Edna Mode

Edna "E" Mode is a fictional character in Pixar's The Incredibles franchise. She first appears in The Incredibles (2004) as an eccentric fashion designer known for working with several famous superheroes, particularly Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl (Bob and Helen Parr). When the couple resumes their superhero careers after a fifteen-year hiatus, Edna unretires to help both characters – now parents – with their costumes, personal lives, and family matters. In Incredibles 2, she babysits the Parrs' youngest child, Jack-Jack, and helps the family better understand and cope with his developing superpowers.

The Incredibles' writer and director, Brad Bird, created Edna to explain how superheroes in The Incredibles universe obtain their costumes, a topic he believes is rarely explored in superhero films convincingly. Bird decided to voice the character himself after several actresses originally considered for the role failed to replicate Edna's unique accent. The director understood that, in addition to fashion expertise, the character would need to demonstrate proficiency in science, engineering and technology in order to create costumes capable of withstanding the trials of superheroic activities, and ultimately conceived her as a short, confident character of both German and Japanese descent based on these countries' reputations as small yet powerful nations. Inspired by Q from the James Bond franchise, Edna is widely believed to have been based primarily on costume designer Edith Head, although there continues to be constant speculation as to which celebrities inspired Edna, particularly Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, designer Iris Apfel and actress Linda Hunt.

Despite having only supporting roles in both films, Edna has since established herself as The Incredibles' breakout character due to her popularity among fans. Film critics agree that Edna is a scene-stealer, particularly praising her humor and dialogue; Bird has also been lauded for his voice acting, earning an Annie Award for Voice Acting in a Feature Production for his performance as the character. Edna has been recognized as one of Pixar's greatest characters by several prominent media publications.