Emily Elizabeth Howard: the beloved owner of Clifford
Emily Elizabeth Howard is the heart and soul of the beloved Clifford the Big Red Dog franchise, serving as the deuteragonist and, most importantly, the devoted owner of the colossal canine himself. Her unwavering love for Clifford is not just a plot point; it’s the very catalyst for the extraordinary circumstances that define their adventures. As the central human figure in this world of oversized charm and heartwarming lessons, Emily Elizabeth Howard embodies the spirit of friendship, imagination, and the boundless capacity for love that resonates with audiences of all ages. Her journey, intertwined with that of her enormous red dog, has made her an enduring and cherished character in children’s literature and animation.
Character and background information
Emily Elizabeth Howard is a character defined by her deep affection and unwavering loyalty, particularly towards her canine companion, Clifford. Her background is rooted in a seemingly ordinary life that takes an extraordinary turn due to the unique nature of her beloved pet. As the primary human counterpart to Clifford, her experiences and emotions are central to the narrative, allowing viewers and readers to connect with the fantastical world through a relatable lens. Her role as the owner of Clifford is not merely a title but a profound responsibility and a source of immense joy, shaping her interactions and the very fabric of her existence. This foundational aspect of her character is what allows the magic of Clifford the Big Red Dog to unfold.
Her enormous size and move to Birdwell Island
The most striking aspect of Emily Elizabeth Howard’s story is inextricably linked to the immense size of her dog, Clifford. It was her profound and overwhelming love for Clifford that directly resulted in his enormous growth, transforming him from a regular puppy into the giant red dog known and loved worldwide. This unprecedented development presented a significant challenge for Emily Elizabeth and her family, particularly concerning their living situation. Their original home in a New York City apartment proved entirely inadequate for a dog of Clifford’s colossal stature. Consequently, this extraordinary circumstance necessitated a major life change: the family had to relocate from the bustling metropolis of New York City to the more spacious and accommodating environment of Birdwell Island. This move to Birdwell Island became a pivotal moment, setting the stage for countless new adventures and solidifying the unique bond between Emily Elizabeth and Clifford in a setting better suited to their extraordinary lives.
Personality and traits of Emily Elizabeth
Kindness, imagination, and adventurous spirit
Emily Elizabeth Howard is a character whose personality shines with a vibrant blend of positive attributes, making her an exemplary role model. At her core, she is defined by her unwavering kindness, a trait that extends not only to her beloved dog Clifford but also to all those around her, including her friends and family. This inherent goodness is complemented by a vivid imagination, which allows her to see the world with wonder and to embrace the extraordinary circumstances of her life with Clifford. Her adventurous spirit is another defining characteristic; Emily Elizabeth is never one to shy away from a new experience or a challenging situation. She approaches life with an eagerness to explore, learn, and engage with the world, often leading her and Clifford into exciting escapades. This combination of kindness, imaginative thinking, and a zest for adventure makes her a compelling and inspiring protagonist.
Her family and friends
Emily Elizabeth Howard is surrounded by a loving and supportive network of family and friends, who play an integral role in her life and adventures. Her immediate family includes her father, Mark Howard, and her mother, Caroline Howard. While they often navigate the unique challenges presented by Clifford’s size, they are consistently portrayed as loving and understanding. She also has a cousin named Laura Howard, who often joins in on the fun and escapades. Beyond her family, Emily Elizabeth has a close-knit group of friends who share her playful nature and her acceptance of the extraordinary. These friendships are a testament to her outgoing and friendly personality, showcasing her ability to connect with others and foster strong bonds. Together, her family and friends form a crucial support system, enriching her life and contributing to the heartwarming themes of community and belonging that are central to the Clifford the Big Red Dog stories.
Appearances and voice actors
Voice performances across different adaptations
The voice of Emily Elizabeth Howard has been brought to life by several talented actresses across the various adaptations of Clifford the Big Red Dog, each lending their unique interpretation to the beloved character. In the iconic 2000 PBS series and its prequel, Clifford’s Puppy Days, the character was memorably voiced by Grey DeLisle. Her performance captured Emily Elizabeth’s youthful exuberance and compassionate nature, becoming the definitive voice for a generation of fans. More recently, the 2019 PBS series introduced a new voice for Emily Elizabeth, with Hannah Levinson taking on the role. Levinson’s portrayal continued to embody the character’s spirit, adapting to the updated animation style and narrative nuances of the newer show. These distinct voice performances have each contributed to Emily Elizabeth’s enduring appeal, ensuring her voice resonates with different audiences across the franchise’s history.
Portrayals in film and TV series
Beyond her voice, Emily Elizabeth Howard has also been visually represented through live-action and animated portrayals in various film and television series. In the highly anticipated 2021 live-action film, Clifford the Big Red Dog, the role of Emily Elizabeth was brought to the screen by actress Darby Camp. Camp’s performance captured the warmth and adventurous spirit of the character, allowing audiences to see Emily Elizabeth interact with her giant red companion in a tangible, real-world setting. In the animated realm, her appearance has evolved over time. For instance, in the 2019 series, her visual design was updated to include short blonde hair styled in a bob cut and black leggings, offering a fresh take on her iconic look while maintaining her recognizable charm. These diverse portrayals, both animated and live-action, ensure that Emily Elizabeth Howard continues to captivate audiences across different media.
Inspiration and trivia about Emily Elizabeth Howard
Inspired by Norman Bridwell’s daughter
A fascinating piece of trivia about Emily Elizabeth Howard is her direct inspiration: the daughter of the creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Norman Bridwell. The character was named Emily Elizabeth in honor of Bridwell’s own daughter, making her a deeply personal creation. This familial connection imbues the character with an authentic and relatable quality that has resonated with countless readers and viewers. Furthermore, the imaginary adventures of Bridwell’s wife, Norma, also served as a significant influence on the character and the stories she would embark upon with Clifford. This grounding in real-life relationships and experiences is a key reason why Emily Elizabeth Howard feels so genuine and why her bond with Clifford is so believable, despite the fantastical nature of their world.
Her home: from New York City to Birdwell Island
The narrative journey of Emily Elizabeth Howard is marked by a significant change in her living environment, reflecting the extraordinary circumstances of her life with Clifford. Initially, Emily Elizabeth and her family resided in a New York City apartment. This urban setting provided a backdrop for the early stages of her relationship with Clifford, but it soon became apparent that their home was not suited for a dog of Clifford’s ever-increasing, enormous size. The practicalities of housing a giant red dog in a bustling city apartment led to a pivotal decision. To accommodate Clifford’s immense stature and to provide them with the space they needed, Emily Elizabeth’s family made the significant move from their New York City dwelling to a more expansive and suitable location: Birdwell Island. This transition to Birdwell Island not only provided the necessary physical space for Clifford but also opened up a world of new possibilities for adventures and solidified the unique, idyllic setting that has become synonymous with Emily Elizabeth and her big red dog.
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