I don’t think years pass in The Simpsons. Although they’ll make allusion to this sometimes, after 20 or so seasons they’re still the same age. I also find it funny that in earlier episodes, Marge and Homer were teens in the 70’s, but in newer episodes their pre-children lives are situated in the 90’s.
Also too many things don’t add up. Like Bart actually having red hair, or all Simpson males suffering from an illness that makes them dumber as they age. So many things at once that can’t connect, yet I still don’t know if the Flanders house is on the left or right side of the Simpson house.
But it all started with typical American stereotypes of the dysfunctional family, so I’ll go from there and what consistent character development there is throughout the series.
Homer, functional alcoholic of a lower than average intelligence, prone to anger problems which, as he ages make way for idiocy. Has heart problems.
Marge, repressed house wife. Has huge potential for greatness as is often seen, but is afraid of unleashing the beast within, settles for mundane existence. Is also much too naive.
Bart, hoodlum and troublemaker, underachiever who, as the series goes on, becomes a lot more sensitive to the people around him, therefore reducing his rebellious nature as he grows a consistent conscience. Also collects stamps.
Lisa, overachiever who turns from a devout Christian to an atheist. Struggles to fit in, never quite making it therefore demonstrating introversion and lack of self esteem; aside from being smarter than NASA and being a potential megalomaniac.
Maggie; just a baby, of course.
