I sit in front of my canvas, racking my brain for what to paint. To break out of my creative block, my mind wanders to a world where I imagine shapes as people. What if shapes had personalities? How would I rank them? Here’s a ranking of my top 2D shapes based on the personalities I imagine them to have.

5. Parallelogram

Parallelogram looks at Rectangle. Parallelogram wants to be one. Yet, why does Parallelogram lean when it stands and slant when it tries? It’s always a little crooked, a little off. But Parallelogram has dreams. It straightens its edges. Maybe today will finally be the day to become Rectangle. But the moment it lets go — Parallelogram is right where it started. Parallelogram groans and leans into the slant. Maybe this is just who it is. Maybe it’s okay to be a little off. 

“At least Parallelogram’s area is base times height, just like Rectangle, right? … I guess I just admire Parallelogram’s mindset.”

4. Rhombus

Rhombus is royal. Rhombus wears purple. Rhombus is pompous. There’s just no one like Rhombus. Rhombus is just too good for anyone — except those who meet its level. Square? Boring. Star? Try-hard. Diamond? Now we’re talking. Rhombus doesn’t sit, but lounges on its throne, sipping something fancy. Rhombus doesn’t tilt like Parallelogram. Rhombus is Rhombus, perfect at every angle. Although it’s got some personality… it’s not the nice type. Rhombus is too busy looking important and just waits to be admired. 

“Rhombus may shine, but he stays at number four.”

3. Squircle

Squircle sits somewhere, not quite round, not quite square. Squircle just wobbles wherever it goes. Squircle just tumbles, no worries at all! It’s a fluffy ball of geometric confusion, bouncing through the world on paws so pristine. Squircle just exists with no care in the world. When the sun is out and the weather is clear, Squircle runs and chases butterflies. When the rain pours, Squircle lays like a bean under a tree. 

“Squircle’s just so cute, and that’s why he’s three!”

2. Triangle

Triangle. Sharp. dangerous. The ninja of shapes. Triangle flies through the air. Triangle cuts Diamond in half. But Triangle’s a bad ninja. It tries to sneak, but it goes thump thump thump. Shuriken? Too pointy. Stealthy? Trips on its own acute angle. Smoke bomb? Blew up too soon. Triangle sighs and just leaves through the door. But its imperfections are what makes Triangle perfect. 

“He’s funny, and I’ll give him points for that.”

1. Circle

Circles, circles, circles… Where do I even begin? Round and round my thoughts go… what do I love about circles? Well, I can hold a circle in my hand with no pain. With round edges, it’s smooth and resilient. Put two circles together, and it makes an infinity with infinite sides. Isn’t that infinitely interesting? Also, Circle doesn’t walk. Circle rolls. Circle’s always on the move, never sitting still. 

As I watch Circle bounce away, I can’t help but think, “Wow, I just love circles.”