People always equate Niles with the old Frasier from Cheers. But I see Niles as an entirely different character. While Frasier was pretty naive and optimistic about life (more of a romantic), Niles seems cynical and and even more pompous and dainty. What really defines him is his whole little brother inferiority complex, which explains his bitter verbal wit and marriage to Maris.

Does anybody else see them as very different characters?

Well they do have some similarities, but they're two entirely different characters .

I definitely see Niles as the old version of Frasier. At least I did. Niles evolved as the years went on, but in the beginning he was very pompous, egotistical and whipped. Much like Frasier was.

Originally posted by Chambers
People always equate Niles with the old Frasier from Cheers. But I see Niles as an entirely different character. While Frasier was pretty naive and optimistic about life (more of a romantic), Niles seems cynical and and even more pompous and dainty. What really defines him is his whole little brother inferiority complex, which explains his bitter verbal wit and marriage to Maris.

Does anybody else see them as very different characters?

They do have subtle differences, but for the most part they're very much alike.

Niles is much more pompous than Frasier ever was on Cheers.

Niles seems very cynical, whereas Frasier was always trying to find the best in people.

There's a quote from Jim Burrows where he says they deliberately made Niles the "old" Frasier so they could make the "new" Frasier more like Sam. That way, Frasier could carry a show a little better, and they could still keep the "old" Frasier.

Niles is overly cautious, whereas, Frasier is obsessive.

Originally posted by Moondance
Niles is overly cautious, whereas, Frasier is obsessive.

Vice-versa.

Originally posted by barwars
Vice-versa.


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