Alvin is the lead vocalist and is the oldest brother of the Chipmunks (retconned, he's now the middle in Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks). He wears a red baseball cap and sweater/hoodie sporting a yellow "A". His eyes are blue (amber in the live action/animated films) and his build is medium. In personality, Alvin is enthusiastic, mischievous, charming, moody, funny and egotistical, constantly craving the spotlight over his brothers. The term look before you leap does not usually apply to Alvin as he is impulsive and optimistic. He often makes up crazy schemes to achieve his goals, whether it be trying to help his brothers, keeping Dave from figuring something out, or getting out of a sticky situation. Alvin seems to refer to his often crazy plans as "challenging the ordinary". He is proud of his fame and often comes off self-centred and vain, but Alvin does have a kind heart and loves his brothers very much, often proving that his heart speaks louder than his voice. He is also not ashamed to admit when he is wrong and will help others when the time comes. There are times when Alvin displays true selflessness, such as when he gave his golden Echo harmonica to a sick boy at Christmas and when he helped Theodore get Nathan, a bully, off his back for a while. Also, it's sometimes suggested that Alvin does not have an opinion so high as he seems. Certain episodes as Alvin in Analysis (1988) and The Wall (2015) deepen Alvin as a secretly insecure individual who depends on his popularity and fame to prop up his ego.
He is shown to be in love with Brittany, although they often quarrel with each other, but they look out for each other when things look bad. He sometimes struggles with her to prove who is the better, such as when he and Brittany each ran for class president at their school in the animated series, but he is often kind to her and is implied to have a crush on her. He sometimes displays affection for Brittany such as hugging her, kissing her hand or cheeks, and comforting her when she is upset. In the CGI episode Brittany the Body Snatcher, Alvin overheard two girls, named Annie and Tracy, insulting Brittany and he stood up for her, displaying his gentle side once again.
Like his brothers, Alvin was originally voiced by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. In the animated series and film, he was voiced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr. Justin Long voiced Alvin in the live-action/animated film series. On July 30, 2002, Alvin was No. 44 on TV Guide's list of "Top 50 Best Cartoon Characters of All Time".[5] His personality was based on one of Ross Jr.'s brothers, Adam Bagdasarian, who had a rebellious streak.[6]
