S3
E7
E7
One Minute
Hank survives an assassination attempt by the Salamanca twins in a brutal parking lot shootout.
Hank Schrader
82
Character Arc
Hank Schrader is a boisterous, confident DEA agent who serves as Walter White's brother-in-law. Initially appearing as a macho, beer-loving jokester, Hank gradually reveals hidden depths as he becomes obsessed with catching the mysterious drug lord known as Heisenberg.
Hank's journey takes him through a near-fatal encounter with the Salamanca twins, a debilitating period of recovery and PTSD, and ultimately to the devastating realization that the man he has been hunting is his own family member.
His investigation of Heisenberg becomes personal long before he discovers Walter's secret. The moment in the bathroom when he realizes the truth — connecting Walt to Gale Boetticher's lab notes — is one of television's most electrifying scenes.
Hank's death in the desert at the hands of Jack Welker's gang represents the ultimate cost of Walter's choices. He faces his end with dignity, telling Walter "you're the smartest guy I ever met, but you're too stupid to see — he made up his mind ten minutes ago."
Key Episodes
S5
E8
E8
Gliding Over All
Hank discovers Gale's inscription to W.W. and realizes Walter is Heisenberg.
S5
E14
E14
Ozymandias
Hank is killed by Jack Welker after refusing to beg for his life.
Fan Ecosystem
Fan Heat Index Breakdown
Engagement
85
Social Activity
75
Meme Velocity
88
Fan Art Density
70
Fandom Longevity
90
Memorable Quotes
"His name is ASAC Schrader. And you can go to hell."
— Hank Schrader, Season 5, Episode 14 - Ozymandias
"You're the smartest guy I ever met, and you're too stupid to see he made up his mind ten minutes ago."
— Hank Schrader, Season 5, Episode 14 - Ozymandias
"Jesus, Marie. They're minerals!"
— Hank Schrader, Season 3, Episode 6 - Sunset
Trivia & Fun Facts
- Dean Norris originally auditioned for the role of a one-episode character before being cast as Hank.
- Hank's hobby of collecting minerals was added by the writers to show the impact of his PTSD after the El Paso incident.
- Dean Norris has a degree from Harvard University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dean Norris plays Hank Schrader, Walter White's brother-in-law and DEA agent in Breaking Bad.
Hank discovers Walter is Heisenberg in Season 5, Episode 8 ("Gliding Over All") when he finds a copy of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass inscribed "To my other favorite W.W." by Gale Boetticher while using Walter's bathroom.
Yes, Hank is shot and killed by Jack Welker in Season 5, Episode 14 ("Ozymandias") after being captured in the desert.