Tools of Characterization

Characterization in Back to the Future

Physical Appearance

Pretty McFly for a White Guy

The second we see George McFly, we already know a ton about him. The horn-rimmed glasses, the hair that looks like it was a recent victim of an oil tanker spill, the big ol' watch, shirt and tie, pocket protector… this guy is a Nerd. With a capital "N."

But he isn't just your typical comic relief, clichéd, and archetypal nerd. He's not Eugene from Grease, for example, even if they look like they might have been separated at birth. In Back to the Future, George is a fully formed, fleshed out human being with insecurities, foibles, dreams and desires. We don't see his nerdiness as his identity, but rather what is standing in his way of achieving those dreams and desires.

Which is why we're dropped a couple clues about what's really going on underneath that thickly pomaded dome of his. The fact that his shirt is short-sleeved tells us that maybe he wishes he had a more casual and carefree attitude than he really does.

And even that greasy do may be an indication that he does care even a teensy bit about how his looks. He might be totally out of touch with the best way to present himself to the world, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying.

Props

Skating By

Batman has his Batmobile. James Bond has his Aston Martin. Marty McFly has his skateboard.

Okay, so maybe it isn't the sweetest ride in town. But it's all he has... for now. Marty's got his eye on a Toyota 4x4, and in a sense it represents all the success he sees for himself down the road. In his eyes, it's the crowning achievement of all his musical efforts.

Which is why that skateboard is so key in showing us where Marty is, and how far he hopes to go. The skateboard has four wheels, just like a car, and it's his only mode of travel. Later, it comes to symbolize his ingenuity and ability to think on his feet. Even if one foot is busy kicking up asphalt.

Occupation

Weird Science

Ever met a scientist? If you have, you've probably noticed that they're among the more fastidious of individuals. Everything neat and orderly, and in its proper place. Why? Because that's their life—precisely measuring things into test tubes and flasks, making sure their workspace is 100% free of contaminants (right, Mr. White?), and so on.

So then how does one explain Doc Brown, whose home looks like a particularly disturbing Hoarders episode?

If Doc were your typical scientist, this movie probably would never have happened. The test run wouldn't happen in the dead of night, in a mall parking lot, and there wouldn't be a van full of angry guys who want to kill him showing up to spoil the party. His sloppiness in general prepares us for his sloppiness when it comes to his experiments, and his dealings with… well, let's just call them his "business associates."

However, it can probably be argued that his tendencies are a boon when it comes to figuring out a way to send Marty back to the future. Who better to help our hero out of a complete mess than the ultimate mess-maker?