Knocked Up: Main Characters Ranked, According To Intelligence

Knocked Up draws in audiences with its brand of improv-based humor and light storyline. Some fans say Knocked Up is one of Judd Apatow’s best movies. The story might be memorable, and the film may be a reference point for the careers of stars like Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd.

However, Knocked Up also presents several personalities throughout. Some are characterized by their goofy behavior, like Ben Stone. Others are presented as professional and mature like Debbie Scott. Each character showcases their intelligence based on their reaction to challenges they face in the plot.

Jonah

Jonah Hill plays Jonah. He is Ben’s friend and roommate. He is on display when the group is shown at their apartment and when Ben’s pals join Alison and Ben at the hospital during the delivery. Jonah isn’t the most likable character in Knocked Up.

He also proves to be one of the less bright characters. He shows a lack of self-awareness when he looks Alison up and down upon their first meeting. He shows a lack of emotional intelligence when he flys off the handle at Jay in front of guests.

Jason

Jason is played by Jason Segel. Some fans say Knocked Up is one of Jason Segel’s best movies. He is one of Ben’s roommates. Jason is one of the quicker-witted members of the group, often shown spouting out sarcastic remarks at neck-break pace.

He is more emotionally intelligent than his peers and seems more socially comfortable. When the roommates go to a club, he has no problem talking to Debbie and Alison. He shows foresight in creating a timeline for the roommates’ website launch.

Jay

Jay Baruchel’s Jay is one of the supporting characters in Knocked Up. He plays Ben’s friend and roommate. When Ben tells his pals about the coming baby, Jay presents his intelligence. Most of Ben’s roommates berate him upon learning Alison is pregnant.

Jay shows his critical thinking by offering a different perspective. While the rest of the group instills fear about Ben’s coming child, Jay unpacks the problem. He tries to use reasoning to make Ben see what his life would be like with a child.

Debbie Scott

Debbie, played by Leslie Mann, is Pete’s wife and Alison’s sister. She is disapproving of Ben and Alison’s relationship, but in criticizing it, she underscores her intelligence.

Debbie proves to have foresight and reasoning. She unpacks all the possible ways Alison and Scott’s relationship might go wrong, and the risks Alison is taking in raising a child with someone she barely knows.

Ben Stone

Ben is one of the film’s protagonists. Many fans say Knocked Up‘s Ben is one of Seth Rogen’s most iconic roles. He is presented as an underachieving goofball. He has foolish moments like falling while chasing Debbie and Pete’s kids and speaking insensitively to Alison in their first meetings.

However, Ben shows growth throughout the story. He shows critical thinking when he realizes the error of his ways. When Alison gets upset, he becomes aware that he must prepare for his coming child. He reads baby books and retains the information, referencing them when Alison is in labor which shows his reasoning.

Pete

Paul Rudd plays Pete. He is Debbie’s husband and ends up becoming a pal to Ben. He and Debbie’s relationship is tumultuous. They often bicker about each other, their kids, and Alison and Ben’s situation.  In his issues with Debbie, his intelligence is put on display. Pete shows smarts in his scheming.

He comes up with believable excuses to get out of the house so he can enjoy activities on his own. He realizes he can’t accept Debbie’s love when he and Ben talk in Las Vegas. However, he shows a lack of emotional intelligence in his arguments with Debbie. He becomes easily aggravated and dismissive.

Dr. Kuni

Ken Jeong showcases his feature debut in Knocked Up as Dr. Kuni. He is the doctor who delivers Alison’s child. He replaces the original physician who is booked for the pregnancy but can’t be found when the time comes. Dr. Kuni is intelligent. His job requires extensive education, and he presents critical thinking during the delivery.

However, he has a low level of emotional intelligence. He lashes out at Alison when she is in delivery. He lacks the foresight to see a confrontation won’t end well for either of them. When they first meet, he is aggressive. However, he shows his reasoning when he changes his attitude after Ben calms him down.

Alison Scott

Alison is played by Katherine Heigl. She is one of the protagonists in Knocked Up, Ben’s romantic partner, and Debbie’s sister. She shows her intelligence on several occasions. She shows critical thinking when she weighs out the options following her pregnancy test. She talks to her sister and mother about what to do.

She takes their opinions, weighs out the possibilities, and makes a decision using reasoning. Unlike most of the main cast, she rarely lashes out and shows a high degree of emotional intelligence. When she does lose her temper, she apologizes. She shows foresight in making a plan for the delivery of her child.

About The Author