Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix series Ozark.
Ozark thrust viewers into a dangerous world full of money laundering, drugs, and murder. The gripping crime drama series has introduced some memorable characters throughout the years, with the best ones leaving lasting impressions on fans.
The best characters on the show are far from being one-note and predictable, often surprising viewers in genuinely impressive ways. Fan favorites like Buddy and Ruth are impossible to exclude, as they have well-written storylines and unique personalities that make them stand out in the riveting series. With the release of the fourth and final season of Ozark, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of its best characters.
Omar Navarro
As the cartel boss and the Byrdes’ employer, Navarro is a powerful character who calls the shots in the organization. He’s depicted as mysterious and temperamental, often only giving people a few seconds of his time. He doesn’t hesitate to torture and murder, either, as fans may recall how he has Marty abducted and locked in a basement for days.
What makes him so terrifying is just how unpredictable he can be, as his decisions like disposing of Helen seem to come out of the blue at times. Every time he appears, fans don’t know what horrific thing to expect, which makes him such a great character in the show.
Charlotte Byrde
It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to be in Charlotte’s position. Since she’s older than Jonah, she understands how messed up her family really is and initially refuses to accept that as her norm.
It’s fascinating to watch her come to with her family’s criminal actions before eventually deciding to work for her mom. Audiences can’t be blamed for forgetting she’s a teenager sometimes, as she has been forced to grow up quickly and make impossible decisions. The way her story is contrasted with Erin’s makes it clear just how different and irable the Byrde kids are.
Ben Davis
Despite only being introduced in season 3, Ben has quickly become a fan favorite, in large part due to how he forms strong bonds with and s characters like Ruth, Jonah, and Wendy. His mental health condition makes him a target, though, as Helen orders a hit on him after concerns about what he may spill about the operation.
Ben genuinely believes that Wendy loves him and will stick by him no matter what, which is what makes his tragic death so heartbreaking. He’s the kind of character who’s easy to root for and it’s not surprising that some fans are still hoping he somehow survived his encounter with Nelson.
Jonah Byrde
It’s surprising and slightly disturbing how fast Jonah has adapted to the family business and his dangerous new reality. He may be the youngest member of the Byrde family, but he can be just as smart and resourceful as the adults.
Fans may how he brilliantly uses his fake identity to create a safety net in case things go south. He’s also somewhat responsible for bringing down Navarro’s biggest competitor, as the footage he captures with his drone becomes the key piece of evidence the authorities need to take down the Lagunas. There’s no telling what he’ll do after the shocking revelation that his own mother is responsible for Ben’s death, considering how close they became during his stay at the Byrdes’ residence.
Helen Pierce
Helen is the perfect representative of the Navarro cartel on US soil. She’s calculating and ruthless, always doing what her boss asks her to without any questions. Viewers likely get the impression that they can never fully trust her, which she proves towards the end of season 3.
Since she has spent several years working for Navarro, she knows the price of messing things up. She often takes it upon herself to fix issues (like Sue) before they become real problems for her boss. Unfortunately, she never sees herself becoming the problem herself and she makes all the wrong moves in the end. Her story arc underscores Navarro’s brutality and the treacherousness of the business in general.
Darlene Snell
Darlene is one of the wildest and richest characters in Ozark, not to mention extremely frightening. She’s quick to react with violence, especially if she feels offended in her own home. She can do more than make rash decisions, though, which is what makes her dangerous.
Although it may not have seemed like it at first, Darlene can be cunning and strategic. Fans may how she murders her own husband to ensure her safety. One of the most anticipated aspects of the final season is her unexpected alliance with Ruth and the KC Mob. She’s an incredible character who can easily rise to the top if she plays her cards right.
Buddy Dieker
It’s easy to see why Buddy is a fan favorite. He’s one of the best characters on Ozark who’s easy to grow fond of. Far from being just a grumpy old man, Buddy has shown that he’s caring and protective, going as far as shooting an intruder to protect Wendy and the kids.
The best aspect of Buddy’s character is undoubtedly his intriguing past, as he doesn’t seem fazed at all by the Byrdes’ life of crime. His surprising ties with the KC mob have gotten the Byrdes out of trouble more than once and he’s more than happy to help them out. Buddy’s death may have been heartbreaking, but it was the perfect ending for the old-timer who spent his last few hours being a total badass.
Ruth Langmore
Ruth has come a long way from being a petty thief and it’s mostly thanks to her ambition, intelligence, and unbelievable courage. She knows she’s capable of so much more than just continuing the Langmore legacy of stealing boat parts for scraps.
Ruth is smart enough to know what she wants and how to get it, even if that means hurting her own family. The more emotive aspect of her character that hides just beneath the surface is fascinating to see, as it helps audiences understand the motivations behind her actions. Her odd alliance with Darlene may prove to be her boldest move yet, and fans will have to wait and see if the Langmore has really turned her back on the Byrdes for good.
Wendy Byrde
Wendy may be responsible for some of the worst mistakes on Ozark, but she’s also the one to thank for the family’s biggest wins. She’s a headstrong, smart character who’s willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, and unlike her husband Marty, she wants power.
Over the course of the series, Wendy has learned to embrace her more cutthroat side. She effortlessly manipulates influential people like Charles and even starts a more personal relationship with Navarro. Whether she its it or not, she’s starting to like the Ozarks – she’s done and given up too much to run away now, anyway.
Marty Byrde
As Marty proves to Navarro when he’s kidnapped and tortured, the entire operation wouldn’t work without him. His knowledge of money laundering and his intelligence are unmatched. Aside from that skill set, Marty can also be strategic when it comes to dealing with the dangers posed by the cartel and by his own cunning wife.
He values his family’s safety above everything else and doesn’t enjoy their inescapable life of crime as much as Wendy does. He’s the character at the center of it all and it’s easy to empathize with him, as most of the series’ events are seen through his eyes.