TV shows are so popular because they create worlds filled with rich characters, each serving a distinct purpose and each pushing the plot forward in interesting directions. Some drive the show season after season and become essential characters we can’t live without. Others emerge and leave an indelible mark, briefly cementing their place in the show’s history.
Whether in comedy, Drama, ExcitementOr other genres, television takes these one-season wonders and lets them weave their magic. From Arthur Mitchell in Dexter To Eddie Munson in Strange thingsThese characters are known for their strong arcs and for elevating the show's overall brilliance. This list takes a look at 10 TV characters whose appearances were fleeting but were influential to the show's story and remain forever etched in the minds of loyal fans.
10 Alan Doyle – The Angel
Played by Glenn Quinn in season 1.
Considering the legacy Buffy the Vampire Slayer Left on popular culture, angel It had to be done justice as a dark and bleak spinoff, exploring different stages of adulthood and paying homage to classic crime films. The series follows the main character, a vampire cursed with a soul, as he seeks to atone for his sins by helping those in need. The show has managed to capture the supernatural side of Los Angeles in a way that no other show in the genre has. In the first season, Angel, played by David Boreanaz, is joined by a team of allies, including Allen Doyleplayed by Glenn Quinn.
Half human, half demon, he has the ability to see prophetic visions. Doyle's character was one of the three main characters on Angel and quickly became a favorite for his cunning charm, Irish wit, and deep sense of loyalty. He shared a budding romance with Cordelia Chase. But his time on the show didn't end when he sacrificed himself to save others and transmitted his visions to Cordelia. Doyle's presence in nine episodes was enough to cement his place in television history.
9 Arthur Mitchell/Trinity Killer – Dexter
Played by John Lithgow in Season 4
An eight-season thriller series, it spawned a spin-off and a prequel series, Dexter The series revolves around Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who works for the Miami Metro Police Department during the day and lives a double life as a vigilante who executes other murders only at night. In season four, Dexter meets his nemesis in Arthur Mitchellalso known as the Trinity Killer, is played by John Lithgow.
Arthur is an ordinary man living with a dark secret – he is responsible for killing over 279 people and escaping every time. Lithgow gives a terrifying performance as Arthur, portraying a highly nuanced killer by immersing himself in the role to the point of both terror and curiosity. His interactions with Dexter are always tense, with Dexter admiring his ability to maintain a normal life while simultaneously satisfying his murderous urges.
Arthur was only in the series for one season, but he became the most memorable villain on Dexter. Lithgow won a Golden Globe for his performance.
8 Francis Woolcott – Deadwood
Played by Garrett Dillahunt in Season 2
Francis Woolcott He's one of those characters that reminds you that you don't need a multi-season arc to make an impression. dead woodA gritty Western drama depicting the outlaw gold rush in the town of the film's title during the late 19th century, where Wolcott works as the chief geologist for powerful mining magnate George Hearst. He arrives in the town and mixes with the colorful residents, but his mission is to obtain valuable claims for his employers – by fair means or unfair.
Wolcott is a tough, deeply disturbing character, embodied in a terrifying performance by Garrett Dillahunt. In fact, Dillahunt is closely associated with the series; he played Jack McCall in the first season and was an unnamed character in the second season. Deadwood: The MovieBut it's his role as Wolcott that has stuck with fans. Memorable moments include his interactions with Cy Tolliver as well as his downfall at the end, which marked the end of his arc.
7 Oberyn Martell – Game of Thrones
Played by Pedro Pascal in season 4.
game of thronesThe groundbreaking fantasy series based on the novels by George R.R. Martin was a global hit when it premiered on HBO. It was widely acclaimed for its sprawling storytelling and sustained suspense. The series explores the power struggles between nine noble families as they all compete for control of the Iron Throne.
Throughout the series, many characters have appeared and then disappeared. Notable characters include Ned Stark, played by Sean Bean and Pedro Pascal. Oberyn MartellNed found himself beheaded in the first season itself. While Oberyn appeared on screen in the fourth season.
Oberyn Martell, a skilled warrior known as the Red Viper, arrives in King's Landing seeking revenge on the Lannisters, who were responsible for his sister's death. He is also known for his roles in shows such as Narcos and Our lastPascal brought a magnetic charm to Oberyn's thirst for revenge. His duel with Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, was a memorable moment of the season. It led to his death, which was shocking, but it underscored the unpredictable nature of the game of thrones.
6 Richie April – Soprano
Played by David Proval in Season 2
A highly influential crime drama that is also credited with starting the second golden age of television, soprano The series delves into the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he tries to balance the demands of his troubled crime family with his personal life.
The series ran for six seasons and over a dozen main characters, as well as some memorable antagonists. One of them was Richie AprilA ruthless and volatile leader of the De Meo crime family, played by David Proval, who arrived in season two.
After being released from prison for ten years, he brought with him an unpredictable nature. Despite his ambition, Richie's greed, narcissism, and lack of remorse led him to paralyze Di Meo/Soprano partner Peter Gaeta. He also almost immediately developed jealousy and resentment toward Tony, who was younger than him but in a position to give Richie orders. Richie engaged in a strained relationship with Janice Soprano, Tony's sister, which culminated in his violent death.
5 Faye Miller – Mad Men
Played by Cara Buono in season 4.
Set in the high-stakes, psychologically charged world of advertising in the 1960s, mad men The series follows the lives of employees at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, a prestigious advertising agency in Manhattan.
At the heart of it all is Don Draper, whose personal and professional relationships are explored across seven seasons of drama, conflict, mystery, and culture. Along with his rise to partner at the agency, the show also focuses extensively on Don’s relationships outside of his marriage to Betty. In season four, we meet Dr. Faye MillerHe specializes in consumer research strategies, and his methods challenge traditional agency approaches.
The 1960s were a time when women were doubtful of their abilities, which is why it was not easy for Faye to assert herself and prove herself as an important figure in the evolving advertising landscape. She was an important figure anyway.
Cara Buono plays Faye, who is also important to Don's life. He may be on the same level as her at work, but he is drawn to her intelligence. Their relationship is complex and multi-layered, but it is also short-lived as Don eventually chooses to marry his secretary, Megan.
4 Todd Alquist – Breaking Bad
Jesse Plemons played in season 5
Created by Vince Gilligan, very bad The series revolves around a dramatic transformation story. The series follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. In order to secure his family's financial future, Walter turns to manufacturing methamphetamine with his former student Jesse Pinkman. The series ran for five seasons, during which Gilligan gave audiences their fair share of villains to annoy – namely Gus Fring in season four and Todd Alquist In the fifth season.
The latter emerges as someone deeply involved in Walter's criminal empire. Jesse Plemons brings Alquist back to life. He initially appears harmless, his mild-mannered persona belying any capacity for violence. But it isn't long before Plemons's character reveals his ruthless side. Alquist's actions, including the horrific murder of a young boy who witnessed the train robbery, make him a disturbing figure in Walter's saga. very badHowever, later in the season, he dies at the hands of Jesse, a cathartic moment for everyone.
3 Madeline Stillwell – The Boys
Played by Elisabeth Shue in season one.
Dark, piercing satire, Boys The film takes place in a world where superheroes are gods, but they are not the noble saviors they pretend to be. Instead, they are corrupt, power-hungry, self-obsessed, and controlled by a giant corporation called Vought International. The corporate puppeteers include: Madeline StillwellElisabeth Shue plays the ruthless and manipulative CEO of Vogt, central to the show's theme of shifting power dynamics.
On the surface, Stillwell appears to be the picture of poise, but in reality, she is deeply cynical, charming, and conniving. She deftly manipulates the superhero, especially Homelander, to maintain Vought’s dominance over the world. Her relationship with the most powerful member of The Seven is riveting, but ironically, Stillwell also dies at the hands of Homelander in the stunning finale. While Stillwell’s role is brief, it sets the stage for… Boys A satirical critique of superhero movies.
2 Priest – Fleabag
Andrew Scott played in season 2
Fleabag A dark comedy series written and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It premiered as a one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before being adapted into a drama for two seasons, and offers a raw, unfiltered look at the life of its main character. Fleabag is a troubled woman with a witty sense of humor who is simply trying to cope with her grief and family dysfunction in modern London.
The priestIntroduced in season two, he is an unconventional cleric who becomes an important part of Fleabag's healing journey.
The beloved actor Andrew Scott plays the priest. Naturally, his character became a fan favorite thanks to his charismatic performance, charming personality, and complex relationship with Fleabag. Aside from being a sympathetic and interesting person, the priest was somehow the only character who truly understood Fleabag and encouraged her to face the uncomfortable and painful truths of life.
1 Eddie Munson – Stranger Things
Played by Joseph Quinn in Season 4
A nostalgic sci-fi horror series set in the 1980s. Strange things It may be best known for being about a core group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, but over the course of four seasons of dealing with government conspiracies and confronting supernatural forces, the series has featured two memorable characters.
Season 4 introduced viewers to Eddie MunsonEddie is the eccentric leader of the Hellfire Club. He has no interest in the adventures of Dustin, Lucas, and Mike, but when they tell him about the Upside Down, Eddie becomes a pivotal figure in the fight against Vecna.
Joseph Quinn played Eddie Monsoon, who captured our attention with his reckless and rebellious spirit. As an added bonus, he was always loyal to his friends. His love of heavy metal music and D&D made for an epic combination. Although initially reluctant, Eddie’s heroic sacrifice as the “Master of Puppets” to control Vecna’s forces became a defining moment in the game’s history. Strange things.
