15 Viral Moments: The 'What Does He Even Do?' Meme Explained (And Why It’s Still Relevant In 2024)

The internet has a unique way of crystallizing a universal feeling of confusion, and no phrase captures the modern sense of skepticism quite like the "What Does He Even Do?" meme. As of December 2025, this simple, four-word question remains one of the most versatile and viral reaction templates on the web, applied to everything from fictional characters with ambiguous roles to real-life bosses whose job descriptions are a mystery. The meme's enduring power lies in its ability to call out perceived uselessness or a lack of clear purpose, turning a moment of genuine head-scratching into a shared, humorous experience across every fandom and corporate office.

This deep-dive article will explore the true origin of the "What Does He Even Do?" meme, break down the psychological concept behind its virality, and—most importantly—list the most famous and current examples of characters, public figures, and fictional entities who have been mercilessly subjected to this question. It is a testament to the meme’s flexibility that it can be applied to a fantasy elf from Middle-earth and a corporate executive with equal comedic effect.

The Anatomy of Skepticism: Origin and Meaning of the Meme

Unlike many iconic memes tied to a single, specific image or video, the "What Does He Even Do?" meme is primarily a phrase-based template. Its power comes from the sheer relatability of the question itself, which can be overlaid onto countless reaction images, GIFs, or screenshots. The core meaning is an expression of genuine, often humorous, confusion regarding the perceived value or contribution of a person or entity within a group, narrative, or organization.

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The Flexible Template and Its Earliest Usage

The meme’s popularity is not rooted in a single photograph but in the ubiquity of the phrase. It functions as a meta-commentary on characters or people who seem to exist purely in the background, whose actions are either negligible or whose role appears redundant. Early uses of the template can be traced back to general meme generators on platforms like Imgflip and discussions on Reddit in the early 2020s, where users began applying the text to various scenarios.

• The Core Intent: The phrase is used to highlight a character or person who seems to have a high-status title or an important role but never actually performs a useful or identifiable task.
• The Versatility: It is frequently used in discussions of fictional universes, where large casts of characters inevitably include a few whose narrative purpose is weak or whose powers are ill-defined.
• The Evolution: The meme has evolved from simple text overlays to sophisticated video edits and GIF templates, often featuring a person looking utterly bewildered or a character being ignored by others.

The meme taps into a common human experience: observing a system—be it a company, a government, or a fictional crew—and realizing one of its components is seemingly doing nothing. This collective recognition of "dead weight" is what keeps the meme fresh and endlessly applicable in 2024 and beyond.

The 15 Most Viral Entities Subjected to the Meme

The true measure of the "What Does He Even Do?" meme's impact is the sheer number of famous, infamous, and fictional entities it has targeted. From the most obscure anime characters to global political figures, here are 15 of the most popular and enduring targets of the skepticism meme, which serve as excellent examples of topical authority:

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1. Legolas (Lord of the Rings): A classic example, the meme targets the elven archer for his seemingly minimal contribution compared to the narrative heavy-lifting done by Frodo, Sam, Aragorn, and Gandalf. A quote attributed to J.R.R. Tolkien himself—though likely apocryphal—even questioned what Legolas actually did, fueling the meme’s longevity.
2. Cousin Greg (Succession): While he is a key character, the meme gained traction in the *Succession* fandom, questioning Greg Hirsch’s actual job title and responsibilities within the Waystar RoyCo hierarchy beyond being a tall, awkward observer.
3. Manfred (Arknights): A popular target in the gaming community, the meme is frequently applied to the character Manfred from the mobile game *Arknights*, with fans expressing confusion over his actual strategic role or impact in the narrative.
4. Nico Robin (One Piece): Fans often joke that the character Nico Robin, with her ability to read Poneglyphs, only ever uses her powers when the plot specifically requires it, leading to the "What Does She Even Do?" variant.
5. Psycho Mantis (Metal Gear Solid): While a memorable boss, the meme is sometimes used ironically to question the purpose of his elaborate psychic abilities in the broader context of the series' plot.
6. The Vice President: A common political application, the meme is often used to question the concrete, day-to-day responsibilities of a Vice President in any administration, regardless of the person holding the office.
7. The Corporate Middle Manager: The most relatable real-world application, targeting the boss who attends endless meetings but produces no discernible work product.
8. The Sixth Ranger (Power Rangers): In many *Power Rangers* series, the late-joining 'Sixth Ranger' is so powerful they often make the core team's efforts seem superfluous, inviting the meme.
9. Lando Calrissian (Star Wars): The meme is occasionally applied to Lando, questioning his usefulness in the original trilogy after his initial betrayal.
10. The Goalkeeper in a 5-0 Game: A sports-related variant, questioning the purpose of the goalie when their team's offense is so dominant.
11. The HR Department: Another corporate favorite, used to express skepticism about the true function of Human Resources beyond paperwork and compliance.
12. The Character Who Sits on a Throne: In fantasy epics, the king or queen who only sits and gives orders, never engaging in the action, is a prime target.
13. The White Mage/Healer: In many RPGs, if the party is over-leveled, the healer's only job is to stand around, leading to the meme.
14. M. Bison (Street Fighter): The meme has been applied to the villain, questioning the actual purpose of his "Psycho Power" when he seems to lose every major fight.
15. The Mascot Character: Any fictional universe's non-fighting, non-contributing, but ever-present mascot is an easy target for this meme's skepticism.

The Psychology Behind the Meme’s Enduring Popularity

Why does a simple question like "What Does He Even Do?" continue to resonate and go viral years after its initial spread? The answer lies in a few key psychological and sociological concepts that the meme perfectly encapsulates.

The Diderot Effect and Consumer Skepticism

The meme is a form of consumer skepticism, a concept that extends beyond just products to media and corporate structures. When a character or employee is introduced with great fanfare or holds a prominent position, there is an expectation of contribution. When that contribution is absent or minimal, the cognitive dissonance creates the perfect environment for the meme. The question is a collective call-out of an unfulfilled promise.

Furthermore, the meme can be seen as a modern take on the Emperor's New Clothes parable. It takes a certain level of courage or, in the case of the internet, collective anonymity, to point out that a powerful or prominent figure is seemingly useless. The meme acts as the collective voice of the internet saying, "Wait, is anyone else seeing this?"

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The Rise of 'Useless' Character Tropes

The meme's popularity is also a direct reflection of modern storytelling and media consumption. With the rise of massive cinematic universes and long-running video game franchises, there is a constant need to expand the cast of characters. This inevitably leads to the creation of characters who, while visually interesting or ideologically important, have little actual impact on the plot. These "useless character tropes" are tailor-made for the "What Does He Even Do?" meme, providing an endless supply of fresh targets.

The meme allows fans to engage critically with the media they consume without being overly negative. It’s a playful, humorous critique that acknowledges the character's existence while simultaneously questioning their narrative necessity. This critical yet affectionate engagement ensures the meme remains a core part of online fan culture.

How to Use the Meme Effectively in 2025

To use the "What Does He Even Do?" meme effectively in its current iteration, one must understand its context. It is no longer just about a character doing nothing; it's about the perceived gap between expectation and reality.

• Target Ambiguous Roles: Apply it to a newly announced corporate title that sounds important but is vaguely defined (e.g., "Chief Synergy Officer").
• Highlight Narrative Flaws: Use it when a powerful character is inexplicably absent during a major crisis in a movie or show.
• Focus on Irony: The best uses are often ironic, targeting characters who are *supposed* to be doing a lot but are perpetually failing or standing on the sidelines (e.g., a security guard who is always asleep).

The "What Does He Even Do?" meme is more than just a passing internet trend; it is a fundamental tool for expressing collective skepticism in the digital age. Its ability to pivot between high-stakes fictional narratives and the mundane realities of the corporate world ensures its longevity. As long as there are people with ambiguous job titles and characters with questionable plot relevance, this meme will continue to ask the essential, hilarious question.