Ann Perkins

Ann Meredith Perkins, 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 Arbor, 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, whose many unique compliments specific to Ann, such as “beautiful opalescent tree shark” (One Last Ride) are a running gag in the show. Ann is often portrayed as the straight man, grounded and logical, opposed to the eccentric Leslie. 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.