Arthur

Arthur

Arthur's immediate family is the focus of the series, with most episodes involving Arthur, his younger sister D.W., their parents David and Jane, baby Kate, and their dog Pal. Arthur's closest friends include Buster, Francine, Muffy, Binky, and the Brain, with Sue Ellen, Fern, and George as frequent supporting characters. D.W. often spends more time with Arthur and his older friends than her classmates, save for run-ins with the Tibble twins and her imaginary friend, Nadine. The adults in Arthur play important roles: Mr. and Mrs. Read display a significant amount of stress from parenting, Arthur's friends' parents are shown struggling in middle-class jobs, and Mr. Ratburn endures the demands and expectations of teaching elementary school. Even in difficult, adult situations, these grown-ups maintain a cheerful attitude. Arthur, D.W., and Kate also visit their paternal grandmother, Thora Read, and maternal grandfather, Grandpa Dave.