David Seville, or Dave to his friends and the Chipmunks, has his patience and sanity tested in practically every episode, song, and film that he is included in with the Chipmunks.

Beginning in The Alvin Show series, Dave is seen as the boys' songwriter and producer with the ability to play the piano and guitar. He tries extremely hard to keep the group focused during performances, but he always has the challenge to deal with such as getting them to practice and keeping them focused. When Alvin plays up, Dave yells his famous yell, "ALVIN!!!!" to which Alvin replies with "Okay!"

In the 80’s series, his fatherly side is shown more. Even though he gets tested at times, Dave has always been a very loving and caring father. The Chipmunks have to remind him sometimes that even though things are tough, they wouldn't be the same without him. For instance, in The Chipmunks episode, Dave's Wonderful Life, Dave believes that the boys are better without him, but their failures without him guiding and loving then become clear. In "We're So Glad It's You," the boys tell him that they aren't better without him.

Dave in the CGI/live-action films can seem more like their manager at times than a father. Throughout Alvin and the Chipmunks, he denies for most of the film that he is their father. By the end of the film, he finally claims that they're a family. His role in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel is minor because he's in the hospital for most of the film. Dave is finally seen as more of a father in Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. He talks about setting rules and seems to take more of a disciplined role. He tries taking advice from Simon to give them the chance to prove themselves, which turns out as a disaster. When the Chipmunks go overboard, he does everything he can to get them back. By Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, Dave changes careers and decides to become a music producer. The career swap leaves no time for the boys to tour and less time for Dave to be involved as a father. But as a result of uncertainties, Dave finally decides to formally adopt them and cement the idea that they are indeed family.

In the ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks series, Dave is once again portrayed as the caring father as in the 80s series. In this 2015 reboot, he is flanderized as a strict father who can go far. However, he still remains tolerable for the most part. In the new era, Dave has to overcome his weakness with improving technology with the help of his boys, a notable difference from previous incarnations. His kids, especially Alvin, still push his buttons. Dave is also stated to be an Eagle Scout in Kickin' It Old School, which gives additional insight into his character and experience. In Snake Charmer, it's revealed that Dave is afraid of snakes, due to being bitten by a snake as a kid. In Glory Days, it's revealed that Dave used to be in a band. In The Dinner, it's revealed that Dave has a rival. In Davey Boy, it can be suggested that Alvin was a lot like Dave when he was a kid.