The Fosters: 5 Loved Supporting Characters (& 5 Hated)

Sometimes it does not take much for viewers to fall in love with a character. Other times it takes some time to get used to them. For some characters, they never manage to accepted by the fandom, no matter if the character is likable or not. While the writers may try to show the character’s perspective enough to explain their actions, sometimes it has the opposite effect causing the fanbase to dislike the character even more.

The Fosters introduced many supporting characters during its five-year run. Over that time, they have added biological relatives, friendships, colleagues, and romances. While some were embraced and welcomed with open arms by the fandom, others were hated or disregarded as unimportant.

10 HATED: COURTNEY STRATHMORE

Being older than Brandon, Courtney was already experienced in ways that Brandon had yet to reach. When they met, Courtney already had a son, Mason. During Courtney’s time on the show, she ends up in a custody battle for Mason with her ex-husband, Eddie, as Brandon maneuvers around her life. As a couple, they did not make much sense, and Courtney’s life effected Brandon’s more than he could handle.

The storyline changed Brandon’s perspective of what he believed he was capable of, giving his personality a negative spin. Brandon’s relationship with Courtney made him feel more adult, which lead to many issues between him and his parents. Their arc also played more into Brandon’s savior complex.

9 LOVED: CONNOR STEVENS

Jude got his first love interest in good friend, Connor. Many fans swooned over the innocence and sweetness of the early stages of an adolescent relationship. Jude and Connor were too young to do anything too heavy, but no one was all that upset about it when in place of those they were given steady, human moments.

By moving at a slower pace, it allowed the characters to have a solid foundation to build off of as they slowly figured out their feelings. Connor’s disappearance from the series was crushing to fans and Jude, but it was a relationship no one would forget.

8 HATED: MONTE PORTER

Taking over the role of principal at Anchor Beach was never going to be an easy position. However, Monte managed to upset more than just the school’s students. Monte’s actions directly cause marital problems for Stef and Lena when Stef learns that Monte had initiated a kiss with Lena.

That was more than enough to cause the backlash her character gained from fans, except it did not stop there. Monte made several choices regarding the school’s staff and curriculum that would enrage characters and viewers at Monte. While she may have been written well, no one could quite get on board with Monte.

7 LOVED: DAPHNE KEENE

Daphne could have been more of a series villain, given the first time she is on camera with Callie, Daphne takes a swing at her. Luckily, the writers took a different approach to her character when the two are reintroduced at Girls United. Their tentative civil relationship grew, becoming a friendship that lasted the rest of the series.

Over time, Daphne’s past was brought into the storyline as she fought to keep her daughter. Daphne’s friendship with Callie grounded them both and allowed Callie to have a trusted person outside her family she could talk to.

6 HATED: TALYA BANKS

Talya is Brandon’s first girlfriend during the series. She cares about Brandon but also has a bit of a jealousy problem as she can play it fast and loose with people’s feelings. Talya can see Brandon’s connection to Callie and lets her anger get the better of her on various occasions. She goes out of her way to make Callie’s life more difficult, making comments about Liam.

However, Liam is only someone Talya could have known about by reading Callie’s journal. Although she tends to disappear and reappear after her last breakup with Brandon, Talya does grow in the later seasons. During Callie’s senior project presentation, Talya gives a genuine thank you to Callie for opening her eyes to the unfairness of the justice system.

5 LOVED: NOAH WALKER

Jude’s second real relationship opens up another layer of Jude’s growth. Noah has been open to experiences that Jude has yet to go through, and the two bond as Noah brings Jude into another world. They often supported each other, but something that made Noah beloved was that he was unafraid to be truthful.

When Jude has gone too far in his video game streams, Noah directly informs Jude of this and tries to pull him back. Even though their relationship does not survive the time jump, they still had a substantial one throughout high school.

4 HATED: ELIZA FOSTER (nee HUNTER)

Eliza only appeared in the last four episodes of the series, and yet that was enough time for fans to dislike her. Granted, the reasons for the backlash toward Eliza was less about who she was as a character and more about her role in the show. As the family celebrates Jude’s high school graduation, Brandon and Eliza announce their engagement.

Although the moment is meant to be happy and exciting, it falls flat slightly, given that the audience only meets Eliza a few seconds before the announcement. Instead, fans were upset that the woman Brandon marries had no real screen time previously, thus giving no one any time to get to know her as a character.

3 LOVED: GRACE MULLEN

Grace started as someone Brandon met at the hospital while helping Jesus through physical therapy. Eventually, Grace and Brandon’s relationship grew romantic, and he fell hard for her. They played music and went to prom together as well. Unfortunately, their relationship met its tragic end far too early.

Grace had cancer that she had been fighting for years, and when the time came, asked Brandon and her parents to let her go. Having been tired of doctors, treatments, and tests, Grace wanted to die surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.

2 HATED: JUSTINA MARKS

Although appearing pleasant at first, interested in Callie’s Fost and Found, Justina is more of a villain than a hero. She appears during the third season, wanting to push Fost and Found towards more publicity. Callie is skeptical about working with Justina at first, but Justina is convincing and gets Callie to agree with her bill, even though Stef, Lena, and Rita all do not trust Justina.

However, after Jack’s death in “The Show,” Callie’s feelings about Justina and her bill change, especially after she learns that Justina is affiliated with the program that causes foster kids so much pain. The last straw comes when Justina lets it out to the public that Callie had slept with Brandon.

1 LOVED: XIMENA SINFUEGO

Ximena Sinfuego fought for her rights to stay in America. She made sure to get her voice heard, no matter the cost because it was worth the risk. Viewers were excited to see Ximena in action at protests and were behind her all the way. Ximena did not want to lay low or stay silent because having a voice was more important.

In a short moment during “Many Roads,” Ximena attends Callie’s graduation, letting her know that Ximena received her DACA. Ximena influenced Callie as Callie learned more about immigration.

About The Author

Lindsay Press
(274 Articles Published)

Lindsay Press is a freelance writer. As a graduate of SUNY Purchase College with a degree in Screenwriting and Playwriting, Lindsay has loved television shows and movies since childhood. In addition, she loves to create stories and enjoys dystopian futures, teen drama, and fantasy worlds.

More From Lindsay Press