Ann Perkins

Ann Meredith Traeger, née Perkins, RN, portrayed by Rashida Jones, is a fictional character in the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation. She is a nurse and Leslie Knope's best friend.

Ann is originally from Ann Harbor Michigan, moving to Pawnee sometime before the start of the series. Her ethnic background is a mystery and is often speculated about. After meeting Leslie Knope, the two quickly become best friends. Ann often serves as an inspiration to Leslie, who creates many unique compliments specific to Ann, such as “beautiful opalescent tree shark” (One Last Ride) Ann is often portrayed as the straight man, grounded and logical, opposed to Leslie who dreams big and wildly. Ann is Leslie’s motivator and the reason the series is set in motion. Ann originally came to a city hall meeting to ask that an abandoned pit near her house be filled. Before meeting and befriending Leslie, Ann had never participated in local government, but was motivated to see the pit beautification project be completed. Ann spends most of the series trying to discover herself. Ann is often uncertain and anxious, but still pushes herself, even when she is uncomfortable. She later discovers when she is in a relationship she gets swept into her boyfriend’s personalities and begins to date herself.