Top “Stranger Things” Characters

"Stranger Things" has this magical quality where its characters feel like friends you'd want in your own life. Remember Barb, who made us all chant "Justice for Barb" when she met her untimely end? Or the lovable Alexei, who had us sipping cherry Slurpees in his honor? And who could forget Bob Newby, affectionately called SuperBob?

Throughout four seasons, Stranger Things brought us some of the coolest and most interesting characters you'd ever find on TV. But hey, who do you think are the absolute standouts?

Steve Harrington

Let's talk about Steve Harrington from "Stranger Things." You remember that guy, right? He started as your typical high school cool kid, dating Nancy and hanging out with his buddies. But boy, did he go through some changes.

Image Source

Things got interesting when he got caught up in all the weird stuff happening in Hawkins. His relationship with Nancy went from sweet to complicated fast, especially after her friend Barb disappeared. There were misunderstandings, arguments, and all that teenage drama.

But here's the cool part – Steve didn't stay the same. He evolved. He became friends with Dustin, and that friendship added a whole new layer to his character. Together, they stumbled upon Russian spies in Hawkins and faced some crazy supernatural stuff.

By the end of it all, Steve went from a high school heartthrob to working at an ice cream shop, and then a video store. He became this loyal, brave guy who'd do anything to protect Hawkins from the Upside Down. That's why we all love Steve Harrington, a character who grew up right before our eyes in "Stranger Things."

Nancy Wheeler

Let's talk about Nancy Wheeler, played by Natalia Dyer in "Stranger Things." She's not your average older sister character. Nope, Nancy's a total boss in her own right. 

At the start, she's your typical high school kid, dating Steve Harrington and doing all the regular teen stuff. But things get wild when her friend Barb vanishes into thin air. Nancy doesn't sit around, she joins forces with Jonathan Byers to dig into the weird stuff happening in Hawkins.

What's cool about Nancy is her character growth. She goes from being a regular teenager to a fearless investigator of supernatural mysteries. She's not just a damsel in distress, she's a strong, independent character who isn't afraid to face otherworldly threats.

Fans and critics love Nancy for her evolution and her ability to juggle teenage life with battling supernatural forces. She's a breath of fresh air in a genre where young women often get stuck in clichéd roles. So, here's to Nancy Wheeler – a character who kicks some serious Demogorgon butt and keeps us hooked on "Stranger Things."

Eleven

Let's dive into Eleven, the awesome character from "Stranger Things," played by the talented Millie Bobby Brown. So, Eleven's real name is Jane Ives, but she goes by Eleven because that's the number assigned to her in a government experiment.

She's no ordinary kid – Eleven was born with some serious psychic powers. We're talking telekinesis, mind reading, and the ability to open portals to a creepy alternate dimension called the Upside Down. But Here's the twist, every time she uses her powers big-time, her nose starts bleeding, and it takes a toll on her.

Her backstory is a bit of a rollercoaster. She was taken away from her mom as a baby and raised in a lab by Dr. Martin Brenner. They used her as a guinea pig to develop her psychic skills.

But the cool part is when she meets Chief Hopper, who becomes like a father figure to her. She gets a new name, Jane Hopper, and starts to experience a more normal life.

Eleven is basically the Heart of "Stranger Things" – her character is a mix of incredible powers and a desire for a real, loving family. She's a total breakout star and a fan favorite for a reason. Eleven is a force to be reckoned with, and we love her for it!

Dustin Henderson

Dustin Henderson, the lovable character from "Stranger Things," is your go-to guy for all things nerdy and cool. He's got a heart of gold and is best friends with Mike, Lucas, and Will. Dustin's got a rare genetic disorder called cleidocranial dysplasia, which gives him a unique look and makes him a target for bullies. But he's tough as nails!

When Will went missing in Hawkins, Dustin, along with his friends, embarked on a quest to find him. They stumbled upon Eleven, a mysterious girl with psychokinetic powers, and things got seriously strange from there. Dustin played peacemaker between Mike and Lucas, keeping the group focused on the mission.

Throughout the series, Dustin's love for space and all things nerdy shines through. And remember Dart, the slug-like creature he found? Yeah, that turned into a mini-Demogorgon. No biggie!

Dustin's always got something up his sleeve, whether it's gadgets or solving mysteries. In the end, he's a hero, through and through. His bond with his friends is unbreakable, and we can't help but root for this clever, toothless wonder. Dustin, you're the real MVP!

Max Mayfield

Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, joined the Stranger Things crew in the second season. This California skateboarder quickly became a key member of "the Party," forming close bonds with Will, Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Eleven.

Max's gaming skills, especially her high scores under the alias "MADMAX," caught the boys' attention. Initially mistaken for a boy, she later became a genuine member of the group. Her curiosity about Will's strange episodes and disappearance led to her involvement in their supernatural adventures.

Max's romantic interest in Lucas added depth to her character, and her bravery in confronting the Mind Flayer and Billy Hargrove proved her worth. Despite the trauma of Billy's loss, Max remained a crucial part of the group. In 1986, she faced new challenges related to Vecna but emerged victorious with the help of her friends, particularly Eleven. Max's resilience and evolving relationships make her a memorable character in the series.

Mike Wheeler

Mike Wheeler, portrayed by Finn Wolfhard, is a central character in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. As the leader of the core group of kids, Mike plays a pivotal role in the series' adventures.

Originally, Noah Schnapp auditioned for the role of Mike, but Finn Wolfhard ultimately landed the part. Mike was meticulously crafted by series creators, the Duffer Brothers, to embody the quintessential 80s main character – loyal, energetic, and innocent due to his youth. His character development throughout the series reflects the classic coming-of-age arc seen in many 80s TV shows and movies that served as inspiration for the Duffer brothers.

Mike's character is not only essential to the plot but also resonates with viewers, making him an integral part of the Stranger Things universe.

Lucas Sinclair

Lucas Sinclair, played by Caleb McLaughlin, is a total legend in Stranger Things. He's like the ultimate friend, always there for the gang. At first, he was a bit skeptical of Eleven and all the crazy stuff happening in Hawkins, but he quickly got on board with the whole supernatural adventure.

What's cool about Lucas is that he's not just a brave dude fighting Demogorgons, he's got that romantic side too. His on-again, off-again thing with Max Mayfield adds some sweet drama to his character. But no matter what's going on, Lucas has his friends' backs, and that's what makes him such a stand-up guy in the Stranger Things crew.