Woody or Buzz, who was the story focusing on the most in #1?

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#1

Woody clearly has the story revolving sround him in the second one, Buzz plays second fiddle, or third fiddle if you count Jessie.
In the third, Woody still has the story revolving around him, and Buzz is very much not focused on again.
So question in the title, who had the story revolve around them more in the first movie, with Buzz being deluded, being Andy’s favourite toy etc & Woody being jealous thoughout, telling Buzz he’s a toy, believing he should still the main toy etc…

I reckon it was Buzz who was more involved in the main direction of the story ;D

#2

I don’t think there was a focus character. it was on both of them. the movie wouldn’t have worked without woody’s reaction to buzz’s arrival. or buzz to cause the reaction.

#3

Both Buzz and Woody were the focus of Toy Story. I noticed that in the following films - as the cast grew, less and less characters got focus and a story arc.

Toy Story
Woody realizing he doesn’t have to be Andy’s favorite toy to be a toy and fulfill his obligations as a toy.
Buzz realizing he’s a toy, and to make kids happy, not fight Zurg.
You could say Potato Head, since he has to learn to trust Woody.

Toy Story 2

Woody realizing what his purpose in life is, to live forever or stay with Andy for his time alloted, even though Andy’s growing up
Jessie realizing she has to make a kid happy in life, not be a museum piece… same thing as Woody I guess.
Rex facing his fears and overcoming them, and his own self-esteem issues

Toy Story 3

Woody realizing that he can’t stay with Andy forever, and he can’t make the other toys stay in the attic to be with Andy - they’ve been his toys, they’ve been loved - they’ve been a part of him, and always will be forever more.
Buzz and Jessie learning to start a romantic relationship, which they eventually do after Buzz takes her hand.
Ken having to decide between his true love or living under Lotso’s regime
All of Andy’s toys have an arc about realizing Woody’s right about Andy caring about them after all and embracing a new life.
Sarge had one off-screen, that he has to move on not only to do what his lost troops would want, but to save him and his remaining boys from the inevitable trash bag.
Finally, Mr. Potato Head accepting the LGM’s as his children.

Alright, maybe I was wrong about 3, but it really felt like only Woody, Jessie, and Ken had real story arcs.

#4

Woody had more screen-time, but in the story they are both the same.

#5

I always thought it was Woody, with Buzz being there as a plot device to set Woody off. I mean, he didn’t even have a personality in the first movie. Just saying. :stuck_out_tongue:

#6

In the first movie, I’d have to agree that it only works with both Woody and Buzz. In the beginning, Woody is the main character, but Buzz comes along to shake up his world. I mean, the first half of the film is pretty much Woody’s story, but after Buzz gets knocked out the window, you can see things more from his perspective. And the “I Will Go Sailing No More” piece pretty much says it all. The change in both characters is what makes the movie, in my opinion. Woody swallows his pride and accepts that Andy might like Buzz more, and Buzz takes charge of his role as a toy.
Yeah, Toy Story 2 focuses around Woody’s adventures, there’s no denying that.
Toy Story 3 also seemed to focus on Woody the most.

#7

The first one only works with Buzz AND Woody. That’s why it is called a “buddy picture”.

#8

Buzz like everyone else in all of the movies, plays a supporting role to Woody. While Buzz was still one of the two main characters, he played only a supporting role compared to Woody.

#9

I agree with this. I think of Buzz as a plot device in the first movie, getting more important as the series progresses.

#10

In my opinon, all three movies revolve around Woody overcoming personal obsticals, these are his stories at heart.

#11

The rest of the movie play off the friendship that Woody and Buzz forged in Toy Story. I still think he was the main character in that movie.

#12

I agree. Woody is the main protagonist in all three.

I the first one, Buzz comes to a very close second spot. Not so close in the sequels.

#13

I still believe Buzz is a plot device in the original, like Wheezy, only way more important. :laughing: However, this could be just because I want to believe Woody is more important…

#14

You’re rigth. In the first movie, Buzz is Woody’s plot device who also happens to be the second main character.

Remember the main theme of the trilogy is friendship, so they’re both protagonists.

#15

I would say Woody is the main character in Toy Story, as he has to “face the fact that Buzz might be Andy’s new favorite toy”.

In TS2, I would say Buzz is the main character. He goes on an adventure to save Woody. I feel that Woody is kind the damsel in distress in “2” for me. Also, Buzz is merchandised heavily for TS2.

In TS3, I would say Woody is the main, main character, because of his quest to be with Andy.

#16

I just always assumed Woody was main because he’s definitely the dominant half of the friendship, and I love him, and his face representing the TS user group isn’t helping that. :laughing:

#17

Have you guys seen a Toy Story 3 bluray content featuring Michael Arndt? It clears all doubts about Woody being the protagonist on the first one.