Why is Raph so angry?

[Shark_Blade]

What drives/trigger his anger?

He's not beaten as a child by violent parent, he's not sexually abused, not physically or mentally traumatized.

He's got a loving family, and brothers that are always there for him. Why is he constantly pissed/PMS? What does he want? To be accepted and understand?

[Powder]

Some people are just angry, period. Blame it on the way brains are hardwired, chemical/hormonal balances & all that. Delve a bit deeper & you may find that Raph resents the fact they've had to live like freaks in isolation. He wants to do regular stuff but can't, and that bothers him more than it does his brothers.

The direct answer? Because E&L wrote him that way and childrens cartoons need varied personality types too.

[Wildcat]

Ive never read the original comic series so don't know if theres an actual explanation but I don't think theres supposed to be a reason.

He's meant to be the impatient one with a short temper just like Mikey is supposed to be the fun-loving relaxed one.

Its just to have a diverse set of characters to work with. He creates conflict within the group.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

A teenage guy who can't get laid and will never get laid? :tcry: That would suck.


Seriously, the question is, why wouldn't he be angry?

Getting called a freak by the outside world, never having a normal life, never being able to go out like normal folks can/do without worrying about being found out/captured/dissected, never having the choice of not only 'sex' but a mate/loved one in that capacity, being forced into a life of "Nope, you can't have a girlfriend/wife so tough sh*t", being pretty much forced into living in disease-infested sewers (and who knows how they really make money/get food/etc.)

So really, why wouldn't someone be angry? One of the reasons why I like Raph. I think it's Perfectly Understandable why he's so Pissed.

[Powder]

A teenage guy who can't get laid and will never get laid? :tcry: That would suck.


Actually, between the Archie & Mirage universe, Raph has banged at least 3 chicks. Two furry broads and a human. Maybe more. :tlol:

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Actually, between the Archie & Mirage universe, Raph has banged at least 3 chicks. Two furry broads and a human. Maybe more. :tlol:

3? Hmm...I can guess one might have been Ninjara (haven't read too much of the Archie ones). Not sure what the other 2 could be. I know there was a character that I believe was called Lucindra but I thought it was just a friendship level.

I guess I was just thinking of the live action movies/2003/2k12/CGI movie continuity, lol.

[Leofan26]

In the 2003 series it seemed like he was mostly ticked off at Leo, he felt he should have been chosen as the leader instead and likes to do things his way. He has troubles following orders from Leo unless die hard emergency cases. That's why they'd clash the most, go watch the that CGI film, it explains a lot if you ask me.

[joefsas]

He's just got a short fuse...like me :P (the wifes nickname for me is 'HULK' hahaha)
i was never kicked around or bullied etc. Just not got alot of patience lol
I guess some people can just keep their cool longer than others :)

NOW MAKE ME SOME PIZZA! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!........:P

[Powder]

3? Hmm...I can guess one might have been Ninjara (haven't read too much of the Archie ones). Not sure what the other 2 could be. I know there was a character that I believe was called Lucindra but I thought it was just a friendship level.

I guess I was just thinking of the live action movies/2003/2k12/CGI movie continuity, lol.

Ninjara, Mezcaal, & Pimiko.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Ninjara, Mezcaal, & Pimiko.


That's weird. I don't ever remember any romance let alone 'getting laid' hints with Pimiko.

[Powder]

The Image finishers put 'em in there, and given those were put together alongside Frank & Gary, it's a pretty solid canon status, I think.

[ToTheNines]

They liked each other, but nothing happened.

Anyways, I always liked the Will Tupper short that roots it back to him never having a mother.

[909 Turtle Fan]

What? Raph got at Pimiko?! You learn something new everyday. In my experience, some ppl just stay pissed off all the time. You'll catch them in a cheerful mood once in a while, but it's like ppl like that are afraid to let there guard down. I know in a fight you want that anger but ppl with anger management issues usually drive others away.

[Warhorse]

I'm going with the theory that he's frustrated in not only being non normal, but also having to hide out of fear of persecution.

I doubt Leo is any root of the anger, they just clash because they are both dominant/aggressor type personalities, and those tend to clash. But they are sure fun to watch, they are the most exciting and dynamic duo to watch.

[blindturtle02]

I'm going with the theory that he's frustrated in not only being non normal, but also having to hide out of fear of persecution.

I doubt Leo is any root of the anger, they just clash because they are both dominant/aggressor type personalities, and those tend to clash. But they are sure fun to watch, they are the most exciting and dynamic duo to watch.

Yeah, probably due to having to hide out and not being normal among other things. I always flash back to his reaction to Casey calling him freak in the first TMNT movie. Never thought about the why involved in Raph's anger. I've always believed that some people seem to be born hotheads which is fine because we need a few of those around to keep things interesting. There are probably triggers that set Raph off like having to hide out, being insulted verbally, etc. Leo def sets him off. I can get behind the whole clash for dominance thing. It makes allot of sense.

[BubblyShell22]

There are a lot of factors to Raph's anger as many have stated already: The isolation from society, the fact that he wanted to be leader and isn't, the fact that people view them as freaks of nature all have a thing to do with Raph's anger. I can relate to that and sympathize with him on that.

[kolaida]

I think everyone has pretty much covered it. I think he probably already had a short fuse, possibly some anger problems (some people just have them or deal with things differently than others) and they are further exacerbated by the fact he has to live in isolation with his family in fear of persecution. Granted, I'm sure that's also why they have such close bonds and would probably grow apart and move away from each other if they didn't rely on each other so much.

[blindturtle02]

There are a lot of factors to Raph's anger as many have stated already: The isolation from society, the fact that he wanted to be leader and isn't, the fact that people view them as freaks of nature all have a thing to do with Raph's anger. I can relate to that and sympathize with him on that.

Yeah, I see where Raph is coming from at times. With the whole freak thing, I mean. Can't say I've gone off like Raph that often. I try to do the Mikey thing and bridge the gap if that makes sense. I think Raph deals with his situations the way a true warrior should most of the time. He meets it on his feet complete with go to hell attitude and all the trimmings. But ya can't be a warrior without a little forethought.

Raph's a doer: a turtle of action. He's the type of guy who says what everyone else is afraid to, and also throws the first physical blow more often than not. I can see why that has proven to be detrimental to himself and his brothers at times, but that type of behavior has also gotten the boys out of some tough scrapes, I'm sure. I wonder if Splinter sees Raph's anger as something to be honed and used for the benefit of the group, or if he intends to purge him of it. I choose to believe the former. I think there's a time and a place for a modicum of this quality. Raph just needs to learn not to supersize it all the time.

[billbot85]

I agree with that it's just the way Eastman/Laird wrote Raph. It's often that most teams of heroes have at least one hot-headed character.

I too believe that part of Raph's anger probably stems from the fact that the turtles have to hide away from society since people would see them as freaks of nature. His character has always been the least accepting of who they are and how they have to live. He's a character that always wants things to change.

I think also part of it is Raph's rivalry with Leo, which always comes out in most incarnations of the tmnt (except the OT). Most of the time he butts heads with Leo and criticizes his leadership skills and decisions, and always believes that his decisions are better. The struggle seems to go back and forth with Raph either wanting to lead the team himself, or just breaking off from the team and fighting crime/the Foot Clan on his own.

This is part of what makes Raph's character so interesting, because most of the anger comes from this ongoing struggle with himself, where he is a loner and part of him wishes to be his own team and make his own decisions, but also knows that he must remain loyal to Splinter and his brothers, and be a part of the turtles' team.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

A teenage guy who can't get laid and will never get laid? :tcry: That would suck.


Seriously, the question is, why wouldn't he be angry?

Getting called a freak by the outside world, never having a normal life, never being able to go out like normal folks can/do without worrying about being found out/captured/dissected, never having the choice of not only 'sex' but a mate/loved one in that capacity, being forced into a life of "Nope, you can't have a girlfriend/wife so tough sh*t", being pretty much forced into living in disease-infested sewers (and who knows how they really make money/get food/etc.)

So really, why wouldn't someone be angry? One of the reasons why I like Raph. I think it's Perfectly Understandable why he's so Pissed.

Yeah, I would go with this. Also playing second fiddle to Leo all the time probably doesn't help. He has issues with authority, even when it comes from Splinter in most versions. (That "Couldn't this wait til morning?" line in the first movie says it all. He hates being told what to do or how to act.)

[Warhorse]

I agree with that it's just the way Eastman/Laird wrote Raph. It's often that most teams of heroes have at least one hot-headed character.

I too believe that part of Raph's anger probably stems from the fact that the turtles have to hide away from society since people would see them as freaks of nature. His character has always been the least accepting of who they are and how they have to live. He's a character that always wants things to change.

I think also part of it is Raph's rivalry with Leo, which always comes out in most incarnations of the tmnt (except the OT). Most of the time he butts heads with Leo and criticizes his leadership skills and decisions, and always believes that his decisions are better. The struggle seems to go back and forth with Raph either wanting to lead the team himself, or just breaking off from the team and fighting crime/the Foot Clan on his own.

This is part of what makes Raph's character so interesting, because most of the anger comes from this ongoing struggle with himself, where he is a loner and part of him wishes to be his own team and make his own decisions, but also knows that he must remain loyal to Splinter and his brothers, and be a part of the turtles' team.

Or, maybe some of us are simply not followers, and he's one of them.

[billbot85]

Or, maybe some of us are simply not followers, and he's one of them.

Right, that's what I mean when I said he was a loner who played by his own rules. He's not a follower, and that's part of why he conflicts so much with Leo and becomes frustrated/angry.

[electric_sheep]

because he has no money for hookers...

[Rooish]

They liked each other, but nothing happened.

Anyways, I always liked the Will Tupper short that roots it back to him never having a mother.

Yeah I really never got the impression that Raph and Pimiko got it on (just a "connection" really, and Archie is not canon--so maybe no sexytimes for Raph.

Anyway, the Turtles all have valid reason to be mad--but only Raph really is. I think Raph may have some issues because of Splinter's favouritism. I think Splinter may in some incarnations pit the Turtles against each other a bit.

[SwiftNinjaFox]

I agree with that it's just the way Eastman/Laird wrote Raph. It's often that most teams of heroes have at least one hot-headed character.

I too believe that part of Raph's anger probably stems from the fact that the turtles have to hide away from society since people would see them as freaks of nature. His character has always been the least accepting of who they are and how they have to live. He's a character that always wants things to change.

I think also part of it is Raph's rivalry with Leo, which always comes out in most incarnations of the tmnt (except the OT). Most of the time he butts heads with Leo and criticizes his leadership skills and decisions, and always believes that his decisions are better. The struggle seems to go back and forth with Raph either wanting to lead the team himself, or just breaking off from the team and fighting crime/the Foot Clan on his own.

This is part of what makes Raph's character so interesting, because most of the anger comes from this ongoing struggle with himself, where he is a loner and part of him wishes to be his own team and make his own decisions, but also knows that he must remain loyal to Splinter and his brothers, and be a part of the turtles' team.

Sadly, this is also the biggest issue I have with the character. Because storytellers often latch onto this character type and focus on them.

Raph and Wolverine are the same character type and I don't want to see TMNT be "Raphael and the Turtles" like X-Men has focused on Wolverine. TMNT works better as a team dynamic more like Avengers managed to do.

I don't think Raph is necessarily just "angry" so much as he has a short temper, strong opinions, and a strong passion for life. Because of those factors, it easy to set off the fuse and, as others have stated, he's one to take action. Hell, I don't even think it's a matter of not being a follower. I think he'd gladly follow Leo as a leader if Leo wasn't so damn patient and focused on strategy. It's more that Leo's approach is counter intuitive to what Raph feels is the best approach. Leo's an analyst while Raph follow Occam's Razor. ;)

Leo being a tactician opposed to immediate action does make for good differences of opinion between them, though I like how IDW hasn't focused on them being at odds as much as some iterations. It's there, but not the driving dynamic among the brothers.

I loved the scene in CG TMNT when Splinter talks to Raphael about the qualities of being a leader and how he DOES possess the qualities of a great leader himself, but he just hasn't reigned in the last few traits.

[Warhorse]

Or, here is another theory. A friend at work tossed this one into the air. Maybe he has a vitamin deficiency or he might even be a lower case diabetic, in where he's not getting the right sugar level, he starts to get irritable and pissed off.

[NameGoesHere1066]

Actually, between the Archie & Mirage universe, Raph has banged at least 3 chicks. Two furry broads and a human. Maybe more. :tlol:

are we gonna make a tally of how many females each of the turtles have banged across the various turtle universes?

[Powder]

Knock yourself out.

[UGHShellshocked]

My Mamma said hes so angry because he got too many teef

[NameGoesHere1066]

Knock yourself out.

I'm just saying' cause you brought it up :twink: :tlol:

[Galactus]

He's seen the trailer to the upcoming movie. That's why.:D

[Icebot]

I always thought 2k3 Mikey always made Raph angry by annoying him a lot.

'87 Raph seemed angry a lot in season 9 of the old toon a lot more than any other season.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

He gets angry for the same reason you and I get angry

Things annoy him.

[Enscripture]

Easy answer:

http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-mother-of-all-anger.html

[jett]

Or, maybe some of us are simply not followers, and he's one of them.

Oh really he is not a follower? Last time I checked he follows leonardos lead.

[electric_sheep]

Easy answer:

http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-mother-of-all-anger.html

That seems very interesting, which series, issue?

[Shark_Blade]

Easy answer:

http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-mother-of-all-anger.htmlVery fascinating. I got the first movie vibe from it, even the Splinter/Raph candle moment in the dark scene.

[kolaida]

Or, here is another theory. A friend at work tossed this one into the air. Maybe he has a vitamin deficiency or he might even be a lower case diabetic, in where he's not getting the right sugar level, he starts to get irritable and pissed off.

Haha, that'd explain a lot! xD

[Refractive Reflections]

I think it's all about perspective. Michelangelo sees the glass as half full, while Raphael sees the glass as half empty when it comes to the fulfillment of their lives.

[Raphtastic]

I agree with everyone who's mentioned that Raph struggles with their place in the world and is, deep down, insecure about being perceived as a freak. If Leo is an idealist, I think Raph is a jaded idealist, grappling with the unfairness he sees in the world and his own relative lack of power in the face of that. I think that's why he channels so much of his energy into physical strength and power--it's the one thing he feels he truly can control. I personally think it's also the one thing he's 100% confident about.

I also think he's sensitive. He literally cares so much about everything and can't let anything go, so he tries to put distance between himself and others by withdrawing or lashing out. He's impatient and has a short fuse, sure. But, really, I think he hates feeling weak or powerless, and his own emotions make him feel that way. So, he puts on a tough guy act. He avoids thinking too hard (that'd mean acknowledging unpleasant feelings like fear, pain, doubt) and just acts out. Action, particularly aggressive action, is something Raphael understands and feels comfortable with.

[ticktack]

He has his worries, gets bothered and others. If he wouldn't have had those he would've been a 98% happy person in his appearances with fastly coming and fastly passing anger.:tsmile:

[Luckyday]

Because he's always low on carbs?

[JTH]

Typical New Yorker

[KirkyMonster]

I tried to read every post and some of you have tip toed around it but I think for the first time I got some info for you.

Volume 1 issue #28 "Sons of the Silent Age" deals with the turtles especially Raphael looking at his life introspectively. What I got out of this issue is that Raphael is angry because him and his brothers are already extinct. There are no female mutant turtles to carry on their unique species and even if there were there's definitely not enough to ensure survival of a mutant turtle species. Raphael is waiting to become extinct and the whole while he has the FOOT trying to kill him and his entire unique species and family.
I'd be a bit pissed too.

[Refractive Reflections]

I tried to read every post and some of you have tip toed around it but I think for the first time I got some info for you.

Volume 1 issue #28 "Sons of the Silent Age" deals with the turtles especially Raphael looking at his life introspectively. What I got out of this issue is that Raphael is angry because him and his brothers are already extinct. There are no female mutant turtles to carry on their unique species and even if there were there's definitely not enough to ensure survival of a mutant turtle species. Raphael is waiting to become extinct and the whole while he has the FOOT trying to kill him and his entire unique species and family.
I'd be a bit pissed too.

I remember reading/hearing about that, but I still think perspective is the biggest component here though because Michelangelo is the same situation as Raphael but Michelangelo doesn't dwell as heavily on it (and the other negatives of their lives) as Raphael does.

[Cryomancer]

He's got the ability, weapons, training, and desire to fight but only "gets to" fight occasionally and even then it's often under the orders of others. He probably takes enjoyment in violence, and that can fuel his anger in that he either thinks he should not, or that he doesn't see why others think he should not. He's direct-approach minded, but is part of a team who has orders and restrictions and tactics and goals other than just "murder the enemy".

There is also that whole thing where he gets future knowledge about how messed up his life / relationship with Shadow can/will be, but that's obviously much later in his life.

[KirkyMonster]

As far as perspective goes if you think about it the other turtles might have their personal interests as a coping mechanism to deal with the issues that Raphael can't get over.

Leonardo = Endless pursuit of martial perfection :tmad:
Donatello = Does machines and then does some more :tconfuse:
Michaelangelo = Writing, Skateboarding, Comic books :trazz:
Raphael = Getting drunk and getting bit by vampires...:tcry:
or maybe just getting drunk if you haven't read volume 4

I think Raphael dwells on the fact that they will be extinct while the other turtles keep themselves occupied with other things.

[pennydreadful]

I agree with everyone who's mentioned that Raph struggles with their place in the world and is, deep down, insecure about being perceived as a freak. If Leo is an idealist, I think Raph is a jaded idealist, grappling with the unfairness he sees in the world and his own relative lack of power in the face of that. I think that's why he channels so much of his energy into physical strength and power--it's the one thing he feels he truly can control. I personally think it's also the one thing he's 100% confident about.

I also think he's sensitive. He literally cares so much about everything and can't let anything go, so he tries to put distance between himself and others by withdrawing or lashing out. He's impatient and has a short fuse, sure. But, really, I think he hates feeling weak or powerless, and his own emotions make him feel that way. So, he puts on a tough guy act. He avoids thinking too hard (that'd mean acknowledging unpleasant feelings like fear, pain, doubt) and just acts out. Action, particularly aggressive action, is something Raphael understands and feels comfortable with.

I agree with everything that Raphtastic has said. Raph's a loner and introspective, so he spends a lot of time thinking about things that he's powerless to change. I think he has a hard time verbalising his fears and insecurities, let alone letting his guard down enough to share his frustrations in a non-combative way. So he dwells on things and keeps them bottled up.

I feel that most of his anger stems from both the crappy state of the world that he lives in, and being an outsider, a "freak" if you will, and feeling worthless because of that. Feeling powerless, combined with a fear of rejection/failure. If you think about Raph having difficulty with self-acceptance and a solid sense of self-worth, it makes sense that he keeps everyone at a distance. I think that he's the most emotional of the Turtles, and he uses his anger to keep people at arms length and avoid being hurt - because despite his crusty exterior, he is a softy deep down and he probably dislikes the feeling of vulnerability that brings.

People with low self esteem often hold themselves up to ridiculously high standards which are impossible to achieve, and base a lot of their self-worth on their achievements - focusing on his fighting skills is, I imagine, a big part of how Raph both switches off and channels his negative emotions.