The Best 'Breaking Bad' Characters, Ranked
- 1Bryan Cranston
The protagonist of the series, Walter White begins as a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking meth in order to provide for his family after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His transition from a mild-mannered, struggling family man into the ruthless and cunning Heisenberg is one of television's most riveting character arcs. Walter's ambition, intelligence, and ultimately, his hubris make for an engrossing tale of a man undone by his own choices.
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- 2Aaron Paul
Initially portrayed as an irresponsible drug addict, he evolves into a complex and compelling character as the series progresses. His vulnerability and sense of morality make him stand out among the show's more unscrupulous characters. His tumultuous partnership with Walter White leads him down a dark path that ultimately results in loss, heartbreak, and redemption. Fans continue to root for Jesse throughout the show's five-season run.
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- 3Bob Odenkirk
The smooth-talking lawyer with an unforgettable catchphrase, Better Call Saul! He is a master manipulator and always seems to find a way to bend the law to benefit his clients. Despite his sleazy demeanor, he proves himself to be surprisingly loyal and willing to put himself at risk for those he cares about. His humor and charm provide a much-needed element of levity amid the show's darker moments.
- 4Jonathan Banks
A former police officer turned hitman and private investigator, he is stoic, pragmatic, and incredibly skilled. His calm and calculated demeanor contrasts sharply with the chaos that surrounds him. He forms a fatherly bond with Jesse Pinkman, revealing a deep sense of empathy beneath his hardened exterior. The character's tragic end leaves a lasting impact on fans of the series.
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- 5Giancarlo Esposito
The seemingly mild-mannered owner of Los Pollos Hermanos is, in fact, one of Albuquerque's most powerful drug kingpins. His intelligence, sophistication, and terrifyingly calm nature make him a formidable adversary for Walter White. Underneath this veneer of respectability lies a ruthless leader who is not afraid to eliminate anyone who threatens his empire. His eventual downfall is one of the show's most shocking moments.
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- 6
Hank Schrader
Dean NorrisWalter White's brother-in-law and DEA agent, he is driven and dedicated to his job. His boisterous personality and good humor provide a stark contrast to the darkness around him as he unwittingly pursues his own family member. When Hank uncovers Walter's true identity, their dynamic shifts dramatically leading to a thrilling and tragic end for the character.
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- 7
Huell
Lavell CrawfordThis large and imposing presence serves as Saul Goodman's loyal bodyguard and enforcer. Though silent and stoic for the majority of his time on screen, Huell manages to be memorable through his actions and unshakeable loyalty. As he becomes entangled in the complex web spun by other characters, he proves himself to be far more than just muscle.
- 8Charles Baker
One of Jesse Pinkman's friends and fellow drug dealers, Skinny Pete adds a touch of comic relief amidst the show's darker moments. He may not be as intelligent or devious as other characters in the series, but his loyalty to Jesse and genuine humanity make him memorable.
- 9
Hector Salamanca
Mark MargolisA former high-ranking member of the Mexican cartel turned wheelchair-bound invalid, he communicates solely through ringing a bell attached to his chair. Though initially appearing static and unresponsive, Hector's hatred for Gustavo Fring intensifies throughout the series, culminating in one of the show's most explosive moments.
- 10
Tuco
Raymond CruzA dangerously unpredictable drug kingpin who briefly becomes Walter White and Jesse Pinkman's distributor. His volatile nature keeps audiences on edge as they wonder what he might do next. Despite his relatively short time on the show, Tuco leaves a lasting impression as one of Breaking Bad's most iconic villains.
- 11
Badger
Matt JonesAnother member of Jesse Pinkman's inner circle, he is a lovable slacker with a penchant for getting himself into trouble. His unlikely friendship with Skinny Pete provides some much-needed camaraderie while also showcasing their shared struggles with addiction.
- 12
Steven Gomez
Steven Michael QuezadaHank Schrader's DEA partner and friend, he is dedicated to his job and loyal to his colleagues. Although he primarily serves as a supporting character, his tragic end reminds viewers of the high stakes involved in the battle against Albuquerque's criminal underworld.
- 13
Kuby
Bill BurrA member of Saul Goodman's team, he brings a unique mix of humor and danger to the show. As a former cop turned criminal, Kuby is adept at navigating both sides of the legal spectrum. His willingness to carry out any task for Saul, no matter how morally dubious, demonstrates his loyalty and ruthlessness.
- 14RJ Mitte
The son of Walter White, he grapples with cerebral palsy throughout the series while simultaneously carrying the burden of his father's increasingly secretive life. He valiantly strives to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the world around him crumbling under the weight of deception and betrayal.
- 15
Gale Boetticher
David CostabileA talented chemist with an endearingly quirky personality, he is brought in as Walter White's new lab partner by Gustavo Fring. His openness and genuine love for chemistry provide a counterpoint to the self-serving machinations of the other characters. However, Gale's loyalty and enthusiasm ultimately lead him to a tragic and sudden end.
- 16
The Cousins
Daniel and Luis MoncadaThese two silent but deadly assassins arrive in Albuquerque with a single-minded mission: to kill Walter White in retribution for his role in their cousin Tuco's death. Their chilling presence and ruthless efficiency make them formidable adversaries and memorable additions to the show's roster of villains.
- 17Krysten Ritter
Jesse Pinkman's girlfriend and neighbor, she is an aspiring tattoo artist struggling with her own addiction issues. Her relationship with Jesse introduces a new vulnerability for both characters as they navigate love amidst their troubled lives. Jane eventually becomes another tragic figure whose loss has a profound impact on Jesse.
- 18Emily Rios
A single mother who falls in love with Jesse Pinkman, she provides him with a sense of stability and hope for a life free from drugs and crime. Her son Brock becomes a central figure in some of the series' most gripping moments, as his safety is continually placed at risk due to the dangers surrounding Jesse.
- 19
Brock Cantillo
Ian PosadaAndrea's young son, he becomes a symbol of innocence endangered by the actions of others. Several key events within the series center around his well-being, prompting Jesse to confront his own role in creating danger for those he cares about.
- 20
Combo
Rodney RushAnother of Jesse Pinkman's close friends, he meets an untimely demise early in the series due to his involvement in selling drugs. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities that accompany this dangerous lifestyle.
- 21
Todd Alquist
Jesse PlemonsGreed-driven and conscience-free, he eventually replaces Jesse Pinkman as Walter White's meth-cooking partner. His chilling indifference toward violence and lack of empathy make him a uniquely terrifying presence within Breaking Bad's world.
- 22
Don Eladio
Steven BauerThe ruthless leader of the Mexican cartel responsible for much of the drug trafficking in New Mexico, he exudes power and charisma despite limited screen time. Don Eladio demonstrates how far-reaching and influential criminal organizations can be, even from across national borders.
- 23
Tortuga
Danny TrejoPlayed by legendary musician and actor Danny Trejo, he is a drug informant who famously loses his life and quite literally his head. His gruesome and shocking death signifies the brutal measures that criminal organizations will take to maintain their power.
- 24
Donald Margolis
John de LancieJane's father and an air traffic controller, he becomes a tragic figure following the death of his daughter. Consumed by grief, his inability to separate personal and professional life leads to catastrophic consequences, further showcasing the far-reaching effects of the show's central characters' actions.
- 25
Francesca Liddy
Tina ParkerSaul Goodman's loyal secretary, she offers comic relief while also demonstrating how seemingly everyday people can be drawn into the criminal underworld. Her willingness to assist Saul in illegal activities showcases her own problematic moral compass.
- 26Betsy Brandt
Hank's wife and Skyler White's sister, she provides a contrasting presence to many of the show's other characters as she remains adamantly opposed to their criminal activities. Her kleptomaniac tendencies reveal that even those who appear morally superior have their own hidden flaws.
- 27
Victor
Jeremiah BitsuiGustavo Fring's right-hand man, he's efficient and highly skilled in various aspects of criminal activity. His role escalates when he is forced to act as a meth cook while Walter White is incapacitated. The gruesome manner of his demise at Fring's hands serves as a chilling reminder of the drug lord's ruthless nature.
- 28Michael Bowen
The leader of a violent white supremacist gang, he is responsible for some of the series' most gut-wrenching moments. As a figure who places loyalty above all else, his unraveling in the show's final episodes makes for a satisfying end to this despicable character.
- 29
Lydia Rodarte-Quayle
Laura FraserAn executive at Madrigal Electromotive, she becomes entangled in the criminal affairs of both Gustavo Fring and later Walter White. Her paranoia and cowardice make her an unpredictable character whose ultimate fate is sealed by her ambition and self-preservation instincts.
- 30
Skyler White
Anna GunnWalter White's wife, she is initially unaware of her husband's illegal activities but eventually becomes a reluctant partner in crime. Her moral struggle and gradual acceptance of their new life create a fascinating character arc that balances vulnerability with inner strength.
- 31
Tyrus Kitt
Ray CampbellA loyal enforcer for Gustavo Fring, he diligently carries out assignments, even when they conflict with his conscience. His quiet demeanor adds to the mystery surrounding his true motivations, and his eventual demise comes at the hands of one of the show's most iconic explosions.
- 32
Bogdan Wolynetz
Marius StanThe owner of the carwash where Walter White initially works, he serves as a symbol of the protagonist's dissatisfaction with his mundane life. Over time, Bogdan becomes an unwitting pawn in Walter's escalating criminal empire. His forced sale of the car wash to the Whites marks a turning point for the characters and their new life.
- 33
Kenny
Kevin RankinA member of Uncle Jack's gang, he is ruthless and willing to carry out any task assigned to him. His role in some of the series' most brutal scenes highlights the grim reality of violence within the criminal world. As fate catches up with key players in Breaking Bad's final episodes, Kenny meets a fitting end.
- 34
Gretchen and Elliot Schwartz
Jessica Hecht; Adam GodleyThe former business partners of Walter White, their successful careers serve as a constant reminder of what could have been for him. Their brief appearances throughout the show provide context for Walter's deep-seated feelings of resentment and betrayal. Ultimately, they become pawns in one of his final schemes, showcasing the extent of his desperation.
- 35
Ted Beneke
Christopher CousinsSkyler White's boss and eventual secret lover, he becomes embroiled in her husband's dangerous world by association. Despite his initial ignorance to the Whites' illicit activities, his own moral failings make him complicit in their crimes. Ted's story arc emphasizes that even seemingly ordinary people can be corrupted by greed and pulled into a web of deception and lawlessness.
