Top 10 Best Sopranos Characters
#10: Paulie Gualtieri
Unfortunately, Paulie doesn’t get much to do throughout the series. For most of the show’s six seasons, he’s relegated to the background and is mostly used for comic relief. But, what relief it is. Paulie is arguably the funniest character on “The Sopranos,” and he spouts some of the show’s most iconic lines. His interplay and chemistry with Christopher is also second to none. It should probably be noted that underneath the hilarity is a raging monster. Paulie committed some of the most brutal acts on the show, like ending that poor waiter and offing Minn. You never knew what you were getting with Paulie, but it sure made for some fantastic TV.
#9: Ralph Cifaretto
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It’s hard to be the most villainous character on a show full of villains, but we think Ralph Cifaretto earns that distinction. There are very few - if any - redeeming qualities about Ralph. He is played to perfection by Joe Pantoliano, who gives the character the perfect amount of smugness and unhinged depravity. He is both violent and unpredictable, and he doesn't care about anyone but himself. The rivalry he shared with Tony made for exceptional television, and he is at the heart of the show’s most brutal and controversial sequence. Ralph was only around for one and a half seasons, but he left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. There’s just no forgetting him.
#8: Tony Blundetto
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Steve Buscemi is always a win in our book. His presence was a very welcomed addition to the show, and Tony Blundetto proved a great role for the affable actor. What made Tony so great was his fascinating character arc. For once, we had a character who genuinely wanted to go straight. But, due to the pressures of regular civilian life and his mobster cousin, Tony goes back down the wrong path, beats his employer, and eventually causes a lot of trouble for Tony Soprano. Perhaps his character is most important due to the long lasting effect he had on Soprano, something not many can lay claim to.
#7: Adriana La Cerva
Throughout her many seasons, Adriana remained one of the show’s most noble and sympathetic characters. Ok, so she wasn’t perfect. She encouraged Christopher’s career in the mob, and she certainly took advantage of the luxurious things that criminal life afforded her. But, she was also a deeply tragic character - especially once she was roped in by the FBI. Most of Adriana’s scenes were steeped in tragedy, and it often made for exceptionally difficult viewing. Her departure is easily the most emotional in the show’s history. It also signalled many things, namely a change in tone for the series and the personal downfall of Christopher.
#6: Silvio Dante
Like other characters, Silvio Dante didn’t get much development throughout the series. Viewers know little about his personal life, and he didn’t have a perceivable arc. Regardless, he is easily one of the show’s most memorable characters. Steven Van Zandt is exceptional in the role, complete with his signature hunched back, wild hand movements, and memorable expressions. Silvio is probably the most imitable character on “The Sopranos.” He is also the scariest protagonist, as he is completely uncompromising. Silvio is an old fashioned gangster through and through, and he will do anything to ensure the security of his “family.” He’s brutal, he’s funny, and he is unforgettable.
#5: Jennifer Melfi
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There’s no denying it - on a show full of violent gangsters and their selfish family members, Jennifer Melfi is a breath of fresh air. As Tony’s psychiatrist, Melfi is given an incredible amount of character depth. She becomes enraptured by Tony’s mystique and charisma, even while trying to save him from his many demons. However, she eventually realizes that it is impossible to save a sociopath. Scenes involving Melfi are some of the show’s best, as they are filled with fantastic dialogue and interesting philosophical musings. Viewers came to “The Sopranos” for the killing, but they stayed for the rich, thematic relationship between Melfi and Tony.
#4: Junior Soprano
The man goes by many names, including “Uncle Jun” and Corrado. Regardless of what you call him though, Junior Soprano is an all-time classic TV character. Aside from the first season, Junior is mostly relegated to his house, where he’s stuck watching nature documentaries and complaining about Bobby Baccala. He is easily one of the funniest characters, both through his ridiculous actions and the jokes that he tells. And while he slowly loses himself to dementia throughout the later seasons, Uncle Jun shares many great scenes with his nephew Tony. Watching those two interact was always a pleasure.
#3: Christopher Moltisanti
A widespread fan favorite, Christopher Moltisanti is arguably the most relatable character on the show. Many people see themselves in Christopher, whether it’s his lofty dreams, love of film, trouble with vices, or annoyance at his lowly position within the family. This relatability helps smooth over some of Christopher’s many, many flaws. Christopher is a genuinely terrible person who isn’t above laying a hand on his girlfriend and offing innocent people. However, he is also a deeply tragic and relatable character, and fans like him a little more than he probably deserves. This rich complexity makes Christopher an endlessly fascinating character, and easily one of the show’s best.
#2: Carmela Soprano
If there’s one actor who could stand toe-to-toe with James Gandolfini, it was Edie Falco. Falco was simply magnificent in the role of Carmela Soprano, as evidenced by her three Emmy wins and six nominations for the part. Every scene she shares with Tony is electric, producing some of the greatest-acted pieces in television history. Carmela is an endlessly interesting character, often toeing the line between morality, impatience, and an undeniable fascination with money and luxury. She is the quintessential mob wife, both selfish and friendly in equal amounts. No matter what she did, Carmela made for engrossing viewing. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Artie Bucco Poor Guy Was In Way Over His Head, and It Was Hilarious Meadow Soprano Tony’s Beloved Daughter Has Many Great Moments Bobby Baccalieri An Adorable Teddy Bear, and (Relatively Speaking) One of the Most Moral Characters Furio Giunta How Can One Man Be So Charming, Hilarious, and Threatening? Janice Soprano It’s Hard to Be More Unlikable Than Tony, But Janice Somehow Manages
#1: Tony Soprano
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There are a multitude of reasons as to why Tony Soprano is perhaps the greatest television character of all time. Yes, he helped usher in the age of the antihero, but it’s not all evil and violence. Tony is a richly written and impeccably performed character with multiple facets. And, despite their best intentions, viewers couldn’t help but identify with the man. He’s a ruthless mobster, but he’s also the very embodiment of the 21st century male. He’s funny and likable, but he’s also flawed and abhorrent. It’s a tricky tightrope walk that was flawlessly pulled off. And for that, Tony Soprano is a historic character that will never be forgotten.
