The Crawfords

The Crawfords are prospective clients for Will’s uncle- Philip Banks. They are wealthy and affluent people who lead a happily married life. They are from wealthy families and have never been through hard times before. They both were born with silver spoons in their mouths. They have the ideal life, are healthy, have a lot of money and have three well-behaved children. All three of their children attended top universities. One is a lawyer, the other is a doctor and the third is a pilot. The Crawfords donate money to charities but have never helped or spent time with the less fortunate.

Hilary Banks

Hilary Banks is Will’s attractive, but dull-witted, eldest cousin, known for her notable lack of intelligence, her pretentious attitude, and for being spoilt. She is known for her snobbish outlook, is obsessed with shopping and money.  However, despite her apparent shallow personality, she has a strong sense of integrity and shows obvious affection to her family members.

Ashley Banks

Ashley Banks is Will’s younger cousin. Ashley was Vivian’s baby, and always loved being with her mommy. Philip was always trying to control Ashley’s life so she didn’t become anything like regular teenage girls. Will’s devil-may-care approach to life is an exciting alternative, which makes her generally more sympathetic and understanding towards him than other members of the Banks family.

Philip Banks

Philip Banks was raised on a farm. He went to Princeton University on a scholarship and later attended Harvard Law School. He is a lawyer with the firm of Firth, Wynn and Meyer. Philip is a somewhat strict and gruff man, but he does have a softer side. Nonetheless, his anger can get him into trouble at times, especially when he feels his image is being besmirched. He is a very caring and loving husband and father. He makes sure that he does what is best for all his children, including Will. Although Will is only related to Phillip by marriage, he very much cares for him like his own. Though he is a man of riches, he is rather stringent about his money.

 

Vivian Banks

Vivian Banks is a professor of Black History and Literature (Ph.D.) at UCLA. She has three sisters and her sister Vy’s son is Will. As Will’s aunty she cares for him very much. She is often seen as a buffer between Philip and Will as she chides her husband for scolding Will. When compared to her husband, Vivian is more kind hearted and lenient. At the same time, she is a no-nonsense, vocally-talented, forthright, and career-minded woman. 

Carlton Banks

Carlton Banks is Will’s cousin and the second child to Mr and Mrs Banks. Although Carlton and Will often trade insults, Carlton obviously cares about Will. He dresses in a preppy style, has conservative political leanings, is obsessed with college and his future career, is fairly short, and does not enjoy the popular music of most people his age. Despite his geeky persona, he is well-built. He is often seen making ridiculously self-centered comments and is often slapped on the head by Will. 

 

Will Smith

Will Smith was born in West Philadelphia. His mother forced him to move to Bel-air after his fight incident with a gangster. In Bel-air, he is away from the streets, goes to a good school and lives with his uncle, aunty and cousins. Will is witty and is frequently seen hatching plots to get rich quick, seduce a girl, and have fun despite the wishes of his strict Uncle Phillip. Well-meaning but impulsive, Will’s ego and a sense of pride direct him in the wrong direction. However, a big heart and guilty conscience usually ensure that Will does the right thing in the end. He has a sly sense of humor, and frequently jokes about Philip’s weight, Carlton’s height, Hilary’s materialism and consumerism, and Ashley’s schoolgirl crushes. Having grown up in the inner city, Will is unaccustomed to the Banks’ affluence, and sometimes looks down on them or resents them for it.

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