The Character of Joey Tribbiani
Following the streak of Friends analysis pieces we’ve been putting out, it’s time to finish it off strong; with a character that seems rather strange to analyse, and to some extent rightfully so, but we need to have a full house. If you’ve been following these (or read the damn title), you know it is, of course, Joey Tribbiani.
A simple man.
Not in his way of thinking; not at all; rather, in his way of living. Because the truth is, once we dive deep into what makes Joey tick, this is a man who doesn’t really need much to be happy.
Perhaps because of his upbringing. Out of the bunch, Joey grew up with the most ‘normal’ family — a loving father and mother and seven sisters in Queens. The seven sisters factor is a tad out of the ordinary, but still, everything was probably much less problematic for him as a kid than say, Phoebe or Chandler.
It comes as a shock to Joey when he understands his parents have a strained relationship and that his father has been cheating for years; but it isn’t that relationship that matters, but rather how it affects Joey. Because his parents never revealed that to him — they actually lied for many years — and although this was not the most morally correct thing, it’s a good example of the attitude Joey’s parents have towards him — love, support, and protection.
So Joey’s a happy child.
And grows up as a relatively happy adult. And a simple man. He doesn’t need much, especially if he has financial freedom and security in a professional environment. That — and his friends.
Joey Tribbiani is probably the most openly appreciative for having the Central Perk gang in his life. He supports them, he cares for them, he cherishes them; he loves them. Because in his eyes, they are plenty to make him happy.
And Joey has a very important job in the friend group. He’s the positive one, the glass is always half-full one. He looks at things from a specific angle, an angle that sees the best outcome — and helps their friends do everything in their power to reach that angle.
He’s good with women — but he doesn’t need them.
There are two reason why Joey never gets into a serious relationship. From a writing standpoint, it never happens, or Joey never really seeks it, because he must fit his archetype stereotype; he’s the womanizer; the one who will not commit because he doesn’t want to.
But from an analytical standpoint, the reason is much different. Unlike all other members of the group, Joey doesn’t actually need a spouse; he doesn’t need another person to complete him or make him happy because he is enough for himself. Love in Friends is often used as resolution, salvation, character development; but Joey doesn’t need that development — he, as a human being, is fine where he is.
Joey Tribbiani —
The lovable fool; the one who grew up happy and remained happy; the ray of sunshine when most needed; the one who doesn’t need love because he is enough for himself. The free artist — and the beacon that a positive attitude can get you very far ahead in life.
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— Pouty Boy