced fashion and language, inspired generations of artists, and in many cases became emotional companions to audiences growing up amid war, economic hardship, social change, and technological revolution.

This article explores 20 of the most iconic cartoon characters of the 20th century, examining their origins, creative breakthroughs, artistic significance, and enduring legacies. These are not simply popular figures—they are milestones in the history of animation.

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1. Mickey Mouse

Debut: 1928 (Steamboat Willie)
Creators: Walt Disney & Ub Iwerks

Mickey Mouse stands at the very foundation of modern animation. His debut in Steamboat Willie marked one of the first successful uses of synchronized sound in cartoons, instantly changing the medium forever. Mickey’s early personality was mischievous and rebellious, reflecting the vaudeville influences of the time, but he gradually evolved into a symbol of optimism, stability, and imaginative possibility.

During the Great Depression, Mickey represented hope and perseverance. His simple design—round ears, expressive eyes, exaggerated movements—made him universally readable across cultures. As Disney’s flagship character, Mickey became far more than a cartoon: he became a corporate symbol, a global ambassador, and one of the most recognizable icons in human history.

Legacy: The blueprint for character-driven animation and global branding.
Why he endures: He represents the birth of animation as a modern art form.

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2. Bugs Bunny

Debut: 1940 (A Wild Hare)
Creators: Tex Avery & Bob Clampett

Bugs Bunny redefined animated comedy. Unlike earlier cartoon heroes who relied on physical strength or slapstick chaos, Bugs won through wit, timing, and psychological warfare. His calm confidence, verbal dexterity, and ability to manipulate his enemies made him a distinctly modern character.

Emerging during World War II, Bugs embodied clever resistance rather than brute force. His humor appealed to both children and adults, helping animation escape the confines of purely juvenile entertainment. Bugs Bunny’s self-awareness—often addressing the audience directly—anticipated modern meta-humor by decades.

Legacy: Intelligent comedy and cross-generational appeal.
Why he endures: Because intelligence is the ultimate superpower.

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3. Tom and Jerry

Debut: 1940
Creators: William Hanna & Joseph Barbera

Tom and Jerry perfected visual storytelling. With little to no dialogue, their comedy relied on rhythm, timing, and exaggerated motion—descendants of silent-film slapstick. The endless chase between cat and mouse became a universal language, easily understood across borders and cultures.

Beneath the chaos lies surprising emotional depth: pride, jealousy, frustration, and occasional compassion. Tom, despite being the “villain,” often becomes the sympathetic figure—working tirelessly and failing spectacularly.

Legacy: Pure visual comedy at its finest.
Why they endure: Because great animation can speak without words.

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4. Superman

Debut: 1938 (Action Comics #1)
Creators: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

Superman is not merely the first superhero—he is the template upon which the entire genre was built. Created by two young Jewish-American creators during the late 1930s, Superman emerged at a time of global instability, economic depression, and rising authoritarianism. His story of an alien child sent away from a dying world, adopted by ordinary people, and raised with strong moral values resonated deeply with audiences searching for hope.

Though Superman originated in comic books, animation played a critical role in shaping his public image. The Fleischer Studios’ Superman animated shorts of the early 1940s elevated the character to mythic status, introducing cinematic scale, fluid motion, and dramatic storytelling rarely seen in animation at the time. These shorts also helped define how superheroes move on screen—especially flight, which became a visual hallmark of the genre.

Superman’s visual language—the cape flowing behind him, the chest-forward heroic stance, the bold “S” emblem—became universal symbols of heroism. But his deeper legacy lies in the idea that power demands restraint. Unlike many later heroes defined by internal conflict or moral ambiguity, Superman represents clarity: strength used in service of others.

Legacy: The archetype of modern heroism and moral responsibility.
Why he endures: Hope as a form of strength.

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5. Betty Boop

Debut: 1930
Creator: Max Fleischer

Betty Boop was a radical presence in early animation. Emerging during the Jazz Age, she embodied independence, sensual confidence, and emotional expressiveness at a time when female cartoon characters were rare and often one-dimensional. Inspired by flapper culture and jazz performers, Betty’s early cartoons blended music, surrealism, and experimental animation in ways that felt spontaneous and modern.

Fleischer Studios’ animation style—rubber-hose limbs, morphing environments, and dreamlike logic—allowed Betty to exist in a world where emotion shaped reality. She sang, danced, flirted, and expressed vulnerability, presenting a fully realized personality rather than a simple gag vehicle.

The introduction of the Hays Code in the mid-1930s severely curtailed Betty’s freedom, forcing her into more conservative roles and dampening the qualities that made her revolutionary. Yet her cultural impact had already been secured. Betty Boop became one of animation’s first global icons and remains a symbol of creative freedom and artistic boldness.

Legacy: Proof that animation could be adult, expressive, and musically rich.
Why she endures: Freedom of expression drawn in ink.

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6. Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc.

Debut: 1969 (Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!)
Creators: Joe Ruby & Ken Spears

Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc. introduced a narrative formula that combined mystery, humor, and skepticism into a uniquely accessible format. At a time when children’s television often relied on fantasy monsters and simple morality tales, Scooby-Doo offered something different: fear explained through logic.

Each episode followed a ritualized structure—haunted setting, apparent supernatural threat, investigation, chase sequences, and the ultimate revelation that the “monster” was a human criminal in disguise. This structure subtly encouraged critical thinking, teaching young viewers that fear often masks deception.

Scooby-Doo himself became one of animation’s most emotionally relatable characters. He is afraid—not secretly brave, not falsely confident—but genuinely scared. Yet his loyalty to Shaggy and the group compels him to act despite fear. This made Scooby’s courage feel earned rather than performative.

Legacy: Genre storytelling that encourages curiosity and teamwork.
Why they endure: Friendship, skepticism, and courage despite fear.

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7. Popeye the Sailor

Debut: 1929
Creator: Elzie Crisler Segar

Popeye emerged from newspaper comics during a period defined by hardship and struggle. Unlike polished heroes, Popeye was rough-edged, stubborn, and deeply flawed. His strength did not come from birthright or destiny—it came from spinach, a symbol of effort, nourishment, and perseverance.

Popeye’s stories reflected working-class values: standing up to bullies, protecting the vulnerable, and earning respect through action rather than status. His relationship with Olive Oyl and rivalry with Bluto reinforced themes of loyalty, persistence, and moral clarity.

Remarkably, Popeye’s cultural impact extended beyond animation. His popularity contributed to a real-world increase in spinach consumption, making him one of the clearest examples of animation influencing public behavior.

Legacy: The working-class hero of early animation.
Why he endures: Strength earned, not inherited.

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8. Snoopy

Debut: 1950 (Peanuts)
Creator: Charles M. Schulz

Snoopy is a masterclass in emotional storytelling through minimalism. Though technically a dog, Snoopy’s inner life is vast and deeply human. Through imagination, he escapes the limitations of routine—becoming a World War I flying ace, a struggling novelist, a philosopher, or simply a dreamer on his doghouse roof.

Charles M. Schulz used Snoopy to explore themes of loneliness, aspiration, and quiet resilience. Unlike many cartoon characters, Snoopy’s victories are internal. His fantasies are not delusions; they are survival mechanisms.

Snoopy’s appeal lies in his ability to express emotion without speech—through posture, timing, and small gestures.

Legacy: Emotional depth through simplicity.
Why he endures: Imagination as emotional resilience.

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9. The Flintstones

Debut: 1960
Creators: William Hanna & Joseph Barbera

The Flintstones revolutionized television animation by proving it could succeed in prime time alongside live-action sitcoms. Set in a prehistoric world that mirrored 20th-century suburban America, the show used anachronism to satirize consumer culture, workplace frustration, and family dynamics.

Fred and Wilma Flintstone’s marriage, financial worries, and social aspirations reflected real adult concerns—making the show relatable beyond childhood. The series also pioneered the idea that animation could function as a long-form domestic comedy.

Legacy: The foundation of adult-oriented TV animation.
Why they endure: Domestic comedy across eras.

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10. Speedy Gonzales

Debut: 1953
Creators: Friz Freleng & Hawley Pratt

Speedy Gonzales is a character whose legacy requires nuance. Originally designed as “the fastest mouse in all of Mexico,” Speedy’s defining traits were intelligence, confidence, and agency. He outwitted opponents not through force but through cleverness and speed.

While modern audiences rightly reassess cultural representation in animation, Speedy remains significant as a character who was never portrayed as weak or inferior. In many regions, particularly Latin America, he was embraced as a hero rather than a caricature.

Legacy: Ongoing cultural dialogue and reinterpretation.
Why he endures: Agility and wit as empowerment.

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11. The Pink Panther

Debut: 1963
Creators: Blake Edwards & Friz Freleng

Originally created for a film’s opening credits, the Pink Panther quickly became a masterclass in silent comedy. His humor relied on posture, timing, and music—especially Henry Mancini’s iconic theme—rather than dialogue.

Unlike frenetic cartoon characters, the Pink Panther was calm, ironic, and confident. He allowed chaos to unfold around him, responding with elegance rather than urgency. This made his comedy timeless and internationally accessible.

Legacy: Minimalist visual storytelling at its finest.
Why he endures: Sophistication through simplicity.

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12. The Simpsons

Debut: 1989
Creator: Matt Groening

The Simpsons permanently redefined what animated television could accomplish. Premiering at the tail end of the 1980s, the series arrived at a cultural crossroads—when traditional family sitcoms were losing relevance, and audiences were increasingly skeptical of institutions, authority, and media narratives. Rather than offering escapism, The Simpsons reflected society back at itself, exaggerated yet recognizable.

What made the series revolutionary was not merely its satire, but its breadth. Few animated shows before—or since—have so consistently interrogated politics, religion, capitalism, education systems, celebrity culture, environmentalism, and mass media while still functioning as a family sitcom. Springfield became a microcosm of modern society, populated by characters representing every social class, belief system, and contradiction.

Homer Simpson fundamentally reshaped the animated father archetype. He was not wise, competent, or morally consistent—yet he was emotionally honest. Homer’s failures were often selfish or foolish, but they were also deeply human. In contrast to earlier idealized TV fathers, Homer acknowledged the anxieties, economic pressures, and emotional immaturity of late-20th-century adulthood. His love for his family, though imperfectly expressed, grounded the show’s cynicism in genuine affection.

Equally important was the series’ visual and narrative discipline. Its animation style was intentionally simple, allowing dialogue, pacing, and character writing to carry the weight. Over decades, the show demonstrated a rare ability to adapt without abandoning its core identity, responding to political shifts, technological change, and generational humor.

Legacy: The gold standard of adult animated satire and long-form cultural commentary.
Why they endure: Comedy that evolves with society rather than fossilizing within it.

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13. SpongeBob SquarePants

Debut: 1999
Creator: Stephen Hillenburg

SpongeBob SquarePants arrived at the close of the 20th century with an energy that felt both nostalgic and radical. Drawing inspiration from classic slapstick animation—particularly the rubber-hose era—Stephen Hillenburg combined exaggerated physical comedy with modern absurdism. The result was a world that felt timeless yet distinctly contemporary.

Bikini Bottom operates on dream logic rather than realism. Characters stretch, distort, explode, and recover in ways that echo early animation traditions, while the writing layers humor for multiple age groups. Children respond to visual gags and exaggerated emotion; adults catch surrealist references, existential jokes, and satirical observations about labor, capitalism, and identity.

SpongeBob himself represents a rare animated archetype: sincere joy. In an era increasingly defined by irony, sarcasm, and emotional detachment, SpongeBob’s optimism was unapologetic. He loves his job, his friends, and life itself—even when the world responds with cruelty or indifference. That emotional openness made him both comedic and quietly subversive.

The show’s influence extends beyond television into internet culture, meme language, and visual shorthand for absurdist humor. Few characters of the late 20th century have achieved such rapid and enduring global recognition.

Legacy: A cross-generational animation landmark bridging classic technique and modern humor.
Why he endures: Joy without irony in a world that increasingly resists sincerity.

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14. Donald Duck

Debut: 1934
Creator: Walt Disney

Donald Duck stands as one of animation’s most emotionally complex and relatable figures. Where Mickey Mouse represented optimism and idealized virtue, Donald embodied the frustrations of everyday life: bad luck, wounded pride, explosive temper, and stubborn determination. His semi-intelligible voice—performed famously by Clarence “Ducky” Nash—turned frustration itself into comedy.

Donald’s physical animation was groundbreaking. His body language communicated emotion with extraordinary clarity: clenched fists, puffed chest, trembling rage. Animators used Donald as a laboratory for expressive motion, pushing the limits of character animation in ways that influenced generations of artists.

While Donald achieved enormous success in animated shorts, his most expansive legacy unfolded in comics—particularly in Europe and Latin America. There, Donald became the centerpiece of long-form storytelling, developing richer emotional arcs, extended family dynamics, and social satire. In countries like Italy and Germany, Donald Duck comics became a staple of childhood reading culture.

Donald’s enduring appeal lies in his resilience. He fails constantly, reacts badly, and often makes things worse—but he never stops trying. That cycle of frustration and persistence mirrors real human experience more closely than polished heroism ever could.

Legacy: Emotional expressiveness as a foundation of character animation.
Why he endures: Failure, frustration, and perseverance rendered with honesty.

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15. Daffy Duck

Debut: 1937
Creators: Tex Avery & Bob Clampett

Daffy Duck is one of animation’s most psychologically rich characters. Introduced as a manic, unpredictable force of chaos, Daffy evolved into a deeply self-aware embodiment of ambition, jealousy, and insecurity. Where Bugs Bunny was calm and confident, Daffy was reactive—desperate to be admired, terrified of being overlooked.

This internal conflict made Daffy uniquely adaptable. Over time, he became animation’s most effective vehicle for meta-humor, frequently acknowledging the artificiality of the cartoon world and expressing resentment toward narrative unfairness. Daffy doesn’t just lose—he knows he’s losing, and it enrages him.

His exaggerated emotions allowed animators and writers to explore ego as comedy, turning failure into theatrical performance. Daffy’s suffering isn’t incidental; it’s the point. In that sense, he anticipates modern self-referential humor long before it became common.

Legacy: Character-driven humor rooted in psychological tension.
Why he endures: Ambition transformed into comedic self-reflection.

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16. Woody Woodpecker

Debut: 1940
Creator: Walter Lantz

Woody Woodpecker represents animation at its most anarchic. Defined by relentless energy, chaotic logic, and his iconic, unhinged laugh, Woody rejects narrative stability in favor of pure disruption. He does not seek harmony—he thrives on imbalance.

Woody’s cartoons preserved the spirit of early theatrical animation, where anything could happen and often did. He broke rules, antagonized authority figures, and seemed fueled by mischief rather than motivation. His humor was aggressive, loud, and unapologetic—qualities that distinguished him from more polished contemporaries.

While tastes in animation shifted over time, Woody’s raw intensity remains emblematic of animation’s rebellious roots.

Legacy: The preservation of cartoon anarchy.
Why he endures: Unfiltered animated madness.

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17. Porky Pig

Debut: 1935
Creators: Tex Avery & Bob Clampett

Porky Pig was Warner Bros.’ first true star and one of animation’s earliest examples of emotional vulnerability as humor. His stutter—handled with warmth rather than cruelty—made him instantly relatable. Porky wasn’t dominant, clever, or chaotic; he was kind, anxious, and sincere.

In a studio known for aggressive comedy, Porky functioned as a grounding presence. His reactions often framed the madness around him, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with increasingly surreal situations.

Porky’s enduring presence in Looney Tunes history reflects animation’s capacity for empathy alongside absurdity.

Legacy: Vulnerability as comedic strength.
Why he endures: Kindness in a chaotic world.

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18. Fred Flintstone

Debut: 1960
Creators: Hanna-Barbera

Fred Flintstone is one of television animation’s definitive working-class characters. Loud, boastful, and frequently wrong, Fred’s confidence masks insecurity and economic anxiety. His frustrations—work stress, financial pressure, social comparison—felt instantly familiar to adult audiences.

Voiced with booming authority, Fred became animation’s first true sitcom patriarch. Yet unlike idealized fathers of earlier television, Fred was flawed, emotional, and prone to error. His relationship with Wilma grounded the show’s comedy in mutual affection rather than dominance.

Legacy: The animated sitcom father archetype.
Why he endures: Human flaws, exaggerated but universally recognizable.

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19. Yogi Bear

Debut: 1958
Creators: Hanna-Barbera

Yogi Bear’s charm lies in clever rebellion. Unlike brute-force characters, Yogi relied on intelligence and self-awareness. His famous line—“Smarter than the average bear”—was not just a catchphrase but a mission statement.

Yogi’s ongoing battle with authority, particularly Ranger Smith, framed him as a playful subversive figure. His antics reflected a broader cultural skepticism toward rigid rules and bureaucratic control during the postwar era.

Legacy: Character-driven television animation.
Why he endures: Rule-breaking guided by wit rather than malice.

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20. Wile E. Coyote & the Road Runner

Debut: 1949
Creators: Chuck Jones & Michael Maltese

Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner represent animation distilled to its purest mechanical form. Stripped of dialogue, emotional exposition, and narrative variation, their cartoons rely entirely on timing, repetition, and inevitability.

Wile E. Coyote is one of animation’s great tragic figures. His intelligence, preparation, and persistence are constantly undermined by physics, fate, and his own hubris. The Road Runner does not taunt or gloat—he simply exists as an unattainable goal.

These shorts function almost as philosophical experiments in failure and perseverance.

Legacy: The mechanical perfection of slapstick.
Why they endure: Persistence against impossible odds.

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Conclusion: Why These Characters Still Matter

These 20 cartoon characters shaped the language of animation. They defined genres, introduced new storytelling techniques, and reflected the evolving hopes and fears of the 20th century.

At Toons Mag, we celebrate these icons not as relics, but as foundations—reminding us that great characters are built on emotion, clarity, and truth, not technology alone.

The 20th century was a golden era for animation, giving birth to countless memorable and beloved cartoon characters that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. From the whimsical and adventurous to the comical and heartwarming, these characters have entertained generations worldwide. In this article, we will explore the 20 iconic cartoon characters of the 20th century, delving into their origins, contributions to the world of animation, and enduring legacies.

1. Mickey Mouse

• Debut: 1928
• Creator: Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks
• Legacy: Mickey Mouse, with his trademark red shorts and oversized yellow shoes, is the face of Disney and one of the most recognizable icons in animation.

2. Bugs Bunny

• Debut: 1940
• Creator: Tex Avery and Bob Clampett
• Legacy: Bugs Bunny‘s irreverent humor and catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?” have made him a beloved figure in animation history.

3. Tom and Jerry

• Debut: 1940
• Creators: William Hanna and Joseph Barbera
• Legacy: The dynamic cat-and-mouse duo Tom and Jerry created a timeless formula for animated slapstick comedy.

4. Superman

• Debut: 1938 (comic book)
• Creators: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
• Legacy: Superman is the quintessential superhero and a symbol of justice and strength.

5. Betty Boop

• Debut: 1930
• Creator: Max Fleischer
• Legacy: Betty Boop’s flirtatious charm and unique style made her a pioneering female animated character.

6. Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc.

• Debut: 1969
• Creators: Joe Ruby and Ken Spears
• Legacy: Scooby-Doo and his friends became famous for solving mysteries involving supernatural creatures.

7. Popeye the Sailor

• Debut: 1929
• Creator: Elzie Crisler Segar
• Legacy: Popeye’s spinach-powered adventures showcased the triumph of the underdog.

8. Snoopy

• Debut: 1950 (in “Peanuts” comic strip)
• Creator: Charles M. Schulz
• Legacy: Snoopy’s imaginative escapades on top of his doghouse made him an endearing character in the world of comics.

9. The Flintstones

• Debut: 1960
• Creators: William Hanna and Joseph Barbera
• Legacy: “The Flintstones” introduced viewers to a modern Stone Age family, combining humor with prehistoric settings.

10. Speedy Gonzales

• Debut: 1953
• Creators: Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt
• Legacy: Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse in all of Mexico, became a beloved character known for his quick wit.

11. The Pink Panther

• Debut: 1963 (in the film’s opening sequence)
• Creators: Blake Edwards and Friz Freleng
• Legacy: The sophisticated and mischievous Pink Panther added intrigue and humor to the world of animation.

12. The Simpsons

• Debut: 1989
• Creator: Matt Groening
• Legacy: “The Simpsons” is celebrated for its satirical humor and social commentary, making it a cultural phenomenon.

13. SpongeBob SquarePants

• Debut: 1999
• Creator: Stephen Hillenburg
• Legacy: SpongeBob’s optimistic and quirky personality has made him a beloved character for children and adults.

14. Donald Duck

• Debut: 1934 (in a Silly Symphonies cartoon)
• Creator: Walt Disney
• Legacy: Donald Duck’s comedic misadventures and distinctive voice have made him a Disney classic.

15. Daffy Duck

• Debut: 1937
• Creators: Tex Avery and Bob Clampett
• Legacy: Daffy Duck’s zany antics and eccentricity have made him a beloved Looney Tunes character.

16. Woody Woodpecker

• Debut: 1940
• Creator: Walter Lantz
• Legacy: Woody Woodpecker’s distinctive laugh and mischievous personality made him a fixture in animation.

17. Porky Pig

• Debut: 1935
• Creators: Tex Avery and Bob Clampett
• Legacy: Porky Pig’s endearing stutter and gentle nature endeared him to audiences.

18. Fred Flintstone

• Debut: 1960
• Creators: William Hanna and Joseph Barbera
• Legacy: Fred Flintstone’s role as the patriarch of the Flintstone family made him a cultural icon.

19. Yogi Bear

• Debut: 1958
• Creators: William Hanna and Joseph Barbera
• Legacy: Yogi Bear’s penchant for pic-a-nic baskets and his sidekick, Boo Boo, became classic character elements.

20. Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner

• Debut: 1949
• Creators: Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese
• Legacy: The never-ending pursuit of the Road Runner by Wile E. Coyote is a testament to the enduring appeal of slapstick comedy.

These 20 iconic cartoon characters of the 20th century have entertained us and shaped the animation landscape. Their enduring legacies continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages, reminding us of the timeless magic of animation.

Read also: 10 Iconic Cartoon Characters That Shaped Pop Culture

20 FAQ about 20 Iconic Cartoon Characters of the 20th Century

1. Who is Mickey Mouse, and when was he created?

Mickey Mouse is an iconic cartoon character created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928.

2. What catchphrase is Bugs Bunny known for?

Bugs Bunny’s famous catchphrase is “What’s up, Doc?”

3. When did Tom and Jerry first appear, and who created them?

Tom and Jerry, the classic cat-and-mouse duo, were created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940.

4. Who is Superman, and when did he make his debut?

Superman is a legendary superhero created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938.

5. What is Betty Boop known for?

Betty Boop, created by Max Fleischer in 1930, is known for her vibrant personality and iconic fashion sense.

6. Who makes up the Mystery Inc. gang in Scooby-Doo?

The Mystery Inc. gang comprises Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred.

7. What is Popeye famous for eating?

Popeye the Sailor is famous for eating spinach to gain superhuman strength.

8. Who is Snoopy, and where did he first appear?

Snoopy is a beloved beagle who first appeared in Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip “Peanuts” in 1950.

9. When was “The Flintstones” TV series created, and who were the main characters?

“The Flintstones” was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1960, featuring characters like Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty.

10. What is Speedy Gonzales known for?

Speedy Gonzales is known as the fastest mouse in all of Mexico.

11. Who is The Pink Panther, and how did he become iconic?

The Pink Panther, created by Blake Edwards and Friz Freleng, initially appeared in film openings and later became an iconic character in his own right.

12. When did “The Simpsons” TV series debut, and who are the main characters?

“The Simpsons” debuted in 1989 and featured characters like Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.

13. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea, and when did he debut?

SpongeBob SquarePants lives in a pineapple under the sea and debuted in 1999.

14. Which characters are known for the chase in “Road Runner” cartoons?

The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote are famous for their endless chase in the “Road Runner” series.

15. What is Woody Woodpecker’s distinctive laugh?

Woody Woodpecker’s distinctive laugh is “Ha-ha-ha-ha!”

16. Who is Yogi Bear, and where does he live?

Yogi Bear, created by Hanna-Barbera, resides in Jellystone Park.

17. What are Daffy Duck’s personality traits?

Daffy Duck is known for being quirky, daft, and sometimes despicable.

18. Who is the patriarch of “The Flintstones” family?

Fred Flintstone is the patriarch of “The Flintstones” family.

19. Who is Tintin, and who created him?

Tintin is an intrepid young reporter created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé in 1929.

20. What is the common thread among these iconic characters in the 20th century?

These characters have all left a lasting impact on animation and popular culture, becoming beloved figures in their own right.