Arthur is an anthropomorphic aardvark In Brown's first Arthur book, Arthur's Nose, Arthur is shown with a long nose and resembles an actual aardvark, though as the books progressed and eventually became a TV series, a noticeable, simplified version of Arthur took shape. The character's most recognizable form is a light brown, slanted face with small ears, drawn as a bipedal, pre-pubescent youth with signature round glasses. On more than one occasion, Arthur's classmates tease him for his glasses and somewhat "dorky" attire.
Arthur's relationships
Family
The tensions between Arthur and his four-year-old sister, Dora Winifred "D.W." Read, are a common theme in the Arthur series. Arthur is constantly pestered by D.W., and she usually tries to get Arthur into trouble, which occasionally causes Arthur to retaliate. Despite that, Arthur tries his best to ignore D.W.'s annoying antics most of the time and often does her favors - sometimes at his parents' request and against his will. D.W. also make frequent attempts to hang out with Arthur's friends. Arthur's parents are his mother, Jane Read, who is a work-at-home accountant, and his father, David L. Read, who runs a catering business. His mother is from the Pittsburgh area and knew Fred Rogers as a child, while most of his father's relatives are from Ohio. He also has a baby sister named Kate and a pet dog named Pal. Appearances from Arthur's extended family include Grandma Thora, Grandpa Dave, Uncle Fred, Uncle Richard, Uncle Bud, Uncle Sean, Aunt Jessica, Aunt Loretta, Aunt Lucy, and his cousins Cora, Monique, Ricky, George, and other unnamed relatives. However, the only two members of Arthur's extended family who have appeared more than once are Grandma Thora and Grandpa Dave. Grandma Thora lives in a house not too far from Arthur's in Elwood City and is known to be a bad cook, but a loving grandmother and a world-class marbles player. She loves to play bingo every Friday night, and in some episodes has to watch over Arthur and D.W. She is good friends with Mrs. McGrady, the school cafeteria monitor. Grandpa Dave lives on a farm he claims has been in the family for 150 years.
Friends
Buster Baxter
Buster Baxter is regarded as Arthur's best friend who has the habit of eating junk foods. He lives with his mom and travels around the world.
Binky is a bulldog who usually wears an orange shirt, blue jeans, and brown shoes. He is a member of the Tough Customers, which are a group of bullies, but has a soft side. He plays the clarinet, catches butterflies, and enjoys ballet.
Francine Frensky
is a tomboy who has short brown hair tied with a barrette, wears blue jeans, and a maroon sweater. She enjoys soccer, playing the drums, and horseback riding.
Sue Ellen Armstrong
officially moved to Elwood City in the winter of the third grade school year. She also has a deep interest in World culture, and is skilled in the martial arts. She practices karate and plays the saxophone. She is an only child.
Voice actors
These are the people who have been the voice actor for Arthur in the TV series:
Arthur was originally voiced by Michael Yarmush for the first five seasons from 1996 until 2000 when he reached puberty. In 2001, Yarmush was replaced with Justin Bradley for the 6th Season. Bradley was replaced with Mark Rendall who started voicing Arthur in Season 7. After Season 8 in 2003 Rendall redubbed all of Bradley's dialogue in Season 6.
