Who Are the Characters in National Lampoon’s Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

National Lampoon’s Vacation is a classic comedy movie that was released in 1983. The movie revolves around the Griswold family, who embark on a cross-country road trip to visit the famous Walley World amusement park.

The movie was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, and Anthony Michael Hall as Rusty Griswold. Let’s take a closer look at each character.

Clark Griswold

Clark Griswold is the patriarch of the Griswold family. He is an optimistic and enthusiastic person who wants nothing more than to give his family the perfect vacation.

He works as a food additive designer and often becomes frustrated with his job. Clark is known for his quick wit, sarcasm, and slapstick humor. He is also known for his love of classic cars and his desire to own a new one.

Ellen Griswold

Ellen Griswold is Clark’s wife. She is an intelligent and caring woman who tries to keep her family together during their vacation.

Ellen often serves as the voice of reason in the family and tries to keep Clark from making impulsive decisions. She has a good sense of humor but can become annoyed with Clark’s antics.

Rusty Griswold

Rusty Griswold is the oldest child in the family. He is a teenager who struggles with typical adolescent issues such as acne and hormones.

Rusty often feels embarrassed by his parents’ behavior but still loves them deeply. Throughout the movie, Rusty becomes increasingly rebellious towards his father.

Audrey Griswold

Audrey Griswold is the younger child in the family. She is a pre-teen who is often ignored by her parents.

Audrey feels left out of the family and tries to get attention by acting out. She often complains about the boring sights they visit on their trip.

Cousin Eddie

Cousin Eddie is Clark’s cousin. He is a crude and uncouth man who often causes trouble for the Griswold family.

Cousin Eddie and his family live in a mobile home and join the Griswolds on their trip to Walley World. Eddie is known for his bad hygiene, shoddy attire, and bizarre behavior.

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley plays herself in the movie as a beautiful woman who drives a red Ferrari. She catches Clark’s eye and becomes his obsession throughout the movie. Christie’s character serves as a symbol of temptation for Clark.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Lampoon’s Vacation features a memorable cast of characters who each bring something unique to the story. The movie has become a classic comedy that continues to entertain audiences today. Whether you’re a fan of Chevy Chase’s slapstick humor or Beverly D’Angelo’s wit, there’s something for everyone in this hilarious film.