On It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Gang is made up of characters who can be irresponsible, selfish, and immature, and two of these main characters are a brother and a sister: Dennis Reynolds and Deandra Reynolds.
These two have unique personality traits that make them do and say unbelievable and inappropriate things (which make for hilarious episodes), but they also share some characteristics, such as how they were raised, how they respond to stressful situations, and how they really feel about themselves. So, here are five ways Dee and Dennis are alike and five ways they are total opposites.
Alike: They Are Both Self-Centered
A trait shared by all the main characters is selfishness. Have they helped each other at times? Yes. Have they displayed care, compassion, and consideration? A couple of times. But for the most part, they are all very into themselves.
Dee and Dennis, in particular, feel a sense of entitlement and superiority, as they grew up in an affluent household and went on to college. No matter what is happening on this show, they are usually looking out only for themselves.
Opposite: Dennis Cares Far More About His Looks
While both of these siblings are egotistical, Dennis is far vainer. In fact, when ranking TV characters who put time and effort into their looks, he would probably be towards the top of that list.
He has strict eating and exercise habits, he wants to look young forever, he gets beyond offended by even tiny critiques about his physical appearance, and, of course, he considers himself to be a god.
Alike: Their Childhoods Gave Them High Tolerances
Another similarity found between these two has to do with their upbringing; though Frank’s income led to them living privileged lives, they were abused emotionally and psychologically.
The silver lining here is that this has given them a high tolerance in their adult lives. They can handle criticisms and humiliation quite well (for the most part), and they always win Chardee MacDennis, which is not just a game, but a war.
Opposite: Dee Gets Nervous & Has Stage Fright
Dee and Dennis are only human, so they do have weaknesses and flaws, and for Sweet Dee, that is nervousness and stage fright. She longs to be famous, yet when she gets on stage in front of a crowd, she immediately starts gagging.
Furthermore, she has been known to get nervous and gag around certain people, such as Bill Ponderosa.
Alike: They Are Liberals Who Seem To Have Quite A Few Prejudices
These characters consider themselves to be liberal, and many episodes have shown them going up against Mac, a Catholic.
And while they have seemed to care about important issues now and then, they have also always been a bit ignorant, prejudiced, hypocritical, and inappropriate.
Opposite: Dennis Is A Talented Artist, While Dee Is Interested In Acting
There are some positive traits seen in The Gang, including some hidden talents and interests.
For instance, Dennis can draw really well (even if his pictures are crude), and Dee has a passion for acting (yet she still is not an actual actress).
Alike: They Can Both Be Rude & Angry
Along with the other not-so-great traits that have been listed, these siblings can be rude and angry, as well.
They have short fuses, and anger has led to violence. It really is surprising that Paddy’s Pub is still open, based on the damage these two have caused and the insults they have spat out.
Opposite: Dee Is Usually The Butt Of Jokes
While all the members of The Gang can be pretty mean, Dee usually gets the brunt of it. As the only woman in the group, the guys gang up against her, make fun of her and call her a bird.
Good thing she does have that high tolerance because she handles herself well and always gets them back with her own insults and retorts!
Alike: Dennis Is Insecure/Dee Has An Inferiority Complex
Despite being self-centered, Dennis is insecure, and Dee has an inferiority complex.
Yes, Dennis feels the need to be liked by others, deep down, so he is actually the most sensitive of the group. And since Sweet Dee was always bullied and has never felt truly accepted (even by her own mother), she tries to make up for it now in over-the-top and usually off-putting ways.
Opposite: Dennis Can’t Feel Or Express Emotions
And then there is this final differing fact… the fact that Dennis can be robot-like. In fact, many have wondered, on and off the series, if he can feel anything or express emotions at all (well, except for, perhaps, rage… It is clear he can express that!
He does do some psychotic things, but there have also been scenes within this television series that put his human side and even his care on display.