Dipper Pines
Gravity Falls Inspired Profiles in Analytics
Dipper is the analytic core of Gravity Falls. Unlike his sister Mabel who is quite easily distracted, Dipper is a curious, determined, and ambitious young man who is an analyst at his core. He is one part nerd and one part adventurer. And with an occasional exception of story lines on maturity and girls, playing the part 24/7.
One Part Nerd
Not all Dipper’s nerdiness is stereotypical of analysts. For starters, his real name is Mason — but frankly, even I had to look that up. I am not sure it was ever mentioned during the series. We are told that his nickname is the result of a birthmark on his forehead that resembles the ‘Big Dipper’.
He has a crackly thirteen year old’s voice, a scarring past with a lamb costume, and an extreme love of Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons… the Gravity Falls equivalent of D&D. Come to think of it… that last one probably is stereotypical of many analysts.
Dipper loves books. He loves reading. He is a natural at research and the more passive forms of discovery. His discovery of the mysterious Author’s Journals are the early fuel for the series. Later, the writers of the show devote several episodes to his realization that his talents go beyond those journals and their mysteries. Not every analyst is a bookish nerd, but many are. It is really the love of learning that matters most, your medium of choice is far less important.
Dipper’s hobbies continue. He is big on photography, invention, and of course journal writing. Many people would be excited to read a mysterious journal, but Dipper immediately takes to adding to it. He picks up where the author left off, attempting to build on that original insight.
He is also a collector and a tinker. He is perpetually trying to identify and classify new creatures. He loves equations, mathematics, ciphers, and games that involve tedious amounts of scoring and probabilities. He is a thinker and a problem solver. He is an Analyst By Nature.
One Part Adventurer
He is also an explorer and a hero. While not ever present, he can be bold and confident. This is especially true when it comes to protecting his sister. He never lacks courage, but occasionally struggles with self-confidence. He is an excellent role model for analysts.
Learning requires risk. Those who fear to try… fail to learn. Dipper’s success is highest when he is at his most courageous. Analyst’s aren’t asked to battle demonic and extra-dimensional monsters on a daily basis… or ever. You wouldn’t think courage would be so hard to come by. Yet, so many analysts fear to take risks, fear failure, fear being wrong. Learn from Dipper. Failure is a learning experience, a path to maturity, and an opportunity for a great story!
Thanks for reading! Here’s a little original cipher salad -
QHAW ZHHN: VWDQ LV QRW ZKDW KH VHHPV
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