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A breakout character is a character in serial fiction (usually stories involving an ensemble cast) who becomes more prominent, popular, discussed, and/or imitated than was originally intended or expected, sometimes equaling or eclipsing the main character or characters in popularity.[1][2]

Animation[edit]

CharacterIntroduced in Animated SeriesYear IntroducedNotes
Porky PigLooney Tunes (1930–present); Merrie Melodies (1931–present)1935Porky Pig (first voiced by Joe Dougherty, shortly thereafter replaced by Mel Blanc) debuted as a supporting character in an ensemble cast of new characters that included, among others, Beans the Cat. Only a year later, it became clear that audiences were more interested in Beans' stuttering sidekick, Porky Pig. After Westward Whoa, Beans and the others were phased out and Porky replaced him as the star of Looney Tunes. Looney Tunes itself was designed to be a showcase music from the music publishers record companies that Warner Bros. owned; by 1935 the show was overhauled to accommodate Porky Pig after the character increased in prominence.[3] Porky Pig's popularity was also instrumental in facilitating the success of Looney Tunes merchandise for the next several decades.[4]
Bugs BunnyLooney Tunes (1930–present); Merrie Melodies (1931–present)1938Bugs Bunny (first voiced by Mel Blanc) began, in his embryonic stages, as one of several potential foils (other unsuccessful competitors included Gabby Goat and Petunia Pig) for Porky Pig. While Daffy Duck, who himself became a substantial star for Warner Bros., won that role, Bugs developed as a character in his own right by 1940 and became the biggest star in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, developing his own cast of foils and starring in shorts for Warner Bros. until 1964. TV Guide identified Bugs as the greatest cartoon character in history in a 2002 listicle.[5][6]
Woody WoodpeckerWoody Woodpecker (1940-present)1940Woody Woodpecker began as an unnamed minor character in Knock Knock, a short film featuring Andy Panda who was then Universal's star character. Audiences liked him immediately, so he became the star of his own cartoons.[7]
Yogi BearThe Huckleberry Hound Show (1958-1961)1958Yogi Bear (first voiced by Daws Butler) debuted in 1958 as a supporting character in one of three segments of The Huckleberry Hound Show. Yogi Bear's segment of the show became extremely popular and over time, overshadowed its titular character Huckleberry Hound in popularity.[8] The first breakout character in animated television created by Hanna Barbera, Yogi Bear began starring in his own show by 1961.[9]
Bullwinkle J. MooseRocky and His Friends (1959-1964)1959Bullwinkle J. Moose (voiced by Bill Scott) on Rocky and His Friends. Although the series was originally named for Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Rocky's dim-witted sidekick Bullwinkle got most of the jokes while Rocky served as straight man. By 1961, the series had been renamed The Bullwinkle Show, a title that appears for the last three seasons of the series.[10]
Harley QuinnBatman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)1992Harley Quinn (first voiced by Arleen Sorkin). She first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in the 1992 episode "Joker's Favor" in what was originally supposed to be the animated equivalent of a walk-on role. She eventually became popular enough to become one of the most common recurring villains in the series, start appearing in the comics, earn a starring role in the 2016 film Suicide Squad and even receive her own animated series in 2019.[11][12][13]
BrolyDragon Ball Z (1989-1996; films only)1993Broly is considered to be one of the most popular villains in the Dragon Ball series with a cult following, in spite of his origin as a non-canon character exclusive to the Dragon Ball animated film series as well as manga side stories.[14][15]
Butters StotchSouth Park (1997-present)1997Butters Stotch (Matt Stone) on South Park. Originally a background character in the show's pilot, the character eventually emerged as a submissive foil or victim of Eric Cartman's, and gradually became one of the show's most prominent characters,[16] sometimes as the protagonist whose schemes drive the plots of episodes, as in "Franchise Prequel",[17] or the character whose closing soliloquy provides the philosophical insight or "moment of clarity" that serves as the episode's thematic resolution, as in "Raisins",[18] "Cartman Sucks",[19] and "Butterballs".[20]
Stewie GriffinFamily Guy (1999-2003, 2005-present)1999Stewie Griffin (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) on Family Guy. Creator Seth MacFarlane stated that he was very surprised that Stewie turned out to be the show's breakout character, and that this required him to write stories centering on him.[21][22]
X-23X-Men: Evolution (2000-2003)2002X-23 first appeared in the self-titled tenth episode of the third season of the animated television series X-Men: Evolution,[23] and is a clone and later adoptive daughter of Wolverine.[24] X-Men: Evolution ended six episodes after X-23's second appearance, but she quickly developed a following and later made her first comic book appearance in the NYX comic series in 2004, followed by multiple comic book and video game appearances. In 2015, the character succeeded the original Wolverine and adopted his name and costume in the series All-New Wolverine, and is later portrayed by actress Dafne Keen in the 2017 film Logan in a scene-stealing performance.[25]

Comics[edit]

CharacterIntroduced in Comic(s)Year IntroducedNotes
Krazy KatThe Dingbat Family (1910-1916)1910Krazy Kat evolved from an earlier comic strip of series artist George Herriman's, The Dingbat Family, which started in 1910 and was later renamed The Family Upstairs. This comic chronicled the Dingbats' attempts to avoid the mischief of the mysterious unseen family living in the apartment above theirs and to unmask that family. Herriman would complete the cartoons about the Dingbats, and finding himself with time left over in his 8-hour work day, filled the bottom of the strip with slapstick drawings of the upstairs family's mouse preying upon the Dingbats' cat.[26] This "basement strip" became a daily comic strip with a title (running vertically down the side of the page) in 1913 and a black and white full-page Sunday cartoon three years later. Due to the objections of editors, who considered it unsuitable for the comics sections, Krazy Kat originally appeared in the Hearst papers' art and drama sections.[27] Hearst himself, however, enjoyed the strip so much that he gave Herriman a lifetime contract and guaranteed the cartoonist complete creative freedom.[28]
PopeyeThimble Theatre (1919-present)1929Popeye first appeared 10 years into the run of Thimble Theatre, a comic strip started in 1919 by E.C. "Elzie" Segar for the King Features Syndicate. The strip initially focused on Olive Oyl, her family, and her boyfriend Ham Gravy. Segar introduced Popeye as a sailor hired by Olive's brother Castor to facilitate a single adventure. When the character disappeared from the strip afterwards, fans demanded his return, and the series later became Thimble Theater, Starring Popeye.[29][30]
NancyFritzi Ritz (1922-1968)1933Nancy was introduced in 1933 in the comic strip Fritzi Ritz, which had debuted 11 years prior. Nancy soon emerged as a star in her own right, getting her own strip in 1938, while Fritzi Ritz's last strip would appear in 1968, becoming a supporting character in Nancy from then onward.[31]
Snuffy SmithTake Barney Google, F'rinstance (1919-present; now Barney Google and Snuffy Smith)1934Snuffy Smith was introduced as a supporting character in 1934 to Take Barney Google, F'rinstance, became so popular he took over the comic strip as the main character of what is now titled Barney Google and Snuffy Smith.[32]
NeroThe Adventures of Nero (1947-2002)1947Nero from The Adventures of Nero by Marc Sleen was originally introduced as a side character in the series De Avonturen van Detective Van Zwam, where Detective Van Zwam was the main protagonist. From the first Van Zwam story on, Het Geheim van Matsuoka ("Matsuoka's Secret") (1947) readers reacted more enthusiastically to the dumb, lazy, vain and stubborn character Nero than the more noble and clever Van Zwam. So, from "De Hoed van Geeraard de Duivel" ("The Hat Of Gerard the Devil" (1950)) onward the series was named after Nero instead.[33]
Scrooge McDuckFour Color Comics (1939-1962)1947Scrooge McDuck was originally intended as a one-off antagonistic supporting character in Christmas on Bear Mountain, a 1947 Donald Duck story by Carl Barks, first published in Four Color Comics #178. Scrooge McDuck's popularity grew so large that he spawned an entire mythology around the character, including new supporting characters, adventures, and life experiences as told by numerous authors.[34] In 1952 he was given his own comic book series, Uncle Scrooge, which is still ongoing today. Several stories written by Barks and published in Uncle Scrooge were adapted as episodes of the popular syndicated television cartoon DuckTales in the late 1980s.
The SmurfsJohan and Peewit (1952-2001)1958The Smurfs were originally supporting characters in Peyo's comic series Johan and Peewit in 1958. The popularity of the little blue men led to them getting their own series a year later, which was subsequently followed by massive merchandising, a television series and various other productions.[35]
Sabrina the Teenage WitchArchie's Madhouse (1959-1982)1962Sabrina the Teenage Witch was originally introduced as a one-off character in the Archie Comics universe in 1969. Unbeknownst to the original creators, Filmation was interested in the character and created a Saturday morning cartoon featuring Sabrina, helping the character become one of the most popular in the Archie Comics universe.[36] Sabrina would get a second boost of popularity in the late 1990s with a prime time live-action Sabrina the Teenage Witch series, which starred Melissa Joan Hart in the title role.
The PunisherThe Amazing Spider-Man (1963-present)1974The Punisher debuted as an antagonistic character in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974). He was a hit with readers, and started to appear on a regular basis, teaming up with both Spider-Man and other heroes throughout the 1970s and 1980s.[37] The Punisher's popularity took the character's creator, Gerry Conway by surprise, as he had intended him only as a second-tier character.[38] The character evolved into an anti-hero and became one of Marvel's most popular characters in the 1990s,[39] having a starring role in multiple comic book series, television series, films, and video games, and his name, symbol, and image have been used for merchandise or appropriated for discussion of social issues.
WolverineThe Incredible Hulk (1962-present)1974Wolverine is frequently cited as the first breakout character from the X-Men comics series, and "arguably the breakout character of the 1980s."[40] He debuted in 1974's The Incredible Hulk #180 as a superhuman agent of the Canadian government who comes into conflict with the Hulk. He later appeared in 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, during writer Chris Claremont's first run with the X-Men, as one of several new recruits of the team. Wolverine was consistently the most popular member of the team;[41] he headlined his first limited series in 1982, and later an ongoing solo series debuted in 1988, which eventually established Wolverine as one of Marvel's most important characters.[42]
ElektraDaredevil (1964-present)1981Elektra debuted as a supporting character in Daredevil #168 (January 1981) as a love interest of the superhero Daredevil, and quickly broke out in popularity.[43] Frank Miller, who created Elektra, secured a promise from Marvel's editors to stop using Elektra after he had concluded her storyline. Marvel abided by this agreement until the mid-1990s, when later editors and ownership groups decided to revive the character against Miller's wishes.[44] The character remains one of Marvel's most popular female characters,[45] with a starring role in two eponymous ongoing series, several mini-series, an eponymous live action film in 2005, as well as a major role in the 2003 film Daredevil and Marvel's Netflix television series.
Opus the PenguinBloom County (1980-1989, 2015-present)1981Opus the Penguin, of Bloom County, Outland, and Opus, was originally featured in a two-week narrative in Bloom County during the 1980s. Fans requested more appearances of the penguin and series creator Berkeley Breathed was pleased with how well the character integrated with other characters in the strip.[46] Opus was made a permanent character, displacing the original cast as the focus of the strip and its sequels.[47] Another Berkeley Breathed creation, Bill the Cat, is also cited as a throwaway character which turned into a breakout success.[48]
VenomThe Amazing Spider-Man (1963-present)1984Venom was originally introduced as a living alien costume in The Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May 1984). The creature made its full first appearance with Eddie Brock as its host in The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May 1988). Venom's popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s inspired a series of symbiote characters published by Marvel comics, and the character eventually transitioned from a villain to an anti-hero, appearing as a principal character in a number of comic book series. The character has also appeared in numerous other media, including an eponymous live action film in 2018.[49]
John ConstantineThe Saga of Swamp Thing (1982-1999)1985John Constantine debuted as a supporting character who played a pivotal role in the "American Gothic" Swamp Thing storyline in 1985. Constantine was an instant breakout character, and received his own ongoing solo comic series in 1988.[50] The Hellblazer series was the longest-running and most successful title of DC's Vertigo imprint.[51][52] The character was adapted for a live action movie, television show, novels, and multiple spin-offs and crossovers.
Death (DC Comics)The Sandman (1989-present)1989Death (DC Comics) debuted in 1989 as a supporting character in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. She is considered the breakout character of the entire Sandman series by multiple sources.[53][54]
DeadpoolThe New Mutants (1982-present)1991Deadpool debuted as a villain in The New Mutants #98 (February 1991), and subsequently made guest appearances in issues of X-Force.[55] The character's popularity led to the publication of his first solo comic, the four-issue limited series Deadpool: The Circle Chase on August 10, 1993. He is notable as one of the few breakout comic characters in the 1990s and 2000s,[56] having a starring role in multiple comic series, a 2013 video game, and two live action eponymous films in 2016 and 2018.
Spider-GwenEdge of Spider-Verse (2014-2015)2014An alternative universe version of Gwen Stacy, commonly referred to as Spider-Gwen, first appears in Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (September 2014) as part of the 2014–15 "Spider-Verse" comic book storyline, which features multiple alternative versions of Spider-Man that had appeared in various media. The character subsequently became one of comics' biggest breakout characters in recent years;[57] the character is the lead heroine in her own ongoing comic book series, numerous animated television and video game appearances, as well as a co-starring role in the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.[58] The character also inspired the creation of twenty Marvel variant covers of Gwen Stacy reimagined as a wide array of Marvel heroes in June 2015,[59] spawning popular hybrid variants such as Gwenpool, a variant of Deadpool.
Doctor AphraStar Wars: Darth Vader (2015-2016, 2016; 2017-2018; 2020-present)2015Doctor Aphra debuted as a supporting character in the 2015 Marvel Comics series Star Wars: Darth Vader,[60] her popularity as a breakout character leading to crossovers in other comics, and then her own series, Doctor Aphra.[60][61][62][63] Aphra is the first original Star Wars character not from the films to lead a Marvel comic series.[64][65]
Hit-Girl2008Hit-Girl is a breakout character from the Kick-Ass: The Dave Lizewski Years who went on to have her own comic book series. [66][67][68]

Film[edit]

CharactersIntroduced in Film or Film SeriesYear IntroducedNotes
Inspector Jacques ClouseauThe Pink Panther (1963-present)1963Inspector Jacques Clouseau, Peter Sellers' character in the Pink Panther film series, was originally conceived as a supporting character to David Niven's gentleman burglar Sir Charles Lytton in the film that launched the franchise, but quickly became the protagonist.[69][70][71]
Boba FettStar Wars (1977-present)1978Boba Fett was introduced in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, before appearing in supporting roles in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Though his screen time in the original Star Wars trilogy was minimal, and he apparently died an ignominious death in the third film, his visual design made him an iconic mainstay of the franchise. His backstory would be provided in the prequel trilogy, which gave rise to other Mandalorian characters, including Din Djarin in the television series The Mandalorian. Fett himself reappeared in that series, revealing that he did not actually die in Jedi.[72]
Aldous SnowForgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)2008Aldous Snow, Russell Brand's character in Forgetting Sarah Marshall,[73] who later appears in a starring role in the 2010 spin-off sequel Get Him to the Greek.
Phil CoulsonMarvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present)2008Phil Coulson, portrayed by Clark Gregg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, initially had a minor part in Iron Man (2008). This led to further recurring appearances in Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), and two Marvel One-Shots (2011), and The Avengers (2012) in which Coulson is murdered. The character is then revealed to be alive in the pilot episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., in which he was the main character. Other appearances included that series' digital spinoff, various tie-in comics, animated series, and Captain Marvel (2019).[74]
The MinionsDespicable Me (2010-present)2010The Minions became breakout characters in the 2010 animated film Despicable Me.[75][76] They eventually starred in a 2015 spinoff, Minions.
Yondu UdontaMarvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present)2014Yondu Udonta, portrayed by Michael Rooker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, was originally written as a supporting ally of the titular superhero team, but following the positive reception for the character in the first film, his role was upgraded significantly for the second, where he was considered by many critics to give a show-stealing performance.[77]

Radio[edit]

CharactersIntroduced on Radio Program or SeriesYear IntroducedNotes
Throckmorton Philharmonic GildersleeveFibber McGee & Molly (1935-1959)1939Throckmorton Philharmonic Gildersleeve (as portrayed by Harold Peary, later replaced by Willard Waterman in 1950) was an antagonist on the long-running radio comedy Fibber McGee & Molly around 1939. The pompous underwear salesman proved popular enough to warrant a spin-off, The Great Gildersleeve, in 1941. Like its parent show, Gildersleeve would go on to a long run in radio, film and (briefly) television; the last episode of Gildersleeve aired in 1958.[78]

Television[edit]

CharactersIntroduced in TV ShowYear IntroducedNotes
Maynard G. KrebsThe Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959-1963)1959Maynard G. Krebs (Bob Denver) on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, was originally created as a supporting character, the beatnik best friend of the titular character Dobie Gillis, when the series began in 1959.[79] By 1960, Denver had graduated to co-lead and Maynard was given the bulk of the comedy material, with Dwayne Hickman's Dobie as the straight man.[80] Dobie Gillis was Denver's first professional acting job, and the breakout success of the Maynard character led to Denver starring on Gilligan's Island after Dobie ended in 1963.[79] Krebs was famously parodied as Shaggy Rogers (voiced by Casey Kasem) in the long-running Scooby-Doo franchise; Shaggy was largely an updated hippie reimagining of Krebs.[81][82]
SpockStar Trek (1966-1969)1966Spock (Leonard Nimoy) on Star Trek was the only character to be carried over from the original pilot to the second. Series creator Gene Roddenberry was pressured by NBC to drop the character from the second pilot, then later to keep the character in the background. Spock's popularity grew, and NBC soon reversed its stance, encouraging more focus on the character. Spock appeared in every episode of the original series, the animated series and the original cast movies.[83][84]
J.J. EvansGood Times (1974-1979)1974J.J. Evans (Jimmie Walker) on Good Times,[85] with his catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!", came to dominate the family series, leading to friction with stars Esther Rolle and John Amos, who played his parents. Amos and Rolle's concern was not so much that they resented being upstaged, but rather that they felt the J.J. character was too stereotypical and not a good role model for young African American viewers.[86][87] A showdown with the show's producers in 1976 led to modification of the character, Amos' character being killed off and a temporary departure by Rolle from the show. Rolle returned at the beginning of the show's final season in 1978–79, and J.J. became an even stronger focus of the show.
FonzieHappy Days (1974-1984)1974Fonzie (Henry Winkler) on the American sitcom Happy Days[88] began in a supporting role, but quickly evolved into the focal point of the series. His character became the best friend to the main character, Richie Cunningham, displacing Potsie Weber's status as best friend. Winkler's billing in the credits rose to second (he refused to appear above Ron Howard, the star) and then first after Howard left the show to pursue directing. At one point, network executives hoped to retitle the show Fonzie's Happy Days.[89]
K-9Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005-present)1977K-9 (John Leeson and David Brierly) on Doctor Who, was a robotic dog who served as the Doctor's companion from 1977 to 1980. Following the character's departure, he appeared in the pilot for the aborted spin-off series K-9 and Company. He later appeared in three episodes of the revived series of Doctor Who, made appearances on the spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures, and was the central character in the spin-off series K-9.[90]
J.R. EwingDallas (1978-1991, 2012-2014)1978J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) on Dallas. The initial concept of Dallas was a Romeo and Juliet-esque tale, focusing on two star-crossed lovers whose families are sworn enemies, with the amoral brother J.R. serving as a supporting character. However, the popularity of J.R. (and Hagman in the role) grew, and the producers acknowledged his new status as the series' breakout character. Two highly rated 1980 episodes became pop culture zeniths. In "A House Divided" and "Who Done It?", the audience witnessed J.R. being shot by an unknown assailant. After the cliffhanger was broadcast in March 1980, the audience was forced to wait until the October premiere of the next season for the cliffhanger's resolution. The summer of 1980 saw the emergence of a national obsession known as "Who shot J.R.?".[91] Riding the crest of his newfound popularity, Larry Hagman threatened to leave the series unless his contractual demands were met. CBS leaked rumors of recasting, but Hagman eventually prevailed.[92] As the series progressed, J.R. emerged as the central character until the show's cancellation in 1991, with Hagman serving as executive producer for the final few seasons. Hagman would go on to reprise the character in two TV movies and a revival series until Hagman's death in 2012.
Bob and Doug McKenzieSCTV (1976-1984)1980Bob and Doug McKenzie (portrayed by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas respectively) were created as Canadian content filler for SCTV, appearing as hosts of the show-within-a-show "The Great White North" and improvising as two drunken stereotypical Canadians.[93] The duo were spun off into a film Strange Brew, an album also titled The Great White North, and several appearances in other films and television shows. Their success also led to Moranis and Thomas being forced out of the SCTV cast in 1982 due to the other cast members becoming resentful of the duo's success, particularly John Candy, who accused Thomas of using his head writer position to squash other characters and sketches in favor of more Bob and Doug.[94][95]
Reverend I. M. JollyScotch and Wry (1978-1992)1978Reverend I. M. Jolly was originally one of a series of ministers who hosted the final sketch, Last Call, on episodes of Rikki Fulton's Scotch and Wry. Jolly, the perpetually dour and ironically named minister, came to be the regular host of the segment, continuing as a Hogmanay feature for several years after Scotch and Wry ended. Gregor Fisher took over the role in 2019 for a one-off fortieth anniversary special but later expressed regret for doing so.[96]
ElmoSesame Street (1969-present)1980Elmo (voiced and operated by numerous puppeteers, but primarily by Kevin Clash from 1984 to 2010) on Sesame Street, who joined the cast of the children's show in the late 1970s. Originally a supporting character, Elmo's popularity among the show's younger fans rose in the 1990s, which led to him receiving his own segment within the show, "Elmo's World", and becoming a major marketing icon.[97]
Alex P. KeatonFamily Ties (1982-1989)1982Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) on Family Ties.[98]
Dr. Frasier CraneCheers (1982-1993)1984Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) from Cheers debuted in the third season (1984–85) as a temporary release for some of the relationship tension between Sam and Diane, and was only meant to make guest appearances in a few episodes.[99] He would instead remain as a recurring character, providing an upper-class foil to the otherwise working-class cast, and became a series regular by the show's fifth season. By 1993, the character would go on to headline Frasier, created as a spin-off from Cheers after its end.[100][101]
Sandra Clark227 (1985-1990)1985Sandra Clark (Jackée Harry) on 227. The series was originally intended as a vehicle for Marla Gibbs. Harry's character, however, proved to be a breakout success.[102]
Sophia PetrilloThe Golden Girls (1985-1992)1985Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) on The Golden Girls, was the mother of lead character Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), and was originally written as a one-off character for the pilot. However, her blunt wisecracking became a signature of the show, to the point where she became a core member of the cast,[103][104] replacing a gay chef named "Coco" who only appeared in the pilot.[105] Petrillo would go on to appear in The Golden Palace and Empty Nest, with the character ending its run at the end of Empty Nest in 1995.
WorfStar Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)1987Worf (Michael Dorn) on Star Trek: The Next Generation was not meant to be anything but a background character.[106] However, he became so popular that he became a main character, with entire episodes focused on him.[107] He became a series regular on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as soon as TNG went off the air. There were even plans to give him his own television show.[108]
Steve UrkelFamily Matters (1989-1998)1989Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) on Family Matters was originally a one-shot character during the show's first season in 1989. He became so popular that he became a regular cast member from season two forward, practically synonymous with the series.[109][110]
Todd ManningOne Life to Live (1963-2011, 2013)1992Todd Manning (originally and currently Roger Howarth, was played at one time by Trevor St. John) on One Life to Live, known for initiating the gang rape of Marty Saybrooke in 1993, was originally supposed to have a short-lived recurrence. However, once Howarth was seen to attract positive viewer reaction, the character was given a more primary focus.[111][112] The character's popularity continued even after St. John assumed the role in 2003.[113] (Note: St. John's version of the character was eventually rewritten as Todd's twin brother, Victor. Howarth returned as Todd in 2011.)
Tommy OliverPower Rangers (1993-present)1993Tommy Oliver (Jason David Frank) from the live-action television franchise Power Rangers franchise was only intended to appear for one season, but became so popular that in subsequent seasons, Tommy would become a series regular, and eventually, the most enduring Power Rangers character of all time.[114][115][116]
Mr BlobbyNoel's House Party (1991-1999)1993Mr Blobby (portrayed by Barry Killerby) on Noel's House Party became a British national phenomenon upon his debut in 1993; he quickly became a source of ridicule and national embarrassment as time progressed.[117][118]
Robert BaroneEverybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)1996Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) on Everybody Loves Raymond was credited with being the show's "secret weapon" and the main catalyst for most of the show's "comic high points."[119]
SpikeBuffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)1997Spike (James Marsters) on Buffy the Vampire Slayer[120] was originally intended to be a villain for a few episodes, but the character became recurring through the end of the second season, then a main character in the fourth season. He appeared regularly through the end of the series, then appeared as a main character during the final season of Angel.[121]
Chloe O'Brian24 (2001-2010)2003Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) on 24. Rajskub's character first appearing during the third season of the series and initially appeared as a recurring character throughout seasons three and four before being promoted to a series regular in season five and continued in that role until season eight as well as reprising her role in 24: Live Another Day. By season six, Rajskub had become the second-billed cast member after lead actor Kiefer Sutherland and has second most appearances of any character after Jack Bauer. During her tenure on the series, Chloe becomes one of Jack's closest friends and allies and is considered a "fan-favorite" and has been included in AOL's list of the "100 Most Memorable Female TV Characters".[122][123][124][125]
Carson BeckettStargate Atlantis (2004-2009)2004Carson Beckett, portrayed by Paul McGillion on Stargate Atlantis, was introduced in the pilot episode, originally intended to be an occasional guest star for scenes requiring a doctor. His character was an immediate hit with the fans from inception, and Beckett earned his own episode halfway through Season 1. He was upgraded to a regular in Season 2, becoming one of the six main characters and appearing in 15 episodes of the season. Despite his popularity, however, the character was killed off at the end of Season 3, which led to outrage among his fans, who campaigned so heavily for his return that the character was written back into the series a year later. He became a recurring character once again during the show's fourth and fifth seasons.[126]
Barney StinsonHow I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)2005Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) on How I Met Your Mother.[127] Over time, Stinson became a scene-stealer and has been credited for much of the show's success.[128]
London TiptonThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)2005London Tipton (Brenda Song) on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and its spin-off The Suite Life on Deck.[129][130]
Kenneth Parcell30 Rock (2006-2013)2006Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) on 30 Rock. Originally a peripheral character in the first season, the eternally cheerful NBC Page moved into the main cast beginning in season two, and McBrayer received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2009.[131][132][133]
Andy BernardThe Office (2005-2013)2006Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) on The Office was originally signed to appear in 10 episodes during the show's second season.[134] Realizing that Andy had similarities to a character they were thinking of creating, the producers gradually merged the two. Bernard became a regular in the third season when the Stamford and Scranton branches were merged and, by the end of that season, was the only character introduced in the former season who was still in the show. In the eighth season, Andy replaced Michael Scott as the regional manager of the branch when Steve Carell left the show.[135]
Benjamin LinusLost (2004-2010)2006Benjamin Linus (Michael Emerson) in Lost was originally only supposed to be in three episodes of Season 2 in the fake persona of "Henry Gale",[136][137] but the producers enjoyed his performance so much that they wrote him in as the leader of the Others.[138] He became a series regular in Season 3 and remained a star character for the rest of the show. During the series' run, Linus was often hailed as one of the best villains on television,[139] and Emerson was nominated for three Emmys, winning one for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Blair WaldorfGossip Girl (2007-2012)2007Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) on Gossip Girl[140] was the series' most critically acclaimed character, earning mainstream media recognition from Forbes,[141] Rolling Stone,[142] Variety,[143] and numerous other periodicals. The character was acclaimed as having "stolen the spotlight" in the first season.[144] Her wardrobe garnered real-life coverage from fashion outlets,[145] and she has been cited as a trend-setter outside of the show.[146]
CastielSupernatural (2005-2020)2008Castiel (Misha Collins) on Supernatural[147][148] is noted for originally being conceived for a short six-episode story arc at the beginning of the show's fourth season. By the time the fourth season came to a close, not only had the character quickly become a favorite amongst fans, but he was subsequently upgraded from his previous supporting status to a series star alongside the show's main protagonists Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester from the show's fifth season onward.[149]
Jesse PinkmanBreaking Bad (2008-2013)2008Jesse Pinkman was originally intended to be killed at the end of Breaking Bad 's first season in a botched drug deal as a plot device to plague Walter White with guilt. However, Vince Gilligan said that by the second episode of the season, he was so impressed with Aaron Paul's performance that "it became pretty clear early on that would be a huge, colossal mistake, to kill off Jesse".[150]
Ron SwansonParks and Recreation (2009-2015)2009Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) on Parks and Recreation. Originally a background character, he soon became what critics called the show's "secret weapon,"[151] and he quickly became a scene-stealer, noted for his frequent deadpan comedy and machismo.
Daryl DixonThe Walking Dead (2010-present)2010Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) on The Walking Dead. An original character as he was not created in the comics. His popularity grew to such an extent that he has had two spin-off video games (The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct and The Walking Dead: Onslaught) and has a spin-off show with fan favorite Carol Peletier who is also a breakout character in her own right. His popularity is so massive that fans asked if and when will Daryl cross over into the comic series, something that Robert Kirkman often teased, most notably with a fake comic cover featuring Daryl himself.
Morgan JonesThe Walking Dead (2010-present)2010Morgan Jones (Lennie James) on The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead. A comic series original character adapted to the show. After his initial disappearance, many fan clamored to know what had happened to him. After becoming a core member of the original show, it was decided that he would helm Fear so as to attract more viewers there, something that did end up succeeding. This led to series favorite Dwight also transferring over to Fear later on.
Elka OstrovskyHot in Cleveland (2010-2015)2010Elka Ostrovsky was portrayed (by Betty White) on Hot in Cleveland. White was originally offered a guest role in the pilot episode, but her popularity prompted the producers to give her a permanent lead role.[152]
Elijah MikaelsonThe Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)2010Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies) on The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, was originally brought in as a minor threat for the main characters and as a way to introduce villain Klaus. He was then supposed to die after six episodes. However, the character became so immensely popular that the writers changed his storyline, revealing him to be Klaus' brother. He became an important ally to the main characters and continued to recur on the show. Gillies then brought the character over to the spin-off The Originals, where Elijah has become one of the main characters.[153]
SchmidtNew Girl (2011–2018)2011Schmidt (Max Greenfield) on New Girl (2011–2018).[154]
Felicity SmoakArrow (2012-2020)2012Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) on Arrow was introduced as an IT consultant at the main character's company midway through the first season. She quickly became a fan favorite and was made a series regular for the second season, with DC comics re-imagining her character for the New 52 as a facsimile of the live-action one.[155]
Sara LanceArrow (2012-2020)2012Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) in Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow is an original character and the sister of Laurel Lance. Originally thought to have died in events prior to the show's first episode, Sara showed up in Star City alive in season 2, having assumed the vigilante identity Canary. She joins Team Arrow for a while, until she is killed off in the season 3 premiere, thus paving way for Laurel to assume her identity and become the Black Canary. By this time, Sara had proven to be very popular with fans and critics, and her death led to outrage amongst the fans, especially when her mantle as the Canary was given to Laurel. Sara was eventually brought back to life in season 4, and ultimately went on to star as one of the leads in the Arrow spin-off Legends of Tomorrow.[156]
Mellie GrantScandal (2012-2018)2012Mellie Grant portrayed by Bellamy Young on Scandal. Originally a recurring character meant to appear in only three episodes of the first season, the role of Mellie ended up appearing in every episode, became a main cast member by the second season, and by third was described by many as the breakout character of the show; as of the seventh and final season, she has risen from being merely the First Lady, then a U.S. Senator representing Virginia, to President of the United States, succeeding her husband. Praised from the start as a villainous scene stealer, Mellie eventually became much more developed and eventually integral to show, with Young receiving major acclaim for her performance, with one critic going so far as to say, "In Mellie, the show has its most fleshed-out character and in Young, its most compelling performer."[157]
Steve HarringtonStranger Things (2016-present)2016Steve Harrington, initially portrayed as a rude, stereotypical high school boyfriend in Stranger Things, evolved over the course of the series into a kind-hearted, empathetic, and charismatic character that has become a fan-favorite.[158][159]
Rich DotComBlindspot (2015-2020)2016Rich DotCom (Ennis Esmer) first appeared in the ninth episode of Blindspot, after creator Martin Gero realized that the James Bond-esque villain introduced in the original draft was not working. Although initially introduced as a Dark Web confronted by the FBI, he was brought back for subsequent episodes, in which his character was further developed, and revealed to be more morally complex than initially portrayed. Gero eventually realized Rich had become an integral part of the show having come to regard him as the defining character of the series.[160]
Christopher PikeStar Trek (1964-present)1964Christopher Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter, was introduced in "The Cage," the 1964 pilot of Star Trek: The Original Series. However, Hunter declined the role when the show went to series, and the character was replaced by James T. Kirk (William Shatner). A crippled Pike, now played by Sean Kenney, would later make a guest appearance in "The Menagerie", which incorporated footage from "The Cage" featuring Hunter. Decades later, the character would play a supporting role in the feature films of the 2000s, played by Bruce Greenwood. Pike would subsequently be made a supporting in Star Trek: Discovery in 2019, in which he was played by Anson Mount. Pike became a breakout character[161] whose popularity among fans was attributed by critics to Mount's portrayal. Mount was contracted for only one season, but fans began a petition for his own spin-off.[162] On May 15, 2020, CBS officially announced Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, a new television series starring Mount as Pike. Creator and executive producer Alex Kurtzman cited overwhelming positive fan response as one of the reasons for creating the show.[163]
GroguThe Mandalorian (2019-present)2019Grogu, unofficially referred to as Baby Yoda by fans and the media since its name would not be revealed until well into the second season,[164][165] made his debut in the first episode of The Mandalorian and subsequently received significant media attention due to the numerous internet memes he spawned[166][167] and the high demand but low supply of available merchandise of the character.[168]

Video games[edit]

CharactersIntroduced in Video Game or SeriesYear IntroducedNotes
YoshiMario (1981-present)1990Yoshi in the Mario series.[169] Originally appearing in Super Mario World as a rideable pet, he became one of the franchise's main characters, often appearing as one of Mario's sidekicks, and getting his own series of video games.[170][171]
ZeroMega Man X (1993-present)1993Zero from the Mega Man X series first appeared as a supporting character in the first installment, eventually eclipsing the titular protagonist and becoming one of the franchise's main characters.[172][173] Zero's popularity spawned his own spin-off video game series in the 2000s, Mega Man Zero, to mostly positive reception.[174][175]
Vincent ValentineFinal Fantasy VII (1997)1997Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII was designed as an unlock-able secret character. The option to recruit Vincent as a party member occurs late in the game's canon, and he has little involvement with the main narrative due to time constraints faced by the game's developers.[176] The character's popularity with Final Fantasy fandom led to Vincent being featured more prominently in the subsequent Compilation of Final Fantasy VII multimedia metaseries.[177] Notably, he is the protagonist and central character in the spin-off Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII and its mobile phone tie-in.
MinscBaldur's Gate (1998-present)1998Minsc from the Baldur's Gate video game series. He was originally conceived by series developer Bioware as a comic relief sidekick and an optional party member with little relevance to the overarching plot. Ultimately emerging as the series' breakout star and most iconic character, Minsc is still acclaimed by video game enthusiasts, and has been repeatedly referenced in non-Bioware games and media.[178] Minsc and his hamster companion Boo have appeared in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Neverwinter, the webcomic Megatokyo, and a series of D&D-themed comic books published by IDW Publishing.
Alyx VanceHalf-Life (1998-present)2004Alyx Vance from the Half-Life series. A supporting non-player character who first appeared in 2004's Half-Life 2, she later played a major speaking role, as player character Gordon Freeman was a silent protagonist.[179][180][181][182] Alyx has transitioned into the role of player character for the 2020 video game Half-Life: Alyx.[179][180]
RabbidsRaving Rabbids (2006-present)2006Rabbids began as enemies in the Rayman video game series, before their "vicious, but (...) totally stupid" antics proved to overshadow the main character. They have since been franchised to television and their own spin-off video game series.[183][184]
IsabelleAnimal Crossing (2001-present)2012Isabelle first appeared in 2012's Animal Crossing: New Leaf, where she serves as the player character's secretary. Isabelle's breakout popularity led to her becoming one of the most prominent characters in the Animal Crossing franchise,[185] to a point where the character is considered by some sources to be the mascot of a series which saw its first release in 2001.[186] Isabelle's popularity has also led to appearances outside of the Animal Crossing series, including a playable role in the crossover games Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Lady DimitrescuResident Evil Village (2021-present)2021Lady Dimitrescu first appeard in 2021's Resident Evil Village, where she serves as the astagonist. When Capcom released a promotion image and aswell as initial demos and previews, Lady Dimitrescu rose in popularity internationally and has become subject to a significant amount of fan-driven labor, including but not limited to fan art, cosplay, memes, and even erotica.[187][188][189]

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