The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, and a big reason for that is the incredible characters that populate its world. From mob bosses to wise guys to family members, the show is filled with memorable and complex personalities. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 5 best characters from The Sopranos!
5.) Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri
A loyal soldier in Tony’s crew, Paulie is a colorful and memorable character who provides comic relief and moments of levity in the show. Played by Tony Sirico, Paulie is a wise guy with a quirky sense of humor and a penchant for superstition. Sirico’s performance as Paulie is hilarious and endearing, and he brings a sense of fun and mischief to the character that is truly delightful.
4.) Dr. Jennifer Melfi
Tony’s therapist, Dr. Melfi is a key figure in the show who provides insight into Tony’s psyche and moral struggles. Played by Lorraine Bracco, Dr. Melfi is a strong and intelligent woman who is unafraid to challenge Tony and hold him accountable for his actions. Bracco’s performance as Dr. Melfi is understated and powerful, and she brings a sense of empathy and understanding to the character that is remarkable.
3.) Christopher Moltisanti
Tony’s nephew and protege, Christopher is a hot-headed and impulsive young mobster who is torn between his loyalty to Tony and his own ambitions. Played by Michael Imperioli, Christopher is a deeply flawed character who struggles with addiction and a desire for power and respect. Imperioli’s performance as Christopher is raw and intense, and he brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character that is compelling.
2.) Carmela Soprano
Tony’s long-suffering wife, Carmela, is a fascinating character in her own right. Played by Edie Falco, Carmela is a complex mix of strength, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity. She is fiercely loyal to her family, but also willing to turn a blind eye to Tony’s criminal activities in order to maintain her lavish lifestyle. Falco’s performance as Carmela is subtle and nuanced, and she brings a depth and complexity to the character that is captivating.
1.) Tony Soprano
Played by the late, great James Gandolfini, Tony Soprano is the heart and soul of the show. As the boss of the New Jersey mob family, Tony is a complex and morally ambiguous character who struggles with his dual roles as a mobster and a husband and father. Gandolfini’s performance as Tony is nothing short of iconic, and he brings a depth and humanity to the character that is truly remarkable!
Overall, The Sopranos is filled with a rich and diverse cast of characters who bring the show to life and make it the masterpiece that it is. These five characters are just a few of the many memorable figures that populate the show’s world, but they are certainly among the best. If you haven’t already watched The Sopranos, I highly recommend checking it out to experience these incredible characters for yourself! Here are some honorable mentions:
1.) Silvio Dante
2.) Junior Soprano
3.) Furio Giunta
My all time favorite TV show, and arguably the greatest show of all time. It’s so hard to narrow down the best characters because so many of them of deep in depth, but this is a solid list! If I had to add one more character it would be Livia Soprano, since she was the main reason Tony went to therapy and had such a profound impact on him in general. Great list!