Eric Cartman, one of the four main characters of the animated television series "South Park," is known for his abrasive and often controversial personality. His distinctive voice has become iconic since the show first aired in 1997. The voice of Eric Cartman is provided by Trey Parker, one of the show's creators along with Matt Stone. Parker's portrayal of Cartman's voice is a critical aspect of the character's identity and is influential in making Cartman a memorable character in animated television. When it comes to the origins and inspiration behind Cartman's voice, there are a few points of interest: 1. **Inspiration from Real Life**: Trey Parker has mentioned that Cartman's voice was based on a combination of different personalities from his own life. One notable inspiration was an architectural drafting professor he had in college, who would use a patronizing and authoritative tone when talking to students, which echoed the demeaning and self-important way Cartman speaks. 2. **Influences from other Characters**: Another influence on the voice of Cartman comes from the character "Joffery" from "The Ren & Stimpy Show." There are similarities to be found in the intonations and the abrasiveness of both voices. 3. **Development and Refinement**: The characterization of Cartman, including his voice, has evolved since his initial appearance in "The Spirit of Christmas" shorts, which were the precursors to "South Park." Parker stated that the voice became more extreme and exaggerated over time, with the character's mannerisms and inflections becoming a signature part of "South Park's" comedic style. 4. **Technique**: As for the technique Parker uses to create Cartman's voice, he often speaks from the back of his throat and uses a nasal tone to capture Cartman's bratty and authoritative demeanor. This vocal technique sets Cartman's voice apart from the other characters and adds to the humorous impact of his dialogue. 5. **Influence on Pop Culture**: Cartman's voice has become so recognizable that it has influenced pop culture, with many people imitating the voice for comedic effect. Cartman's catchphrases, delivered in his unique voice, have become part of the lexicon of popular media references. The creators' dedication to voice acting and character development has paid off, as Cartman's voice contributes significantly to his status as an unforgettable character in the realm of animation. Trey Parker's voice work is central to bringing out the full flavor of Cartman's outrageous personality, and it remains a high point of the series' success.