Twilight Sparkle

Formerly Princess Celestia's star pupil, who had moved to Ponyville under the instructions to oversee festival preparations, but chose to stay after making friends with the townsfolk. From then on out, she has gone on adventures with her new friends and also aids the town with her magic, education, and organizational skills. She takes up residence at the town's library, where she continues her studies.

Her cutie mark is a pink star, surrounded by smaller white stars, which symbolize her magic abilities.

She is played by Tara Strong.

Background

Twilight is a native of Canterlot, Equetria's capital city. When Twilight was a filly, she was inspired to learn about magic after witnessing Princess Celestia raise the sun at the Summer Sun Celebration. She began to teach herself on the subject, up until her parents enrolled her into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. She ultimately failed her entrance exam due to the pressure, but after the effects of Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom made its way over Canterlot, her raw magic was released. After Celestia arrived to contain it, she decided to make Twilight her own protegee, which she has remained ever since.

As Twilight grew up, so did her abilities; as well as he need to learn. However, this also kept her from socializing with only a few people: mostly with her assistant, Spike. One day, after displaying concerns that a prophecy she read about was about to be fulfilled, Princess Celestia decided that Twilight needed to get out and make friends: sending her to Ponyville to oversee festival preparations. She meets her future friends, but is more concerned with the prophecy and also believes that the ponies she had met thus far are "crazy". When the prophecy does come true, which ushers in the return of Celestia's evil sister, Nightmare Moon, Twilight works with the ponies to stop her from bringing an unending rule of darkness to the land.

During the trial, she becomes close with the girls, who display courage and loyalty on behalf of Twilight. When they finally encounter Nightmare Moon, she acknowledges them as friends, which releases the power locked away in the shattered remnants of the Elements of Harmony. This power defeats Nightmare Moon, and returns her to her original form of Princess Luna. From then on out, Twilight remained in Ponyville to be with her new friends.

Personality

Twilight is the most educated member of the group, which makes her a dependable source of information. Because of this, she is often asked to settle disputes or solve problems that the group may face. She is also keen on organization, a secondary trait that gave her the title of All-Team Manager for the annual Winter Wrap-Up but also drives her to be an incurable perfectionist, itself having highs and lows.

But being more focused on learning has led to some negative traits. Her socialization is sometimes awkward, and has even been known to use books to research what sometimes are the most basic of tasks. (sleepovers, running) Also, she is often very serious, and nervous, whenever Princess Celestia comes to town. Like the rest of the residents, she too wants to leave a positive impact, but she sometimes takes it to the point of obsession.

Other Notes

• Twilight Sparkle is a newcomer to the My Little Pony toyline, having no direct past incarnations.
• Up until Episode 205 "Sisterhooves Social," she appeared in every episode in some form, and authored a personal letter to Princess Celestia, unless the princess was present. This may indicate her demotion from lead character.
• In a 2012 poll run by the major fan site, Equestria Daily, Twilight Sparkle was ranked as the #1 fan favorite.
• Since becoming an alicorn, Twilight is no longer Princess Celestia's student in the strictest sense. Their current relationship is more akin to a mentorship, with Princess Celestia now considering the two of them as equals.