In every television series there are characters, like T-Bag from "Prison Break," that are just plain evil, or ones that are unchanging in narrative, take Homer Simpson for example, but there are also roles that are multi-layered in personality and distinctively dynamic.
1. Carol Peletier -- The Walking Dead
Living in a post-apocalyptic world where survival means killing walkers definitely changes you as a person. In "The Walking Dead," Carol Peletier underwent some drastic changes. She first appeared to us as an innocent housewife unable to defend herself, but as time went on Carol found the strength to prove herself as an intelligent and resourceful leader in Rick’s group.
2. Alex Karev -- Grey's Anatomy
Approaching it’s 13th season, fans have followed Alex Karev’s whirlwind of a journey, crying and laughing with him in "Grey’s Anatomy." We felt a hatred for him during those young intern days, but he’s unquestionably shed his armor as the seasons have progressed. He’s become the Alex Karev we’ve grown to love: a gifted surgeon, a great friend and an incredibly kind-hearted man.
3. Damon Salvatore -- The Vampire Diaries
Another character we’ve developed a love for is, of course, one of the Salvatore brothers. Needless to say, Damon Salvatore has wooed us all with his charm and good looks in "The Vampire Diaries." At first he was the one we loved to hate, seeking revenge on those who wronged him and sometimes, just for fun. Although we couldn’t help but feel for him as we watched his wavering struggle to make the right choices to protect his loved ones.
4. Rachel Green -- Friends
We were first introduced to the spoiled rich girl who waltzed into Central Perk wearing a wedding dress so many years ago and that girl turned out to be none other than Rachel Green. We saw her struggle with life and men, particularly Ross (were they on a break or not?). But there’s no denying we all have a little bit of Rachel in us, as she grew from self-centered and dependent to responsible and mature, overall teaching us that there really isn’t anything better than having friends in your corner.
5. Barney Stinson -- How I Met Your Mother
We drank with him at Maclaren’s Pub and watched him execute plans in his infamous “Playbook.” As he went through some major changes, *major changes*, "How I Met Your Mother’s" Barney Stinson showed us there’s more to him than just crazy tricks and questionable actions. From his first scene as a typical playboy to his last as a loving father, he delivers his role as a manipulative yet deeply thoughtful character exceptionally well.
6. Quinn Perkins -- Scandal
Quinn Perkins was just a name we brushed off when we first started following Olivia Pope & Associates in ABC’s "Scandal" although she’s become arguably the most determined and helpful fixer in DC. Throughout the years, she’s faced her fair share of demons and had plenty of blood on her hands, but she never strayed from her work in attempts to keep the firm intact, proving herself to be quite the gladiator.
7. Castiel -- Supernatural
We met Castiel in "Supernatural’s" season 4 premiere, known as the angel who literally pulled Dean out of hell. And he’s encumbered with guilt as he tries to determine where his allegiance lies, is it with the place he came from or the place he is now? Nonetheless, he gains insight and empathy through human interactions, especially through his friendship with Dean, revealing it’s brave to go against what you once believed to be right.
8. Blair Waldorf -- Gossip Girl
She ruled as Queen B of the Upper East Side, but under the confident exterior of Blair Waldorf lies a girl overwhelmed by insecurities. Her luxurious lifestyle is far from perfect -- struggling with heartbreak and a need to prove her worth -- but through her intensely scandalous journey in "Gossip Girl," she showed us that she’ll go to no ends to be there for her friends and family, making her that much more admirable.
9. Desmond Hume -- Lost
Although he wasn’t a passenger on Oceanic flight 815, Desmond Hume remains one of "Lost’s" most exceptional characters. Introducing us to the mysteries of time travel, the series gave him a courageous soul and an undying need to save others from harm, propelling one of the most complex and touching storylines.
10. Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson -- Orange Is The New Black
The beauty of the characters in "Orange Is the New Black" lies in their backstories, all very telling tales of how each person eventually landed in Litchfield. Unaware of how smart she is, Taystee fears life outside of prison and learns the hard way what loyalty really means. But in this binge-worthy dramedy that showcases women in a new light, Taystee overcomes hardships and becomes an independent woman and a fiercely protective friend.
Now in regards to the older shows, they never fail to entertain and are certainly worthy of re-watching. And as for the shows still airing, I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll definitely be tuning in to the new seasons premiering this fall.