7 Best Supporting Characters in Stranger Things, Ranked

In recent years, Stranger Things has become a hugely popular show, and for good reason. It’s filled with suspense, evokes a strong sense of 1980s nostalgia, features frightening monsters, and tells a compelling story, all backed by a fantastic soundtrack. But what really makes the show special are its characters. While the main actors get a lot of praise, the supporting cast is a major part of what makes the show so enjoyable. As the central characters battle the dangers of the Upside Down, these secondary figures add the perfect blend of humor, drama, personality, and surprising twists. They aren’t just background players; they often make the most memorable moments – and even entire seasons – truly stand out.

It’s easy to get caught up in the main characters and hope Eleven and Will can defeat Vecna. But what really makes Stranger Things so good are the characters who aren’t always the focus. Here’s a ranking of the 7 best supporting characters, from least to most impactful.

7) Karen Wheeler

Karen Wheeler, played by Cara Buono, became more prominent in Season 3, but she’s always been more than just a mother figure. She represents the everyday reality of Hawkins, keeping the show connected to its human element. While she faced the show’s supernatural dangers head-on in the first part of the final season—even battling a Demogorgon—Karen consistently highlighted how the kids’ adventures impact the entire town. Several scenes effectively portray the burden of parenting children involved in situations she can’t fully grasp, adding depth and realism to the story.

Karen has consistently been an overlooked character, but she’s essential to the show’s balance. While Joyce and Hopper are caught up in the supernatural events, Karen represents the ordinary people of Hawkins who are unaware of what’s happening. This perspective is important for keeping the story grounded and highlighting the stakes. Her efforts to protect Holly, even in the face of danger, proved she can be a powerful force when needed, and she absolutely deserves recognition for her contributions.

6) Barbara “Barb” Holland

Everyone remembers Barb (Shannon Purser), the character who became a symbol of unfairness in the first season of Stranger Things. Though she disappeared early on, fans still talk about her as if she were still part of the show. Barb was sensible and cautious – often more so than the other characters. While she wasn’t a central figure, her death had a huge impact, setting the mood for many episodes to come. This shows how skillfully Stranger Things uses its supporting characters. Barb’s disappearance isn’t just forgotten; it actively moves the plot forward, and it’s what inspires Nancy (Natalia Dyer) to be courageous and investigate the strange world beyond our own.

In the second season, when Barb disappears, the show focuses not only on the mystery of her absence, but also on the ripple effect of trauma. Characters like Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve begin investigating, and viewers quickly understand that Hawkins isn’t a carefree town – it’s a place where dangerous things happen with lasting consequences. Though Barb didn’t have a lot of screen time, her disappearance had a huge impact on the story. She may have been a supporting character, but she was vital to moving the plot forward. Sometimes, a character becomes truly unforgettable by being removed from the story at a key moment.

5) Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov

One of the strengths of Stranger Things is its complex characters – even those you initially dislike can become surprisingly likable. Take Dmitri Antonov, nicknamed Enzo, who appeared in Season 4 as a seemingly harsh Russian guard. He quickly proved vital to the plot, and his scenes with Hopper had a wonderful mix of humor and heart, elevating what could have been a tedious storyline. While some viewers found the Soviet prison scenes slow, Enzo made them much more interesting. He didn’t just assist in Hopper’s rescue; he made the whole process enjoyable thanks to his distinct personality – he was more than just a helpful Russian character.

In Stranger Things, the story initially centers on Hopper and Joyce attempting to break out of a Soviet prison. However, a character named Enzo quickly becomes a standout. He’s resourceful and makes quick, daring choices that heighten the drama and keep the plot moving. In fact, he’s largely responsible for Hopper’s survival. Enzo is a surprisingly valuable addition who demonstrates that even seemingly predictable storylines can be engaging and well-developed. Despite appearing in only one season, he had a significant impact and remains a fan favorite.

4) Murray Bauman

Murray Bauman, played by Brett Gelman, is a perfect example of a well-written supporting character who significantly impacts the plot. Initially appearing as a quirky and funny journalist on Stranger Things, he quickly proves to be much more than just comic relief. He’s essential for making sense of the events in Hawkins, piecing together clues, translating important information, and helping to keep the team focused during dangerous missions. In reality, Nancy, Jonathan, Joyce, and Hopper wouldn’t have been able to solve the mysteries of the Upside Down nearly as quickly—or perhaps at all—without his help. Looking back, it’s clear how vital he is to both supporting the story and moving it forward.

Murray has become a surprisingly vital part of the Stranger Things story. Initially appearing as comic relief, he’s consistently proven useful – from helping to find Barb and aiding Hopper’s rescue to acting as the group’s key messenger in the latest season. He consistently solves crucial problems, keeping the plot moving forward, all while delivering some of the show’s most memorable and sarcastic lines.

3) Billy Hargrove

Billy Hargrove, Max’s older brother, is a character you initially love to despise, but eventually gain respect for. He’s a surprisingly important supporting character in Stranger Things. While he starts as a typical bully, the show delves deeper, revealing the pain and insecurities behind his tough exterior and giving him a chance at redemption. No one expected Billy to sacrifice himself to save everyone from the Mind Flayer in Season 3. His death was deeply emotional and had a lasting impact on the show, particularly setting the stage for Vecna’s attacks on Max in Season 4.

Billy’s story in Stranger Things shows us that villains aren’t always simply evil. He’s shaped by a difficult past and tough circumstances, but is still capable of doing good. He dramatically impacts the entire group of main characters, creating tension while also making key scenes more impactful. Ultimately, Billy is a compelling character because he proves that life isn’t black and white, and his presence helps other characters develop and grow.

2) Eddie Munson

The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, were surprised by how popular Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) became. Despite being a supporting character, he almost stole the show in Season 4. Eddie, as the leader of the Hellfire Club, was charming, humorous, and a true outsider – the kind of character Stranger Things excels at creating: someone who seems ordinary at first but quickly becomes unforgettable. His friendship with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) was a highlight, and his guitar solo in the Upside Down is an iconic moment. Importantly, Eddie’s appeal wasn’t just Joseph Quinn’s performance; the character resonated because he challenged the assumptions people made about him, rather than confirming them.

Eddie is a remarkably loyal and brave character, surprisingly vulnerable despite expectations. His death was a truly shocking moment that fans still discuss, and many hope to see him return. What makes Eddie so impactful isn’t necessarily his role in the story, but the genuine emotional connection he creates with the audience – and that connection is incredibly powerful.

1) Erica Sinclair

Erica Sinclair (Priah Ferguson) absolutely deserves the top spot on this list – she’s a standout character. Initially appearing as simply a source of humor, she quickly became essential to both the story and the enjoyment of the show. Erica’s comedic timing is impeccable, she delivers her lines perfectly, and she’s surprisingly resourceful even when things get dangerous. She’s not just funny; she actively helps the group succeed in their battles against the Upside Down, and her presence makes every scene more impactful. Despite her young age, her intelligence consistently proves to be a major asset to the team’s plans.

Erica isn’t afraid to speak her mind, readily pointing out flaws and offering innovative solutions when the group is stuck. She possesses a natural self-assurance that commands attention. Though often seen as the funny sidekick, she’s actually essential to the team’s success. Her actions have a significant impact, and it’s clear that while Dustin keeps things organized, they’d be completely lost without Erica’s contributions. Ultimately, she dominates every scene she’s in, and she’s incredibly lovable while doing it.

What’s your pick? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-18 02:14