Best Character Arcs in TV History
The greatest character arcs in television take familiar characters and transform them in ways that are surprising yet inevitable. These characters evolved, devolved, or revolutionized themselves across their series, creating some of the most memorable journeys in TV history.
Rankings
Walter White
Played by Bryan Cranston
Thomas Shelby
Played by Cillian Murphy
Jesse Pinkman
Played by Aaron Paul
Daenerys Targaryen
Played by Emilia Clarke
Beth Dutton
Played by Kelly Reilly
Steve Harrington
Played by Joe Keery
David Rose
Played by Dan Levy
Ruth Langmore
Played by Julia Garner
Kendall Roy
Played by Jeremy Strong
Jaime Lannister
Played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Jamie Tartt
Played by Phil Dunster
Nate Shelley
Played by Nick Mohammed
Frequently Asked Questions
Walter White's transformation from mild-mannered chemistry teacher to ruthless drug lord Heisenberg in Breaking Bad is widely considered the greatest character arc in TV history. Other standout arcs include Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, Jamie Tartt in Ted Lasso, and Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad.
A great character arc involves meaningful, believable change driven by the character's experiences and choices. The best arcs feel both surprising and inevitable, with each step of the transformation feeling earned and organic to the story.