Throughout six seasons, fans of Glee watched Rachel Berry go from an ambitious high school vocalist to a Tony Award-winning performer. Her growth as a character is captivated not only through her memorable musical musings but also her dialogue, which ranges from heartfelt and sincere to remarkably absurd.
Whether you love or loathe her, there’s no denying that her raw talent and drive make her one of the series’ most illustrious personalities. As Glee nears its 12th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on McKinley High’s resident diva, who has become as well known for her signature belt as she has for her biting words.
10 "You're Very Talented. I Should Know, I'm Very Talent Too"
Although Rachel can be self-absorbed, she can also assume the role of leader when she needs to. In the pilot episode of Glee, she uses her knack for recognizing talent and provides Finn with a much-needed boost of confidence. Somehow, she masterfully circles the compliment back to herself, but this is one instance where Berry uses her self serving powers for good.
Not only do her words help her soon-to-be boyfriend recognize his musical potential, but they also help Mr. Shue assemble the team that will eventually become the New Directions.
9 "He Did Seem Crazy. Charged My Credit Card By Swiping It Through His Butt Crack"
While Rachel thrives on her self-confidence and drive, she also appears to exhibit naïve behavior repeatedly throughout the series. For example, when the New Directions arrive in New York City for Sectionals, Rachel, a Broadway aficionado, scores the group tickets to Cats from a scalper.
She soon realizes her big mistake when Quinn reminds her that the musical has been closed for years. For someone full of self-assurance, it’s always fun to see her character expose her gullible side.
8 "Girls Want Sex Just As Much As Guys Do!"
In season 1, episode 2, “Showmance,” Rachel joins McKinley’s Celibacy Club, led by fellow Direction-er, Quinn Fabray. It soon becomes apparent to Rachel that the group’s ideologies are rooted in a conservative mindset that does little actually to educate the student body on matters of safe sex.
After reaching her breaking point, Rachel blurts out her true feelings, which surprises the club members. Most of the time, Rachel’s opinions are ill-informed and dated, so it’s refreshing to see her take a feminist and forward-thinking stance on the topic.
7 "I Look Forward To The Day The Paparazzi Provokes Me And I Attack Them"
There are many distinct traits that make up the whole of Rachel’s personally: Ambitious, sensitive, and, perhaps, even a little menacing. She’s not afraid to use physical threats to uphold her dreams of making on the Great White Way and viewers even see her slap Santana later on in the series.
As strong as her ambition is, it’s also a tad scary to know that not much holds her back from pursuing her dreams, even if that means resorting to extreme measures.
6 "My Personality, Though Exciting And Full Of Personality, Isn't Exactly Low-Maintenance"
One of the most defining things about the character of Rachel Berry is that she knows exactly who she is and she never apologizes for it. She’s totally aware of her diva antics and uses them to advance her success by any means necessary. Her merciless drive and standards create tension in every relationship she encounters, from her love life to her career.
This is part of what makes her such a great character to watch: one never knows what she’s going to say but you can bet that it’s always coming from a place of self-awareness.
5 "Your Face Tastes Awesome"
In episode 14 of season 2, “Blame it on The Alcohol,” Rachel hosts a party for the New Directions. While her intentions are to have an innocent little gathering, the party soon takes a turn for the worse when the Glee club break into the liquor cabinet.
This is one of the first times audiences see Rachel let loose and let her ego fall to the wayside. During a game of Spin-the-bottle, she matches with Blaine, and the two share a kiss that results in this awkward quote, leaving him feeling perplexed.
4 “I Am Like Tinkerbell, Finn. I Need Applause To Live”
Rachel Berry is a master at injecting theatricality into every aspect of her existence, and this line is a prime example. When the vocalist loses her voice in season 1, episode 18’s “Laryngitis,” she fears that it might end her musical theatre career before it even begins.
While it is a humorous moment, it is also devastating to picture her losing out on her life long dream and never being able to sing again. As fans of the show know, her voice eventually healed, and her trademark pipes made a triumphant comeback.
3 "Being A Part Of Something Special Makes You Special"
Arguably, some of Rachel’s best moments come from the pilot episode of Glee. Some of them are comedy gold, while others are heartfelt. This balance is the embodiment of the series, which always strives for that delicate balance between cutting humor and genuine moments of tenderness. For this episode, Rachel is the mascot of that equilibrium.
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Perhaps what is most beautiful and memorable about this quote is that it makes a cameo in her Tony Award-winning speech in the series’ finale. It’s a tremendous full-circle moment that is not only a way to reunite Rachel in her humble beginning but also serves as a lovely nod to the fans of the show.
2 "I Didn't Send Her To An Active Crack House"
Perhaps her ambition is Rachel’s biggest strength and also her biggest flaw. Glee has a ton of moments where her drive pushes her to commit awful and selfish acts, but this moment takes the cake. When an exchange student, Sunshine Corzan (played by Jake Zyrus), enters the picture, her outstanding voice poses an instant threat to Rachel. Instead of sending to the auditions, Berry instead gives the address of a crack house.
Mr. Shue, Tina, and Mike confront Rachel for her mean-spirited diversion, which results in Rachel making one weak yet memorable defense.
1 "My Gold Stars Are A Metaphor For ME Being A Star"
From the moment she first appears onscreen in Glee’s pilot, Rachel’s whole persona is instantly captivated by her storming down the hallway, full of that ruthless drive fans adore. This quote masterfully sums her up and immediately tells the audience who she is.
Even though Rachel evolves over the series, her ambitious nature never disappears; it simply becomes more refined. It isn’t far fetched to imagine an adult Rachel Berry still be using gold stars to solidify her status while signing autographs at the stage door.
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