Why Principal Skinner is a great supporting character

While the show is called The Simpsons, the supporting characters of Springfield are a big reason why fans of the show have tuned in for decades. Here’s a look at why Principal Skinner is one the best.

Principal Seymour Skinner is another supporting character on The Simpsons who has helped make Springfield such a unique place. As the fearless leader of Springfield Elementary, that means he is usually the person dealing with the mess the Simpson kids (almost always Bart) find themselves in at school. Likewise, he is very much aware of Lisa’s various accomplishments because she is one of the standout stars of his school. He also deals with Milhouse, Nelson, and Ralph Wiggum when the situation calls for it.

Like Mr. Burns, Principal Skinner has a character that is uniquely attached to him. Except instead of an assistant it’s his Mother, Agnes Skinner. But what makes their dynamic so entertaining is that fact that Skinner is a colossal Mama’s boy who always bends to her will, usually with a bland “Yes Mother.”

This fact never ceases to irritate Edna Krabappel, Bart’s teacher and Principal Skinner’s on and off love interest. There is no lost love between Mrs. Krabappel and Mrs. Skinner, as the dislike is quite mutual. So not only is Skinner the stereotypical Principal, he is also Springfield’s resident Mama’s boy.

While the relationship between Mrs. Krabappel and Principal Skinner is intriguing to see, there is one other person whose relationship with Skinner is even more entertaining; Superintendent Chalmers. Superintendent Chalmers and Mrs. Skinner are quite similar, as they both love to order Principal Skinner around.

Interestingly enough, his mother always screams “Seymour!” when she is about to issue an order, while Superintendent Chalmers always addresses him as “Skinner!” with the second syllable drawn out. Since Principal is a Vietnam veteran, it seems that he never lost the habit of following orders.

Principal Skinner is a great supporting character because he deals with the Simpson kids more than any other person besides their parents. As such, he takes pride in Lisa as the star student and is always trying to discipline Bart, just like Marge and Homer would. He also genuinely cares about his students (as any great educator would). While he is entertaining on his own, his interactions with Bart and Lisa are what make Principal Skinner a great character.