Love him or hate him, Squidward is one of the most recognizable and significant characters in cartoon history. While not exactly a fountain of knowledge for kids in a kid's show, Squidward being an antithesis of SpongeBob gives SpongeBob Squarepants its own special character dynamics and unique brand of humor that rivals adult cartoons, a tough feat for a show aimed at children.
Unlike the genuinely well-meaning but clueless SpongeBob, Squidward Tentacles is more agenda-driven. As a result, he's done a lot of both good and bad things. Admittedly, it's mostly the latter as he gives into his egocentric and elitist side. Still, deep down, Squidward is a good guy. His pride just gets in the way of him showing it.
Updated September 23, 2022 by Declan Lowthian: Squidward Tentacles is one of the most iconic characters in cartoon history, in part because he has a surprisingly deep personality. Squidward can be a real jerk, but he also has a genuine heart and cares for the people around him. We've revamped this list with even more information about the highs and lows of Squidward's time on SpongeBob Squarepants.
Ways Squidward Is Really A Good Guy
Squidward Has A Genuine Concern For SpongeBob
At the bottom of his inky heart, Squidward actually cares for SpongeBob– enough to stand up for him and even fight for his rights. This is especially noticeable when Mr. Krabs sold SpongeBob for 62 cents in the Season Five episode "Friend or Foe." Squidward immediately leaps to SpongeBob's defense, even as he can't believe he's doing so.
Squidward also stood up for SpongeBob in the classic Season One episode "Pizza Delivery." After an angry customer berates SpongeBob and drives him to tears, Squidward takes matters into his own hands and slams the pizza into the man's face. Squidward may get annoyed with his yellow neighbor, but he almost always comes through for him when it really matters.
Becoming Handsome Revealed Squidward Has Pure Intentions
Squidward becoming handsome in the Season Five episode "The Two Faces of Squidward" was a huge boost to his artistic ambitions. He quickly got the attention he wanted and even became a sensation with his music despite being a mediocre clarinet player. He soon discovered that not all that glitters is gold and life as a handsome creature can be taxing.
This was a humbling lesson for Squidward and he quickly wanted to revert back to his old self. When he inevitably returned to his original appearance, he seemed satisfied. It demonstrates a depth of character and a love for the genuine that not many other SpongeBob characters demonstrate.
Squidward Passively Puts Up With All The Nonsense Around Him
Despite his annoyance with SpongeBob and Patrick's shenanigans or even with Mr. Krabs' unfair treatment, Squidward demonstrates a superhuman level of patience. He puts up with Bikini Bottom's nonsense every single day of his life with little more than a few grouchy remarks.
The location of Squidward's house makes things even worse. He's stuck right between SpongeBob and Patrick, quite possibly the two most annoying neighbors a person could ask for. But there were only a couple of episodes where he tried to move out. Instead, he quietly bears it without complaining.
Squidward Keeps To Himself And Practices His Art
The citizens of Bikini Bottom are constantly getting in each other's business. Whether it's SpongeBob and Patrick disturbing everyone with their noisy antics, Mr. Krabs pestering his customers for more money, or Sandy and SpongeBob tearing up the town in a karate battle, Bikini Bottom has a serious issue with disturbing the peace. Squidward is an incredible exception.
Squidward likes to keep to himself. He has a ton of hobbies like music, painting, cooking, and more. He'd be content to work a shift at the Krusty Krab, then come home and enjoy his free time peacefully alone. The same can't be said for everyone in Bikini Bottom.
Squidward Gave Gifts To All Of Bikini Bottom As Santa Claus
There's little a fictional character can do to demonstrate their altruistic nature than playing Santa Claus. Squidward does just that in the Season Two episode "Christmas Who?" After Squidward receives an incredibly heartfelt gift, Squidward sets out to spread holiday cheer to the entire town.
Squidward spared no expense in his Chirstmas extravaganza, giving away all his worldly possessions to make his neighbors happy. Even the real Santa Claus acknowledges the purehearted intent behind this act, delivering Squidward a lovely note in a bottle to that effect.
Ways Squidward Is The Worst
Squidward Kicked SpongeBob Out When He Had Nowhere Else To Go
Unfortunately, Squidward doesn't always extend a tentacle to help SpongeBob in his moments of need. When SpongeBob's pineapple house gets destroyed in the Season One episode "Home Sweet Pineapple," he tried to bunk up with Squidward. Squidward responds by booting him out into the cold night.
This betrayal is made even worse by the fact that SpongeBob let Squidward stay with him in the Season Three episode "Can You Spare a Dime." After quitting his job at the Krusty Krab, Squidward finds himself destitute, and SpongeBob welcomes him in with open arms.
Squidward Went Overboard With A Violent April Fool's Prank
There's no doubt that Squidward is the most erratic character in SpongeBob Squarepants. He's constantly jumping between extremes, and his disinterested demeanor often gives way to a fervor at unexpected times. That's exactly what happened in the Season One episode "Fools in April."
In this episode, a disgruntled Squidward goes to great lengths to humiliate and injure SpongeBob in an elaborate prank. The guilt eventually drives Squidward to the depths of despair, but the initial act and his reticence to apologize speak volumes.
Squidward Ruined A Perfect Friendship
One of the worst things about being neighbors with two uber-optimistic dorks is the noise they create when they're having fun. Squidward cannot stand SpongeBob and Patrick's shouts of joy because of his sad life. In the Season One episode "Naughty Nautical Neighbors," he goes to great lengths to ruin their friendship.
Squidward's deception was a surprisingly effective action and SpongeBob and Patrick quickly grew to despise one another. The ruese eventually backfired on him as Patrick adopted Squidward as his new best friend, which is exactly what he deserved.
Squidward Nearly Killed SpongeBob's Snail, Gary
One of Squidward's most selfish moments came in the iconic Season One episode "I Was A Teenage Gary." He initially agreed to take care of SpongeBob's pet snail Gary for the weekend in order to get a week of peace and quiet. But in true selfish Squidward fashion, he instead prioritized his own relaxation.
When SpongeBob returns from his trip to find Gary at death's door, Squidward quickly tries to cover up his mistake. The episode ends with Squidward getting his comeuppance, but neglecting a freind's pet is a truly heinous act.