Few television series have reached the poetic heights thatMad Menhas.
With its rich tapestry,Mad Menoffers a deep humanexploration of ambition, growth and identity.
This list ranks the greatest characters ofMad Men.
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Although Lane is shy and reservedqualities reflected in his difficulty adjusting to Americahe’s profoundly good at his job.
Lane is a compelling character because of how sympathetic he is.
He’s a fish out of water adjusting to the fast-paced, larger-than-life environment of New York City.
Throughout the series, Lane desperately tries to affirm himself, but is constantly put down or humiliated.
9Trudy Campbell
Played by Alison Brie
Trudy is Pete Campbell’s better half.
Trudy is one of the kindest, most sincere, and genuinely loving characters in the whole series.
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Despite all of Pete’s flawsand let’s be honest, he hasmanyTrudy is always there for him.
Whenever Pete’s angry, insecure, or stressed, it’s always Trudy who offers much-needed support.
She’s always the voice of reason, and that voice is a very soothing one indeed.
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It’s hard to imagine how Pete would’ve turned out without Trudy.
Her grace, kindness and strength make her one of themost memorable characters of the series.
Bert’s quirky mannerisms and unique style made him a fan-favorite among audiences.
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Their relationship is one of the most significant in the series.
Bert’sbrutal honesty motivates Roger to finally apply himselfin a way he should’ve done years ago.
It’s this uniqueblend of eccentricity with wisdom and pragmatismthat makes Bert a crucial part of theMad Menuniverse.
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With his charismatic quirkiness and unpredictability, Bert is one of the most memorable characters of the series.
Throughout the series, audiences watch as Don repeatedly cheats on Betty and gaslights her.
This eventually leads to their divorce and her subsequent marriage to Henry Francis.
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Betty has a childlike naivety to her that’s perfectlycaptured in Jones' delicate performance.
Though she begins the series as a little girl,Sally is portrayed as extremely curious and rebellious.
Later on, Sally witnesses Don cheating on Megan with Sylvia, changing her relationship with him forever.
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Sally’s arc underscores thetraumatic consequences of Don and Betty’s parentingand lifestyle.
She cuts her hair to look like one of the older women her father gives his attention to.
His behavior often earns the ire of his fellow executives.
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In spite of Pete’s awful behavior, audiences can’t help but like him.
The reason viewers sympathize with Pete is that he’s ultimatelyone of the most human characters in the series.
This arc of self-acceptance is one of the finest of Mad Men.
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4Joan Holloway
Played by Christina Hendricks
Joan Holloway is the Office Manager of Sterling Cooper.
Joan is one of the strongest and most fascinating characters.
Although she marries an insecure man who abuses her, this is short-lived as she ultimately leaves him.
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Joan is a phenomenal character because her arc seemed surprising at first, but in retrospect is well-fitting.
Don’s elusiveness is based on his need to conceal his past.
Don Draper is the persona Adam Whitman creates to escape the misery and shame of his past.
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Don’s complicated relationships with women and his alcoholism are all rooted in his fractured childhood.
Don’s mysterious, cryptic, distant, and of a dark, brooding demeanor.
But this presentation is a facade that conceals a deep insecurity.
As Meagan’s father points out, “his manners are studied.”
By the end ofMad Menthese struggles are what cause Roger to finally grow up and accept responsibility.
Roger’s jokes and clever one-liners make him the funniest character in the entire series.
Despite these negative qualities, Roger remains a fan favorite due to hischarm and powerful onscreen presence.
But beyond Roger’s charisma and witty jokes isan arc about personal growth and responsibility.
But as quickly as she appears, Peggy demonstrates that she’s a bit different from everyone else.
Throughout the series, Peggy advances her position and career more impressively than any other character in the series.
Peggy’s phenomenal character is brought to life by Elisabeth Moss’s staggering acting talent.
While Peggy isn’t perfect, her transformation and growth are unlike that of any other character.
It’s both impressive and admirable and makes her the best character inMad Men.
NEXT:Every ‘Mad Men’ Season, Ranked
