Bart is the thorn in the side of Homer, Marge and Lisa; his antics and troublemaking draw the anger of Principal Skinner and his teachers as well as create many problems for his parents and sister. Although he has had his fair share of afternoon detentions he is seen by his peers as someone who is the definition of cool. In classic fashion, he has in Milhouse, the kid who is constantly hanging around someone more popular than he is. Since he is respected by everyone his own age he has tremendous influence over everyone. An example of this trait can be seen in the episode when Bart form a small army and with he help of his gradfather attacks Nelson and the other school bullies.
Although the show is made up of several dynamic characters, without question Bart can be considered the focal point of family. He receives all of the attention and causes most of the conflicts and problems which put other characters in a position where they are able to shine. In their eraly years, we have all been firends or enemies with the cool kid who is up no good. We have either gotten into trouble with that kid or felt a surge of happiness when he or she was caught. In short, Bart, like all the other characters in the show has had such longevity and is still so appealing, becasue he takes common stereotypes and exagerates them to the point of hilarity.