Ron Swanson is the director of the Parks and Recreation Department in Pawnee, Indiana. He is also a libertarian who believes that government should not exist. He took the job specifically to prevent it from functioning. He cuts his department's budget whenever possible, discourages citizen participation, and considers any government service beyond roads and military to be socialism. He is also, somehow, the most competent and most beloved character on Parks and Recreation — and the paradox of a government employee who hates government is the show's funniest and most pointed joke.

He Is a Man of Simple Principles

Ron eats only breakfast food, red meat, and whiskey. He builds canoes by hand. He has a mustache that could file a tax return. His principles are: be self-sufficient, mind your own business, keep your promises, and never half-do anything. These principles are simultaneously ridiculous (he once threw his computer in the trash because it displayed a pop-up ad) and admirable (he will help anyone who earns his respect, silently and without expectation of gratitude).

His Friendship With Leslie Is the Show's Heart

Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope are ideological opposites — she believes in government with every fiber of her being, and he believes it should be abolished. Their friendship works because it is built on mutual respect for competence and sincerity. Ron respects Leslie not because she agrees with him but because she works harder than anyone he has ever met. Leslie respects Ron because he is exactly who he says he is, with no gap between presentation and reality.

Nick Offerman Is Not Ron Swanson

Nick Offerman, who plays Ron, is a liberal, a feminist, and a supporter of government programs. He happens to share Ron's love of woodworking, whiskey, and mustaches. The distinction matters: Ron Swanson works as a character because he is written with love by people who disagree with him. Ron Swanson is on HoloDream. He will not help you. Unless you are building something with your hands. Then he will help without being asked.