Leslie Knope

Leslie Knope is the main character of the show Parks & Rec. At the beginning of the show, she is the Deputy Director of the Pawnee City Department of Parks and Recreation. She has a small job in a small town in Indiana, and she's extremely passionate about what she does. She tries to lower speed bumps, and build parks, and make her town a better place. Her enthusiasm is conveyed as over-the-top and unnecessary for her small everyday tasks. She has no idea how little those around her actually care, and she is determined to change the world, one tiny change at a time. As the show goes on, her career path takes her a lot of places and it's hard to tell if she actually succeeds overall. There's a lot to be said about Leslie Knope that would spoil the entire show, but I am going to avoid all those aspects and focus on the basic characteristics of Leslie Knope.

• She's passionate. When she's given a task she takes it seriously and gets the job done at all costs. She's a really awesome, dedicated employee.
• She's a feminist. No way around it. Throughout the show she faces some stereotypical and frustrating misogynists and she never backs down. She fiercely wants to empower women and be a leader for other girls in her community.
• She cares about her community. Like, a lot. She cares about the people in her community a lot too, even if they don't care about her. She is often overlooked, but she always tries to address and account for everyone's perspectives.
• She loves breakfast food. Especially waffles. And therefore, Leslie Knope has earned my respect. She never fails to make me laugh and I admire her passion for breakfast food and her job.

If you just read through this entire post about a TV character's characteristics of a role model, please the show. Parks & Rec is guaranteed to make you laugh and Leslie Knope has some smart things to say.

"We have to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third." ~Leslie Knope

Stay awesome,
Claire