Stranger Things: The 10 Best Characters

In 2016, Stranger Things took the world by storm when it was released on Netflix. The Duffer brothers brought the town of Hawkins and its residents to life in the widely successful sci-fi drama and have since created some iconic characters whose stories have been incredibly well written.

One of the greatest elements of the series is its exploration of unique and captivating characters. While many have become fan favorites since the beginning, others have gone through impressive character arcs that mean they are now the most beloved of all.

10 Mike Wheeler

In the close-knit group of boys, Mike is the natural leader. He has a sympathetic and compassionate nature, especially regarding Eleven. While the rest of the party members think she is strange because of her abilities, Mike is the only one who looks past this and makes her feel normal.

While he can be overbearing and overprotective at times, it’s admirable because it’s clear that he’s doing it out of love. He displays immense bravery throughout the seasons and is always looking for ways to help his friends.

9 Murray Bauman

When characters need help, Murray is the person they turn to. Although he can be overlooked because he features less than others, his quirky and eccentric behavior makes him hard to forget. While he isn’t overly trusting with people, he somehow forms the most unexpected friendship with Alexei and their charming companionship is a pleasure to watch.

Murray has the natural ability to accurately read people and his brutal honesty means he never holds back. While he seems miserable and cynical on the surface, he often provides the audience with endless hilarity with his undeniable wit.

8 Lucas Sinclair

As one of the original party members, Lucas is the one who keeps the boys grounded. He regards his friends in the highest possible manner and displayed on several occasions that he was fiercely loyal. He values his friendships so much that he even fell out with Mike about Eleven because he felt he was losing his friend.

When he found out that Eleven and Max spied on him and Mike, he was quick to forgive them both and his relationship with Max enabled him to mature. Although he can be stubborn, he is extremely courageous, as demonstrated by his face-off with a Demogorgon using a slingshot.

7 Will Byers

Will is the catalyst of the show and the reason why the people of Hawkins band together against the supernatural beings that hide within the town. Despite enduring heaps of trauma, he displayed immense strength when he was taken to the Upside Down, surviving there for several days.

Although he was deeply disturbed by the experience, his new extensive knowledge on the Mind Flayer meant he could use it to his advantage and help stop it. He is the glue that holds the four boys together and his extremely selfless nature is why he is one of the most likable Stranger Things characters.

6 Robin Buckley

The introduction of Robin made it seem like Steve was set for a new love interest, however, she took everyone by surprise. Robin is described as an alternative girl who isn’t influenced by others and in the iconic bathroom scene, she confides in Steve about her sexuality.

Robin and Steve’s friendship stood out as one of the best aspects of season 3 and she was a vital asset to the group when she successfully translated the Russian code. Unlike others, Robin isn’t afraid to tell it how it is and is without a doubt the best character introduced after season 1.

5 Eleven

Since she was born, Eleven was subjected to countless experiments in Hawkins Lab because of her telekinetic abilities. Her traumatic childhood meant she was scared and vulnerable when she was first introduced, however, she quickly formed relationships and used her powers to protect those she loved.

Eleven was incredibly loyal and even went as far as sacrificing herself to save her friends. Despite her abnormal upbringing, she never let fear overcome her and is often regarded as the bravest character in Stranger Things. She is unique, and the show would not be the same without her.

4 Dustin Henderson

There’s no question that Dustin is one of the funniest characters on the show. He often acts as a peacemaker within the party and his constant curiosity allows him to save his friends on many occasions. As shown by his storyline in season 3, Dustin is just as good, if not better, when thrown into a different group dynamic.

Dustin is revealed to be naïve at times, however, he only got better as Stranger Things went on. He was arguably the most scientifically inclined of the group and his ham radio creation led to the discovery of the Russians at Starcourt.

3 Joyce Byers

Joyce is the incredibly strong-minded and caring mother of Will and Jonathan. When Will went missing, she was the only person that believed he was still out there and her determination played a crucial role in him being rescued. While she is a stand-out character on her own, her chemistry with Hopper is undeniable and she is arguably at her best when they’re together.

In season 1 her overall tone is understandably serious, however, later on, her light-hearted side is explored, and she displays a brilliant sense of humor. Winona Ryder plays Joyce with so much conviction and adds a subtle charm to her role as a mother.

2 Steve Harrington

Despite being loathed for most of season 1, Steve has the greatest character arc in Stranger Things, unmatched by anyone else’s in the series. Once a selfish and ignorant jock, he became one of the most beloved characters thanks to the courage and bravery he continuously displayed.

After his heroic fight against the Demogorgon, Steve became something of a babysitter for the Hawkins kids and risked his life several times to save them. He is part of some iconic duos thanks to his friendships with Dustin and Robin, and his character has certainly blossomed into one of the best.

1  Jim Hopper

One of the most beloved characters on the show, Hopper embodies a father-figure role and is one of the few people who take the Hawkins kids seriously. Because of the amount of trauma he’s suffered, he often portrays a hard exterior around others, but he lets his guard down as the series progresses.

Hopper has proved on several occasions that he will go to extreme lengths to protect others and keep them safe. He has formed unparalleled bonds with other characters, particularly Eleven and Joyce.