Up until quite recently, I never really dissected anybody's character on iCarly. Well, maybe Sam, 'cause she was my favorite. And because her personality is transparent... the half that I was familiar with, anyway. But once I cued into the iCarly fan community, I found out there were all these layers I was completely ignoring... I mean, I was taking it completely at face value... Well, now I'm paying closer attention.
First thing I realized was that my original impression of who Carly Shay is, was mostly based on her webshow persona. Turns out she's a pretty decent actress when she's on iCarly... not Miranda, Carly! On the webshow, Carly seems like a fun and bubbly person. And that's not how she acts in her daily life. Mind you... I wouldn't say she's being deceptive or anything. It's just a different side of her that she gets to invoke under those particular circumstances. We can all relate to that if we try, I'm sure.
When she's not in front of the camera, she's actually a pretty reserved person. Not a bad person, just reserved. It's probably a natural reaction to the unbridled wackiness of her brother who is also her guardian. A classic case of the ward having to keep things in order for the free-spirited parent figure (like Rory & Lorelai in Gilmore Girls). In fact, most of the time Carly is playing the 'straight man' (or "comic foil") for her friend Sam, and that's where she has most of her endearing moments. Contrary to her bubbly web-persona, she spends a good portion of her time yelling and screaming in a vain attempt to keep the peace, or scowling at someone (usually Sam)'s irreverence towards common decency (like spitting soda all over the counter, for example).
On the deeper level, I see two sides to Carly Shay's... shall we say soul? Personality? Whatever word you like. On the one side she seems to be a bit overloved, a mildly spoiled young girl. Prissy is the word she uses to describe it, herself (well, after Sam said the same). I think this side of her comes out most in regards to her friend Freddie, who has had a crush on her since they first met. Now, not wanting to go out with Freddie is perfectly understandable and not remotely spoiled or in-the-wrong. But Carly reveals herself when she gets jealous. Contrary to Creddie dogma, I do not believe that Carly Shay has any romantic feelings for Freddie. She's had a million and one chances to be with Freddie if that's what she wants. And if she has no romantic feelings for him, the fact that she gets mad at Freddie when he displays attraction towards others... Well, it seems like she wants to keep him on a little leash, by her side so that she can be loved, but with absolutely no intention of ever reciprocating that love. Of course, who can blame her for wanting to be loved? It's a natural and important thing. But it's still not very nice of her to lead Freddie on like that.
The other side I see of Carly's personality is the other result of her having been a bit overloved, she's a kind and loving person. Sam's the opposite, having grown up unloved has carved her into a strong-willed and rugged person, with unabridged apathy for just about everybody and everything (except towards food, herslf, and Carly, who she is in love with, and/or Freddie, who she may alternatively be in love with). Even Freddie can't be counted on to step up at all the right times. Carly is the character who most frequently steps in and tries to help out whoever's in need. Carly also acts as the group's moral compass, while Freddie sheepishly tries to catch up with Sam's rebellious ways.
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