[agmcleod]

I'd argue bart was more the main character in the first few seasons. Even though dialogue count doesnt support it. There were a number of key episodes about him. Though others existed around the other simpsons too. Like homer becoming the safety inspector, lisa meeting bleeding gums murphy.

[fullshark]

He was the focus of the marketing for sure. I remember Bart Simpson t shirts everywhere, video games starring Bart Simpson. "Do the Bartman" etc.