Top 10 Best Characters on Ozark

Roy Petty is a pretty despicable antagonist for most of the series, showing how unstable he is during multiple instances. What makes him such an interesting character is how ruthless he is in his efforts to prove himself. He’s ready to go to any length to try and convict Marty Byrde, even supplying Rachel with drugs and honey trapping Russ Langmore. But as we get on in the series, we see what frustration with his work and the emotional turmoil with his drug addict mother has brought him to this point. Despite his almost sociopathic behavior towards his informants, Roy still shows he cares for those close to him. Just make sure you don’t get in his way, or on his nerves.

Helen Pierce is a stone-cold hand of the cartel. When she makes her entrance, she emits an aura of someone you don’t want to mess with. Calculating, intelligent, and at all times professional, you always wonder whether she is telling you everything. She acts as an even more threatening replacement for Del, as she is just as dangerous but more complex than her predecessor. You learn that she is desperate to have a relationship with her family but also protect them by keeping them out of the loop. She even demonstrates how effective she can be when she’s on your side, but unfortunately, it doesn’t stay that way for Wendy after Ben reveals it all.

Wyatt is perhaps one of the most moral and sensible characters of the main cast in Ozark. He was the first to bow out of robbing Marty once he found out it was the Cartel’s money. Despite his pessimistic outlook on life, he’s also constantly looking out for people. And, despite coming from an actively criminal family, he takes issue over even petty thievery. While fans might disagree with his pairing up with Darlene, he’s still a victim of everyone else's immoral actions but is oftentimes still willing to do the right thing.

When you move to the Ozarks, you are bound to come across certain influential groups from the area. This includes the local drug dealers. The Snells fall under this category, and they are nuts. The Snells are one of them, and they are nuts. While the wife might have a hair-trigger temper, the man of the house has earned more respect from viewers for his level head. Even though he might not be as unpredictable as Darlene, his intelligence and ability to compromise make him the more likable of the two. But he still wasn’t quick enough to get one over on Darlene.

Initially, we see Jonah as a timid boy with a bizarre obsession with animals. But instead of rejecting the world and causing havoc where it’s not needed, he instead tries to make sense of it the best way that he can. As a result, Jonah quickly becomes an asset. Not only does he learn the trade and begin making money on his own, but he’s also proven he’s not afraid to do what’s needed to protect his family. He’s very competent for his age, his motivations are sympathetic, and his actions have seldom been detrimental.

Being stuck in the middle of all these dangerous people is hard enough without adding someone unable to cope with high-stress situations. Ben Davis is dramatically introduced to us, showcasing his erratic behavior by destroying students’ phones over some bullying. In several instances, Ben is shown to be very self-destructive. However, his extreme reactions are almost always in response to something very dark and tragic. In a way, his pure shock is practically normal compared to the events surrounding him. He finds love but unintentionally puts people in danger. You can’t help but feel sorry for him. He just wants to do the right thing, but he can’t understand the consequences of his actions.

The first time we meet Buddy, it’s pretty startling. But this elderly gentleman on the verge of death is the most reliable and down-to-earth character in the series. Even though it seems like the Byrde’s are saddled with him initially, he soon became a fan favorite. He was a strong mentor for Jonah, a facilitator for Marty, a solace for Wendy, and a savior for the family. Despite his grumpiness, he’s a warm and safe presence in a world brimming with danger around every corner. He provided a sense of security, which is why his passing was perhaps one of the saddest moments in the series.

As a character, Wendy fluctuates the most throughout the series. While attempting to get settled in the Ozarks, Wendy is often seen spiraling as she tries to make sense of her current situation. But when she’s in her element, she’s incredibly intelligent, willing to go to extreme lengths to manipulate others to get what she wants. However, it’s her pride, ambition, and ego which ultimately puts her and the family in even more danger. She’s so focused on becoming successful that she is blind to the greater context of her actions. This is what ultimately makes her such a compelling character. Now, if only she didn’t cheat on Marty.

In a world that despises her and has given her an awful serving of life circumstances, Ruth shines bright. While she starts out as a conniving brat looking to kill Marty, she quickly becomes the most valuable asset the Byrdes have. Constantly thinking outside the box, she commands respect from her peers. She’s smart, doesn’t take any nonsense, and never buckles to pressure. But no matter what she achieves, she never gets cocky, never losing sight of the people she loves. This unrelenting integrity and character makes her a fan favorite.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Cartel Boss Knows How to Strike Fear Into Others

You Do Not Want To Get Under the Skin of This Wild Card

An Innocent Business Owner Dragged Into The Whole Mess

Straight Up Out of Control. Enough Said.

Often Angry With Her Life In the Ozarks, She Nonetheless Tries to Get By

In the beginning, we see Marty as a man grasping at straws in an attempt to keep him and his family alive. And while his life might be filled with overwhelming anxiety, it’s also when he does his best work. With his fierce intelligence, Marty is hazardously efficient at what he does. Constantly dealing with new twists and turns that seem impossible to surpass, Marty always finds a way. While he might fall to hubris occasionally, and has cracked from time to time, there has never been a moment when the audience stops rooting for him.