Lea Michele is set return to Broadway to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams: playing Fanny Brice in the musical Funny Girl. Michele's character in Glee, the dramatic diva Rachel Berry, also played Fanny on the show's revival of Funny Girl, making this a curious case of life imitating art.
Rachel was Glee's de facto lead. Talented but somewhat annoying, Rachel was infamous for her intense and over-the-top behavior. However, she was undeniably talented and hilarious, and these quotes are the proof. Funny, poignant and even emotional, they represent everything she stood for as a character.
"Being Part Of Something Special Makes You Special."
Season 1, Episode 1 - "Pilot"
Rachel begins the show by being overly driven and acting annoyingly enthusiastic about the Glee Club. She wants the New Directions to do well because, in her words, "being part of something special makes you special."
Rachel is a deeply insecure character. She endures constant bullying from the Cheerios, the football team, and even some teachers. She wants people to accept her more than anything, and being part of a popular school clique would work in her favor. This way of thinking makes sense for a sixteen-year-old girl and perfectly encapsulates Rachel's entire high school persona. She eventually outgrows this idea, but it plays a prominent part of her story for nearly half the show.
"You Are Very Talented. I Should Know; I'm Very Talented Too."
Season 1, Episode 1 - "Pilot"
Glee season 1 was full of great moments that keep getting better. Rachel's relationship with Finn is one of those, thanks to their chemistry and the fact the show still hadn't gone off the rails. Rachel likes Finn instantly, and although adjusting to her takes him some time, he eventually gets there.
The early days of their relationship are also entertaining because Rachel is at her most self-absorbed. Even when paying Finn a compliment, she can't help but bring herself into the conversation. Rachel is aware of her talent and appreciates those who can keep up with her, but she's also fond of reminding everyone how much of a star she is.
"I'm Like Tinkerbell, Finn. I Need Applause To Live."
Season 1, Episode 18 - "Laryngitis"
Even with all her insecurities, Rachel knows how talented she is. Indeed, she's confident in her voice, knowing it separates her from everyone around her, especially in a town like Lima. Rachel values and takes great care of her gift, placing all her hopes and dreams on her voice. Logically, whenever she gets sick, her world comes crumbling down.
When Rachel gets laryngitis, she becomes so depressed she even goes to school in her pajamas. She claims she's no one without her voice, prompting Finn to help change her perspective. Still, Rachel remains proud and appreciative of her voice throughout the rest of the show, proving that some behaviors die hard.
"I Look Forward To The Day The Paparazzi Provokes Me And I Attack Them."
Season 2, Episode 2 - "Britney/Brittany"
Rachel is one of the characters who appear the most in Glee, and she has the same dream throughout: to become famous by using her beautiful voice on the stage. She's very aware of the dangers and challenges of fame but doesn't seem to care. In fact, she actively welcomes them.
Time and again, Rachel proves she's willing to do anything to become famous. She obviously speaks from inexperience, but there's truth to her words when saying she wants everything that comes with fame, the good and the bad. The season finale shows Rachel as a bonafide theater star winning a Tony Award. It's safe to say paparazzi do chase her, although it's unclear if she actually attacks them.
"She May Be Difficult, But, Boy, Can She Sing."
Season 2, Episode 21 - "Funeral"
Kurt and Rachel have one of the best friendships on Glee. Still, Kurt knows full well how demanding and challenging Rachel can be. He often points out how dramatic she is but remains by her side through thick and thin. Above all, Kurt appreciates and admires her talent, acknowledging it whenever he can.
Upon hearing her rendition of "My Man," a crying Kurt admits she's a difficult person, but her voice is one-of-a-kind. Indeed, Rachel can be annoying and bossy, but her talent is overwhelming, especially with a Barbra Streisand song. "My Man" is one of the most memorable songs on Glee, so it makes sense Kurt would be brought to tears by it.
"All I Want For Christmas Is You Too. And Five Things On That List."
Season 3, Episode 9 - "Extraordinary Merry Christmas"
Rachel loves Finn. She spends most of her high school pining over him, but their relationship isn't easy. Still, there's genuine and pure love between them, and they have a steady relationship throughout season three. Come Christmas time, Finn is struggling with what to give her as a present, so she gives him a long list of options. When he tells her all he wants is her, she replies with this hilarious quote.
Even with the man she loves, Rachel can't help but be self-absorbed. Her selfish instincts lead her to believe she deserves everything, and she expects Finn to live up to her and fulfill her lofty expectations. Rachel eventually becomes more selfless thanks to her many life experiences, even acting as Kurt and Blaine's surrogate in season six.
"I Am That Amazing Cloud."
Season 3, Episode 18 - "Choke"
"Choke" is one of the best episodes in Glee's third season. It features Rachel's audition to NYADA before Whoopi Goldberg's Carmen Tibideaux. As the episode's title implies, she messes it up by choking, although she eventually makes it to the prestigious school.
Rachel begins the episode by elaborating on how stars are born in space, concluding that she is as unique as one of those "amazing clouds." The monologue is a perfect way of understanding Rachel: she is confident but still needs affirmation. It makes sense that she'd repeat those compliments repeatedly, trying to ease her fears and insecurities, especially before important events.
"It's Exhausting Being Me."
Season 3, Episode 20 - "Props"
Throughout the show, many characters note how hard Rachel works. She wakes up early to exercise and practices her singing and dancing every day. Rachel is also supposedly a straight A student, although the show never really cares about the Glee kids' academic careers.
Still, Rachel is a hard-working young woman who is as tough on herself as she is on everyone else. When she says it's "exhausting" being her, she means it. Rachel does more than most other girls her age. Like Paris from Gilmore Girls and Tracy Flick from Election, Rachel pushes herself to the limit, making many enemies on the way.
"I'm The Biggest Broadway Star This School's Ever Produced."
Season 5, Episode 12 - "100"
Rachel's intense personality hasn't exactly aged well. Vain and self-involved, Rachel saw herself as superior to others in the Glee Club, and she often outright stated it without caring about their feelings. However, she's always trying to prove herself, wanting everyone to see her as she sees herself.
When she returns to McKinley during the show's 100th episode, Rachel is already a Broadway star. Still, she wants everyone to acknowledge her success, declaring herself "the biggest Broadway star this school's ever produced." She has a point. Not many McKinley students make it to the stage. However, her intense need for approval makes her vulnerable and pushes her to display her most toxic traits.
"Something Is Special Because You Are Part Of It."
Season 6, Episode 13 - "Dreams Come True"
Glee ended after six seasons, with Rachel finally winning a Tony Award. During her speech, she thanks everyone in McKinley and finishes by stating that, contrary to her initial belief, being part of something special doesn't make someone special. Instead, something is special because a person is part of it.
Rachel is still vain and self-assured but has finally understood the value in her flaws and unique traits. No longer trying to fit a stereotype, Rachel has learned to embrace the things that make her stand out, flaunting them with pride and embodying the message that Glee tried to push for six seasons.