13 Reasons Why: 10 Best Characters, Ranked

Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has seen its cast of unique characters. Mostly high school students, there are also the parents, school staff, police officers, and others. But when it comes to favorite characters, it’s usually the students.

Many of the characters are pretty polarizing, and some are considered the best mainly because of their compelling storylines and not necessarily because they are good people. But there are also some clear fan favorites.

So who are the best main characters on the show, of those who were still around or made appearances in season four, and why? While it’s up for debate, here’s a list worth discussing. Note: spoilers up to season four ahead.

10 Clay

If Clay was meant to be a fan favorite as the main character on the series, it didn’t quite work out that way. Viewers can’t help but like him and appreciate his constant desire to save people. But he has annoying moments and transformed into a completely different person by season four.

He means well and is a good kid, as his therapist shows him throughout season four. Still, while he is worth including, he barely makes the list at number 10.

9 Alex

There’s so much complexity and confusion with Alex, yet he still ranks among the top 10. Despite his lack of self-confidence, person after person seems to fall for him, either romantically or otherwise. From Jessica to Zack, Winston and Charlie.

And even despite him being responsible for Bryce’s death, his friends stood by him, partly because it would implicate them as well but also because they truly believed he was a good person and deserved more.

8 Tony

While all of the actors are playing characters much younger than their real ages, Tony is the least convincing. At 28 years old in real life, he doesn’t quite pull off a character who is supposed to be 10 years younger.

Nonetheless, he ranks in the top 10 because of the fact that he is trustworthy and always has everybody’s back. That included Hannah who, among everyone she met at school, chose him to be the one to deliver the tapes for her. That counts for something.

7 Jessica

After her trauma of being raped then going through a major trial only to see Bryce get off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist, Jessica had been through a lot. But she came out stronger and became an outspoken activist for women’s rights, at the school and elsewhere.

Filled with anger for much of the show, she slowly began to come around and realize that she needed to let love in. She could get under peoples’ skin and sometimes focused too much on one cause. But it’s difficult not to appreciate how she turned tragedy into the chance to educate and help others.

6 Charlie

Charlie wasn’t featured much in previous seasons but he became a big part of season four as the high school football team quarterback who was the complete opposite of what you would picture. Tall, lanky, and gay, he made no apologies for who he was and seemingly didn’t really care what others thought about him.

His bravery in coming out to his father and approaching a relationship with Alex with such vigor makes him a character to both adore and applaud.

5 Bryce

The best? Well, in terms of compelling characters, yes. There would be no story without Bryce, and after season one, the subsequent seasons really took a chance to show different sides of the high school jock and total jerk.

Even though his actions were not justified, viewers got to see more layers of Bryce and his personal life that at least showed why he might have developed the issues and attitudes he did and suggest that he should have sought help long before he acted out in the ways he did.

4 Zack

Zack is one of those characters viewers can’t help love. The tall, handsome jock, he could have his pick of girls yet he was far too timid and shy to start a romance. A star on the football field, he was also not like the other guys and truly respected women.

He captured Hannah’s heart for a reason, and while his character deteriorated in seasons 3 and 4, he still remains one of the favorites.

3 Justin

A smile that could melt a thousand hearts. That is how he was described. Initially portrayed as a popular jock and jerk who was best friends with Bryce, the truth about him was finally revealed. He was from a broken home with a drug addict for a mother, and eventually got into drugs himself.

Yet he had the biggest story of redemption and hope, which is why viewers were so upset at how the story ended for him.

2 Mr. and Mrs. Jensen

Rarely in a teen drama show like this one do the parents rank among the top characters. But in this case, an exception is worth making. Not only did they have their son Clay teetering on the edge of sanity, but they also took in Justin, a troubled kid from Clay’s school, agreeing to be his legal guardians.

They did everything in their power to help both boys, including sending Clay to a therapist, sending Justin to rehab, getting medical care for both, and getting involved with school activities. Sure, they could be a bit overbearing at times. But it’s tough to imagine more perfect and caring parents.

1 Tyler

Tyler might be the character who had the greatest impact on the most people. Initially isolated and lonely, he was bullied relentlessly for being “different” and “weird.” He let rage build up in him until something truly terrible happened and he couldn’t take it anymore.

But he also showed that people can be saved and that by accepting others and making them feel loved and trusted, individuals can truly make a difference in someone’s life. If the character gave even one person the confidence to approach others or someone the courage to make friends with the outcasts, it makes him the best.

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