Tmnt 2k3 character study: Raph
Raph is more than his temper.
I’m tired of his whole personality being reduced to “angry” and "rebellious". (Seriously those 2014 live actions making him want to leave his family behind make me so angry)
Besides Mikey, Raph is the most emotive turtle. He wears his heart on his sleeve! He is like never not showing people exactly how he’s feeling. (Mikey says it, he shows it) Raph is all about action, words are not his thing, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have anything valuable to say. (Heck even Raph can and has given great words of advise, so its just that he prefers action to words)
His default mode is defensive and protective. When they start to get overwhelmed in a fight, and Leo orders a retreat, he is always the last one to make a move. He stands his ground as a shield, his burning drive to keep his family safe always his first action.
He is quick to recognize and sympathize with others with tempers (Casey and Leatherhead) and as the show goes on, he gets better handle on his temper, learns to slow down before acting, and is quick to apologize. He knows when's he’s wrong and owns it.
In the early seasons, he is much quicker to anger but as the events they live through progress, he actually matures not gets worse. (Leo took care of that little arc lol). Seeing how he behaved during the "Good Genes" episodes, is just proof enough.
They are hard to miss, but the subtle things he does throughout the show shows are caring and thoughtful person he is. He’s quick to have his brothers backs, however can get tunnel vision during fights to protect them.
He has this whole “macho” mindset so he doesn't cry often but he doesn't try to play it off either. He knows when to be gentle, even if that gentleness can still come off kinda gruff.
Take "Lone Raph and Cub". He helps this kid out because again, he can sympathize and recognize himself in this kid. He's talking softer, treats the kid with respect while still treating him his age, and even forms a team with him to get his mom back. Dudes great with kids.
His dynamic with Mikey is also so special. They feed off each other during fights and missions and get along so well. Their love language is insults and teasing, yet they always put that to the back burner when its time to be serious and they are a strong duo. So no, he doesn't hate Mikey, they are actually best friends.
Heck even with Leo, there are very few times when he doesn't listen to him. He recognizes Leo's role and wisdom, often deferring to him.
It's when he gets to emotional and needs to act that they butt heads. It isn't that Leo isn't one to take action, he just does it differently than Raph likes to do it. Quick and passionately.
Again, his driving force is to protect his family, and the more time lost is not getting them back safe is stressful to Raph. (Again you see his growth in "Good Genes" in listening to Leo and remaining pretty calm)
He knows his stenghts and weaknesses, and especially knows when to ask for help. These boys have only ever had each other. They know at the end of the day, its them against the world. Yeah they have Splinter, April and Casey, but the bond they have is so drastically different and special.
He also constantly turns to Donnie for help, relying on and trusting his brothers expertise. He also constantly shows his appreciation for Donnies work. Their relationship is much calmer than with Mikey and Leo.
Point is Raph can be a hothead but his character is so much deeper than that. He's the turtle that shows his love for his family with protective action.
Leo may be the leader, Donnie the brains and Mikey the calming force of the family, but Raph is the heart.
He keeps them together, keeps them whole and most importantly keeps them safe. Raph is an empathy and you can't change my mind.