Eric Theodore Cartman (commonly referred to simply by his surname Cartman), is one of the four main fictional characters on the animated television series South Park, along with fellow protagonists Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenny McCormick, though he is often portrayed as the series' main antagonist in opposition of his friends. Cartman is an obese, foul-mouthed, mean-spirited, selfish, and ill-tempered

He is voiced by series co-creator Trey Parker, and is partially both named after and based on Matt Karpman, a friend of both Parker and series co-creator Matt Stone. Stone and Parker have said that, in addition to his namesake, Cartman is largely inspired by All in the Family patriarch Archie Bunker, and creating him as a "little eight-year-old fat kid" made it easier for the two to portray a Bunker-like character after the introduction of political correctness to late-20th century television.

As a result of his popularity amongst the show's fans, his many catchphrases regularly appear in South Park-related merchandise, and, in 2005, Comedy Central ran a three-night marathon of episodes showcasing what voters had deemed to be his "25 greatest moments". He ranked 10th on TV Guide's "Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters", 198th on VH1's "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons", and 19th on Bravo's "100 Greatest TV Characters".

History

The earliest version of Cartman first appeared in a non-speaking role in Jesus vs. Frosty, the first "Spirit of Christmas" short created by Parker and Stone, where a character named "Kenny" and resembling Cartman was killed by an evil snowman. Cartman made his next appearance in the following "Spirit of Christmas" short Jesus vs. Santa, where he first appears as he does in the series and is referred to by name, while his previous moniker is now the name of the show's current-day version of Kenny. Cartman had a major role in the first episode of the series, "Cartman Gets An Anal Probe", and has remained one of the show's most prominent characters ever since.

Character

Cartman is an only child being raised by Liane Cartman, a promiscuous single parent who, despite exhibiting female characteristics and commonly being referred to as "Cartman's mom", is actually an intersexual who fathered Cartman. The identity of Cartman's true birth mother has never been revealed, and the absence of a male father figure has caused Cartman some psychological hardship. Liane spoils Cartman, bends to his persuasion, and contributes to his weight problem by allowing him to eat vast amounts of junk food. Cartman is in denial of his obesity, often reassuring Liane's notion by exclaiming "I'm not fat, I'm big-boned!" He sometimes authoritatively commands his mom to do tasks for him, but more often implores the means of speaking in an ingratiating tone when pleading with her. When neither method works, Cartman resorts to excessive and indecipherable whining. Cartman has several extended family members, all of whom are obese as well, who reside in Nebraska.