Mr. Garrison
The erratic educator whose life of identity crises and political ambition defines South Park's wildest satire.
Herbert Garrison, voiced by Trey Parker, was the boys' fourth-grade teacher at South Park Elementary until his dismissal, after which he ran a campaign that ended with his election as President of the United States. He is particularly cynical compared with the town's other adults and is one of the few characters to break the fourth wall.
Quick Facts
- First appears
- Season 1
Lore & Background
Garrison's journey began as a struggling teacher who often clashed with his students and colleagues, particularly the school counselor Mr. Mackey. His early tenure was marked by attempts to assert authority that frequently backfired, leading to humorous but poignant moments of failure. Over time, his storyline took a dramatic turn when he underwent a gender transition, becoming Ms. Garrison. This period explored themes of identity and acceptance, though it was often treated with the show's signature irreverence, culminating in a return to male identity and subsequent legal troubles involving child abuse allegations.
Reader's Guide
Garrison is defined by his volatility, shifting from a bumbling teacher to a radical activist and back again. His personality oscillates between childlike innocence and aggressive authoritarianism, often driven by his need for validation and control.
His evolution spans decades of the show, including becoming a female identity before reverting, running for office, and facing criminal charges. These changes reflect the series' willingness to tackle taboo subjects with dark humor.
Voiced by Trey Parker, who also voices Cartman and Stan, Garrison's voice is characterized by a high-pitched, raspy tone that shifts depending on his current identity or emotional state, adding layers of absurdity to every scene.
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Elsewhere in South Park
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