The highly anticipated second season of How I Met Your Father has finally arrived, and The Unpredictable Ellen in HIMYF, played by Tien Tran, is one of the standout characters.
Tran’s performance has been lauded by critics, and her character has quickly become a fan favourite. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Ellen’s character and investigate why she’s become such a pivotal figure on the show.
Character Introduction for Ellen
Ellen is introduced as one of the main character, Sophie’s, new roommates in the second season of How I Met Your Father. She is a free-spirited artist who is unapologetically herself and passionate about her work.
Ellen, unlike the other roommates, is not looking for love or a committed relationship, but rather enjoys casual hookups and experimenting with her sexuality.
Brave and Self-Sufficient
Ellen’s headstrong and independent nature is one of the most striking aspects of her character. She is unafraid to express herself and does not follow societal norms or expectations.
Her self-assurance and confidence make her a welcome addition to the show, and her willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her emotions is both relatable and endearing.
Investigating Sexuality
Ellen’s character is also notable for its sexual exploration. She is seen having casual hookups and engaging in sexual experiences with both men and women throughout the season.
Her character deviates from the traditional heteronormative depiction of sexuality in mainstream media by portraying sexuality as a fluid and evolving part of a person’s identity.
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Accepting Creativity
Ellen is a talented artist whose enthusiasm for her work is contagious. She is constantly creating and experimenting with various forms of art, ranging from painting to performance art.
Her unconventional approach to art and creativity mirrors her approach to life and love, and her character serves as a reminder that there is no one “right” way to express oneself creatively.
Conflict and Development
Ellen, despite her self-assurance, is not immune to conflict and personal growth. Throughout the season, she faces personal and professional challenges, and it is in these moments that her character truly shines.
She is forced to confront her own vulnerabilities and insecurities and learn to be more patient and understanding with herself and others.
Here Are Some Additional Points on Ellen’s Character in HIMYF Season 2
- The Significance of Diversity in Representation:
Ellen’s character is notable for being one of the few Asian American characters in How I Met Your Father’s main cast. This is significant because diverse characters on screen can help to challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding.
The fact that Ellen’s character is not defined solely by her ethnicity, but is also complex and multi-dimensional, is also significant, as it demonstrates that Asian American characters can be fully realised in the same way that any other character can.
- The Role of Humour in Dealing With Serious Issues:
Humor is one of the ways in which How I Met Your Father addresses serious issues. Ellen’s character, for example, is shown struggling with the pressure to conform to her family’s expectations, which many Asian Americans face.
However, this serious subject is approached in a lighthearted manner; for example, Ellen’s mother is shown constantly asking her when she plans to marry and have children, which is a common stereotype about Asian parents.
How I Met Your Father is able to engage with important issues while remaining entertaining by addressing serious topics in a humorous manner.
- The Value of Friendship:
The importance of friendship is one of the central themes of How I Met Your Father. This is demonstrated by Ellen’s interactions with the other characters, in which she quickly becomes a member of their friend group and is shown supporting and being supported by them.
Ellen’s character is also known for being fiercely loyal to her friends, which many viewers can identify with.
- The Rom-com Genre’s Evolution:
How I Met Your Father is a contemporary take on the classic romantic comedy genre. However, the show subverts many of the rom-traditional com’s tropes, such as the fact that the main character, Sophie, is divorced rather than a young, single woman.
Ellen’s character also challenges traditional gender roles; for example, in her relationship with her boyfriend, Jesse, she is shown to be the more assertive partner.
How I Met Your Father is able to appeal to a wider range of viewers while remaining true to the genre’s roots by updating and subverting traditional rom-com tropes.
