If complexity is the hook, depth is the soul. In this episode, we dig beneath the wreckage of BoJack Horseman to uncover what transforms a character from interesting to unforgettable —from cartoon to cultural icon.

RECAP

A quick refresher on our journey so far: BoJack Horseman asthe living paradox—a horse who's also human, rejecting his identity while embodying it. We revisit the "Nay way, Jose" joke that reveals his rare moments of pride, and how physical contradictions create the foundation for complex, rounded characters that feel devastatingly real.

INTRO

While complexity makes characters interesting, depth makesthem real. The creators of BoJack Horseman didn't just follow this storytelling commandment—they mastered it, creating an industry standard for adult animation. Today we continue our anatomy of a legend, mining for the gold hidden beneath the dirt of character construction.

PART A - What really is "depth" in Characters? and What it's not!

We dissect the critical difference between complexity and depth. Why do some characters feel hollow despite massive screen time? We expose shallow stereotypes—the gay best friend, the angry Black woman, the fiery Latina—as examples of complexity without depth. Then we flip the script:simple characters like Lorelai Gilmore, Luffy, and Sheldon Cooper prove depth doesn't require complexity. Through witty dialogue, flashbacks, and transparent motivations, these characters reveal rich inner lives. The verdict: depth is about the "why" and "how" behind the "what"—the richness of a character's inner world and backstory.

PART B - Utilising Depth in Character Design - The MajorPoints

The technical masterclass: six essential tools for craftingdepth.

• Understanding motivations—you can't explain "how" without knowing "why."
• Exploring inner life through thoughts and perspectives, not just conflict.
• Building backstories that shape personality and drive.
• Adding relatable flaws and vulnerabilities tied to plot—no random honey allergies unless they serve the story.
• Showing agency through action over inaction—even Studio Ghibli's ordinary protagonists actively shape their destinies.
• Grounding characters in realistic relationships andbehavioral quirks that reveal rather than tell. Every detail must earn itsplace.

PART C - How was Depth Added to Bojack's Character?

The case study crystallizes. BoJack's childhood trauma doesn't just explain his behavior—it becomes the interpretive key. His pattern of running from shame (abandoning Herb, hiding from Kelsey) traces back to Secretariat's advice: "keep running forward, never look back." We witness the conscious effort to tie complexity to development, showing not justwhat BoJack does, but why and how his past shapes everycowardly decision. Then comes the transformative moment: BoJack lies to Hollyhock, telling her the dark voices will go away—a selfless act that foreshadows his capacity for change. This is depth in action: the audience understanding not just the character's actions, but the profound "whys" behind them.

CONCLUSION

Character depth isn't mandatory for every story, but forrounded characters, it's non-negotiable. The more time spent with a character of depth, the more we know and understand them—not through exposition, but through the intricate weaving of motivation, backstory, relationships, and behavioral truth.