Theodore is the Alvin and the Chipmunks character who has nightmares and climbs into bed with Dave. The scene highlights Theodore's gentle, anxious personality, contrasting with Alvin's impulsiveness and Simon's more analytical nature.
The three chipmunks were created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958, originally as high-pitched novelty recording voices. Theodore is traditionally portrayed as the youngest-looking and most sensitive member of the trio. His love of food, emotional openness, and tendency to become frightened often make him the most vulnerable of the brothers.
Dave Seville is the human songwriter and father figure who raises Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. Although Dave frequently becomes exasperated by their mischief, he is also their protector, which explains why Theodore seeks him out after waking from a bad dream. A common mix-up is confusing Theodore's timid behavior with Simon's nervousness; Simon is the intellectual one, while Theodore is the sweet, easily frightened chipmunk.