[4] Ralph is characterized as a slow-witted and good-natured 8-year-old boy in Lisa Simpson's second-grade class,[5] taught by Ms. Hoover.

"[7] In other instances, Ralph has been shown to speak with relative ease, notably in "I Love Lisa" when he gives an uncharacteristically powerful performance as George Washington in a school play.

Early Ralph spoke with a voice similar to that of Nelson Muntz's until Cartwright settled into his higher-pitched whine.

[12][11] The staff later retconned Ralph into the son of Chief Wiggum, a fact initially hinted at in "Kamp Krusty" and later made canon in "I Love Lisa".

"[13] Ralph's normal attire usually consists of a blue long-sleeve shirt with a collar, a belt with a red buckle, and brown pants.

However, almost all Simpsons-related media and merchandise, portray Ralph with white or light gray colored pants.

[14] In one particular issue of the comic book, Ralph is drawn in a realistic style, depicted with blonde hair.

The comedy band The Bloodhound Gang made a song titled "Ralph Wiggum" on the album Hefty Fine, dedicated to the character and composed solely of some of his most famous quotes for lyrics.