Top 22 Most Popular Breaking Bad Characters

Walter White stands out as not only the best character in Breaking Bad but also as one of the most compelling figures in television history. Portrayed masterfully by the acclaimed Bryan Cranston, he embodies the show's anti-hero, capturing audiences and drawing support with each passing season.

Walter's gripping journey begins as a seemingly ordinary man battling cancer. As the series unfolds, however, he transforms into one of America’s most infamous criminals. The show delves deeper into his background and motivations, highlighting a transformation that showcases why Breaking Bad is so celebrated.

Initially, Walter is portrayed as someone easily intimidated, but his alter ego, Heisenberg, quickly becomes a formidable and unstoppable force in the criminal underworld. His character arc is anything but simple, and this evolution alone provides ample reason to binge-watch the series.

The complexity of Walter's character is evident—he’s described as both a devoted family man and a sociopath, often in the same breath. Impulsive and driven, he is willing to go to extreme lengths to provide for his family, even anticipating their needs long after he's gone.

Jesse Pinkman stands out as the character who undergoes the most dramatic transformation throughout the series. Despite his involvement in the drug trade, Jesse's personality is surprisingly relatable, and he hardly fits the typical image of a real-world dealer.

Aaron Paul portrays Jesse as both Walter White’s partner and, at times, his adversary. No matter how hard Jesse tries to turn his life around, tragedy seems to follow him. Much of his pain is rooted in Walt's manipulation, which keeps pulling him back into a world he wants to escape.

The relationship between Jesse and Walt often resembles a dysfunctional father-son dynamic. As the show unfolds, Jesse’s compassionate nature emerges, although he frequently allows his tough exterior to influence his choices and relationships.

Paul’s outstanding performance brings depth and authenticity to Jesse’s character. With his mix of street smarts and reluctant gangster bravado, Jesse quickly becomes one of the most compelling and sympathetic characters in Breaking Bad.

Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Gustavo Fring introduces us to a merciless drug lord who stands out as one of Breaking Bad’s most formidable villains. As the owner of Los Pollos Hermanos, Gus cleverly uses his restaurant’s basement as a cover for manufacturing and distributing drugs.

Throughout the series, Walt and Jesse become entangled in Gus’s operations, and his enigmatic presence compels viewers to crave deeper insights into his character. Though he may not seem flamboyant or overpowering, Gus’s boldness, cunning intellect, and unpredictable nature make him unforgettable.

At first glance, Gus appears to be a quiet, unassuming man—a demeanor he maintains expertly. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that beneath his calm exterior lies a relentless and shrewd mastermind. His careful approach to business explains how he built a vast meth empire spanning multiple states.

Gustavo Fring is truly a masterclass in character writing. It is rare to find such nuanced villains, and aspiring writers would do well to study his character as inspiration for creating multifaceted antagonists.

Hank Schrader, known for his sharp wit and unwavering dedication, stands out as one of Breaking Bad's most beloved characters. His unforgettable death remains among the most emotionally devastating moments in television history, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Despite his lighthearted demeanor with friends and family, it's Hank’s no-nonsense approach as a DEA agent that truly defines him. His authentic and well-developed persona makes him one of the series' most relatable and memorable figures.

In many ways, Schrader represents the ideal of integrity and bravery. He persistently seeks justice while providing for his loved ones, courageously facing danger as part of his everyday life.

As the story progresses, Hank earns admiration for fearlessly tackling high-risk cases to advance his career. Thus, his tragic end is all the more shocking, resonating deeply with fans of the show.

Many viewers of Breaking Bad often have mixed feelings about Skyler White. However, her character arc is both nuanced and significant, warranting recognition for the profound changes she undergoes throughout the series.

Portrayed skillfully by Anna Gunn, Skyler starts as a devoted wife torn between supporting her husband and confronting his morally questionable choices. As she navigates this internal conflict, she briefly seeks support elsewhere, only to eventually realize her husband’s intentions are rooted in wanting what’s best for their family. Ultimately, she becomes an unwilling accomplice in his actions.

Gunn’s performance authentically captures Skyler’s emotional journey and the complexities of her decisions. Although Skyler’s actions are sometimes flawed, viewers can relate to the difficult and conflicted situations she faces as her story unfolds.

Jonathan Banks delivers a consistently outstanding performance as Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad, making the character both memorable and complex. Mike is a former Marine Corps veteran and ex-police officer from Philadelphia, bringing a unique skill set to the criminal world he inhabits.

Currently, Mike works as the ruthless enforcer and bodyguard for Gus Fring, often serving as the intermediary between Walt, Jesse, and his employer. Although much of his backstory remains mysterious, it's evident that he embodies the conflict between striving to do good and being forced into morally gray decisions.

As the series unfolds, Mike's deep concern for his daughter-in-law and beloved granddaughter becomes apparent. His unwavering desire to secure their future adds an emotional depth to his character, making his fate in the show’s climactic episodes even more heartbreaking.

Saul Goodman quickly captures attention from his very first appearance in the second season of Breaking Bad. As an unconventional lawyer, he rarely hesitates to bend or break the rules when it serves his interests.

Driven primarily by money, Saul often stops caring about his clients once their business concludes, showing little concern for their fate. Although portrayed as a sleazy attorney in Breaking Bad, his character gains significant depth and complexity in Better Call Saul.

In the spin-off, Saul is revealed as a deeply flawed individual whose occasional acts of kindness are usually overshadowed by his overwhelming greed. While his role in Breaking Bad was not central, his unforgettable personality made him the star of the acclaimed series Better Call Saul.

Jesse Plemons delivered a standout performance as Todd Alquist, bringing depth and complexity to the character. Todd initially appears as an eager and mild-mannered young man, giving no indication of the darkness lurking beneath his calm exterior.

As the series unfolds, Todd's true nature is revealed. His psychopathic tendencies emerge, especially through his association with his ruthless Neo-Nazi relatives. Together, they inflict prolonged suffering on Jesse, transforming Todd into one of the show's most chilling figures. Introduced as an exterminator for Vamonos Pest, he quickly proves to be far more dangerous than he first appears.

Todd’s cold-blooded ruthlessness is perhaps best illustrated when he casually kills a child without hesitation. Even when confronted by Walter and Jesse, he remains eerily remorseless, convinced that his actions were justified.

Actor Mark Margolis delivered a truly unforgettable performance as Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad, bringing the character to life with remarkable depth and nuance. Despite being limited by age and health issues, Hector remains one of the most intriguing figures in the series.

Hector’s intense dislike for Walter White and his deep-seated hatred for Gus Fring become major driving forces in his story arc. Once a formidable cartel leader, Hector ultimately forms an unlikely alliance with Walter to take down his long-time enemy, Fring.

While he may not be the most outwardly menacing villain, Hector Salamanca is truly unforgettable, leaving an indelible mark on the series and in the memories of Breaking Bad fans.

Badger, portrayed by Matt Jones, frequently appears alongside Skinny Pete throughout the series. Together, they form one of Breaking Bad's most beloved dynamic duos. They are close friends with Jesse Pinkman and act as low-level meth distributors on his behalf.

Although the show doesn't reveal much about Badger's personal background or complex life, viewers learn that he is a fan of science fiction programs and movies, notably Star Wars and Star Trek.

While Skinny Pete often comes across as sympathetic, Badger stands out for his upbeat, enthusiastic personality. He is not only passionate about his interests but can also be unexpectedly talkative, sometimes to the point of annoying those around him.

Like Skinny Pete, Badger struggles with drug addiction and is frequently on the lookout for his next hit, reflecting the troubled lives of Jesse's inner circle.

Marie Schrader, Hank's wife and Skyler's sister, brings a unique dose of humor to the show with her unintentional wit and unpredictable behavior. Her actions often keep viewers intrigued and provide moments of comic relief amid the intense drama.

Though Marie genuinely cares for her loved ones and is fiercely protective, she often struggles to follow her own advice. As a side character, her presence may be subtle at times, but she remains an integral part of the show, known for her tendency to shoplift during stressful moments.

One of Marie's most memorable escapades involved attending an open house, pretending to be someone else, and stealing a framed photograph of an elderly couple. These quirks make Marie a standout and unforgettable character in the Breaking Bad universe.

Skinny Pete, portrayed by Charles Baker, is one of Jesse Pinkman's closest friends and later becomes a small-time meth distributor. Though Baker's screen time was limited, his sincere performance left a strong impression on viewers.

Often portrayed as not the brightest, Skinny Pete reveals surprising street smarts and unique insights, making him far more complex than he first appears. Despite his involvement in crime, he stands out for injecting humor into almost every scene.

Audiences are drawn to Skinny Pete's well-intentioned nature, especially as he deals with drug addiction and loneliness that make him sympathetic. He views Jesse and Badger as his family, even going so far as to give Jesse his beanie in "El Camino" to protect him from the police.

His actions underscore the themes of loyalty and brotherhood that run deep in his character.

Walter White Jr. might not be the main focus of the series, but his presence is essential to the overall narrative. As the son of Walter White, he contributes heartfelt and memorable scenes that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Although he plays more of a supporting role, Walter Jr. stands out as the one person whom Walter loves without reservation. This unconditional love adds depth and complexity to the show's central themes.

Tuco Salamanca was the first truly menacing villain introduced in Breaking Bad, infamous for his unpredictability and violent behavior. As a meth user who controlled his own criminal operation under the Mexican Cartel, Tuco was relentless in his pursuit to torment Walter and Jesse, pushing them into ever more dangerous territory.

Ultimately, Tuco met his end during a dramatic shootout with Hank, bringing his reign of terror to a close. His shocking demise not only left a power vacuum in the criminal underworld, but also paved the way for the even more formidable Gus Fring to rise and strengthen his position.

Krysten Ritter's portrayal of Jane marks her as one of Breaking Bad's most nuanced and memorable characters. Initially Jesse's landlord and neighbor, Jane soon becomes his romantic partner. From the start, it's clear that their relationship will be fraught with challenges, making viewers anxious about what lies ahead.

As a tattoo artist and recovering drug addict, Jane brings hope and companionship to Jesse amidst a world of crime and betrayal. Her presence gives Jesse something positive to hold onto, and many fans found themselves rooting for him to find happiness with her.

However, the relationship quickly turns toxic, with Jane ultimately encouraging Jesse's return to drug use. This downward spiral leads to one of the series' most heartbreaking moments: Jane's tragic overdose, as Walt stands by, choosing not to intervene. Her fate remains one of Breaking Bad's most haunting scenes.

Known as "Uncle Jack," Jack Welker leads a ruthless criminal gang with white supremacist and neo-Nazi leanings. Before rising to power independently, he and his nephew Todd Alquist were closely associated with Walter White.

Despite joining the series later, Jack’s violent and manipulative nature quickly allows him to seize power when the chance arises. His arrival signals the downfall of several beloved characters, yet his presence keeps the story as gripping as ever.

When it comes to morality, Jack Welker ranks among the least ethical characters in the Breaking Bad universe.

Steven Gomez stands out as an honest, kind-hearted, and diligent law enforcement officer whose journey is marked by unexpected tragedy. As Hank Schrader’s loyal partner, Gomez’s steadfast sense of duty shines throughout the series, sustaining him until his dramatic end.

His character gains further depth through his impressive knowledge of Mexican crime organizations, which plays a key role in investigating the "Heisenberg" case from the outset. Gomez’s ability to shrug off Hank’s off-color jokes about his ethnicity highlights his professionalism and camaraderie.

While not a central figure in Breaking Bad, Steven Gomez’s untimely death leaves a lasting emotional impact, resonating deeply with many fans of the show.

Skillfully portrayed by Laura Fraser, Lydia Rodarte-Quayle is an executive at Madrigal Electromotive and a secret supplier of methylamine to Gus Fring’s vast drug empire. Her anxious and apprehensive demeanor often keeps her out of deeply compromising situations.

Lydia’s constant worry compels her to take calculated steps to avoid any association with wrongdoing. Her anxiety sharpens her instincts, allowing her to react quickly and stay ahead of danger.

Despite being a mother, Lydia is both cunning and ruthless when necessary. Driven by a thirst for power and wealth, she faces many challenges in her dangerous business, but her careful nature helps her survive where many others fall.

Gale Boetticher, a highly skilled chemist, is recruited by Gustavo Fring to help establish the secret meth lab and support Walter White in perfecting his meth production. Both Walt and viewers are captivated by Gale’s impressive chemistry credentials and his quirky love for brewing exceptional coffee.

In a pivotal moment, Fring pays Gale an unexpected visit and reveals the truth about Walt’s cancer diagnosis. Gale is subtly instructed to observe and master Walt’s unique meth-cooking process—preparing to take over if Walt can no longer continue due to his illness.

As a result, Gale begins to ask Walt increasingly pointed questions about the cooking method. Walt soon grows wary, realizing that Gale's persistent curiosity is likely driven by Fring’s agenda. Already facing one life-threatening danger, Walt now becomes even more fearful, sensing that Gale’s probing could put his own life at even greater risk.

Huell Babineaux serves as Saul Goodman's loyal bodyguard and trusted accomplice. Although his backstory is largely shrouded in secrecy, the spin-off prequel Better Call Saul offers a few glimpses into his mysterious past.

Introduced to Goodman through their mutual contact, veterinarian Dr. Caldera, Babineaux is known to have spent some time in prison—though the reasons remain undisclosed. This aura of mystery only adds to his appeal, making Huell a particularly intriguing character for fans to follow.

Andrea Cantillo is the mother of Brock Cantillo and the second woman to enter Jesse Pinkman's life. However, unlike his previous lady love, she is seen offering the stability and maturity that he needs at the time.

A recovering addict herself, she is not the most exciting character on the show, but she certainly is impressive. Unfortunately, things do not go down well for her either as Walter White allows his sadistic side to come to the fore when he tries to kill her beloved young son.

Skyler White's boss is as mundane as any other boss out there, and while he may not exactly be harmful, he certainly does end up rubbing us the wrong way throughout his in-and-out appearances on the show.

Ted's presence in the series makes one witness how far Skyler is willing to go to find an out in her relationship with Walter. Beneke is your normal, imperfect man, who tries to come across as good only so that he can claim that he is helping his coworkers and their respective families whenever they need him.