#3: The Shortcuts to the Top

George Costanza is the most self centered character on Seinfeld. He constantly thinks of himself and cheats for the easy way out of everything. What is so intriguing is the fact that he ends up on top in each situation. Using "The Pitch" as a giant example, Jerry gets an invitation from NBC to create his own TV show. Several conversations are centered around how much money the show will rake in. George proceeds to involve himself in the show simply because he must partake in the success of his friend. We see George lie to NBC about writing a Broadway play and in "The Ticket" when the representatives ask to read a copy, he concocts a bogus lie about its lack of existence. His concerns after the disastrous first meeting aren't that he might have ruined an opportunity for his friend, but that he ruined the chance to make some money. In the end, George's idea is a hit with NBC despite his lack of experience.


Another TV character that parallels that of George Costanza is Michael Scott of the hit sitcom, "The Office". Michael repeatedly lies to his employees and his boss to get out of uncomfortable situations and procrastinates on work issues pushing the responsibility to his subordinates. On his birthday, he was upset that no one payed enough attention to him but rather to Kevin, who was awaiting the results of his skin cancer test. Throughout the seasons and his tricks, Michael continues to hold his position at Dunder Mifflin. Michael and George are first on their priority lists and they always manage to come out on top.