What Is the "Simp" Trope?
The "Simp" trope is a modern storytelling device used to describe characters—usually male—who excessively idolize or obsess over someone they are romantically interested in, often at the expense of their own dignity, well-being, or self-respect. These characters go out of their way to please, support, or sacrifice for their love interest, usually without receiving the same level of affection in return.
The term “simp” originated from internet culture, evolving from hip-hop slang (short for “simpleton”) into a widespread meme used to mock men who are perceived as overly submissive to women. In film and TV, the "Simp" trope has been around long before the term itself, appearing in everything from classic literature to modern sitcoms.
Origins and Evolution in Media
The hopeless romantic and devoted admirer archetypes have existed in storytelling for centuries. Shakespeare’s Orsino (Twelfth Night) and Goethe’s Werther (The Sorrows of Young Werther) set the stage for characters who suffer unrequited love.
By the 20th century, Hollywood cemented the image of the lovesick, desperate man with roles like:
- Charlie Brown (Peanuts) – Forever pining for the Little Red-Haired Girl but never taking action.
- Duckie (Pretty in Pink, 1986) – The ultimate "friend-zoned" character, hopelessly in love with a girl who sees him as a buddy.
- Ross Geller (Friends, 1994-2004) – Spends seasons obsessing over Rachel, often embarrassing himself in the process.
With the rise of internet culture, the "Simp" trope became synonymous with desperation in romance, rather than just devoted love. The modern era now frames these characters with more irony, often ridiculing their exaggerated worship of their love interests.
Types of "Simp" Characters in Film & TV
🔹 The Hopeless Romantic – Overly attached and emotionally dependent.
- Example: Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother) – Spends years idealizing "the one," making grand gestures, and ignoring red flags.
- Example: Steve Harrington (Season 1) (Stranger Things) – Puts up with Nancy's disinterest, desperate to win her over.
🔹 The Friend-Zoned Guy – Lovesick but forever stuck as "just a friend."
- Example: Duckie (Pretty in Pink) – Worships his best friend but never stands a chance.
- Example: Schmidt (Early Seasons) (New Girl) – Initially simps hard for Cece, doing anything to impress her.
🔹 The Self-Sacrificing Simp – Willing to destroy his life to impress someone who barely notices him.
- Example: Snape (Harry Potter) – Devotes his entire life to protecting Lily Potter’s son, despite her never loving him back.
- Example: Gollum (for the Ring) (Lord of the Rings) – Not a romance, but his obsessive devotion mirrors extreme "simp" behavior.
🔹 The Doormat Boyfriend – Let’s his partner walk all over him.
- Example: Leonard Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory) – Tolerates Penny’s dismissiveness and constant belittling.
- Example: Morty (with Jessica) (Rick and Morty) – Willing to destroy entire universes for a girl who doesn’t even know his name.
Why the "Simp" Trope is Problematic (or Relatable?)
The "Simp" trope reflects real-life struggles in modern dating, where unreciprocated affection is common. However, it also promotes unhealthy relationship dynamics by normalizing extreme devotion at the cost of personal dignity.
🚩 Problems with the Trope:
- Encourages self-destruction: Many simp characters abandon their own needs for someone who doesn’t value them.
- Portrays love as a competition: Often, these characters believe they’ll "win" affection if they try hard enough.
- Reinforces toxic masculinity: Many stories mock "simp" behavior, implying that men must be dominant or detached to be respected.
✅ When It Works Well:
- If the story acknowledges the character’s flaws and allows them to grow. (Steve Harrington evolved into a confident leader rather than a desperate boyfriend.)
- When it subverts the trope and allows the “simp” to move on rather than remain stuck in an endless cycle of longing. (Schmidt eventually won Cece by becoming self-assured, not by simping harder.)
The Future of the Trope
The modern "simp" trope is shifting, with characters learning self-respect rather than endlessly chasing unattainable love. Media is beginning to recognize that healthy relationships require mutual effort, and being a doormat isn’t romantic.
Shows like Bojack Horseman and Fleabag offer more realistic portrayals of self-worth and rejection, proving that characters (and real people) can move on from one-sided affection.
Final Thoughts
The "Simp" trope is a fascinating reflection of how love and devotion are perceived in storytelling. While it can be used for comedy, tragedy, or satire, the best narratives allow these characters to grow beyond their desperate phase and find real, reciprocal love—or at least dignity.
📌 What do you think? Is the "simp" trope overused in media, or does it highlight relatable struggles in romance? Let’s discuss!