Last reviewed on 2026-05-02
Rick Sanchez
Smartest Man in the UniverseThe self-proclaimed smartest being in the universe — a burping, alcoholic scientist whose genius enables infinite dimensional travel. Rick's nihilism masks profound grief and love, particularly for his daughter Beth and grandson Morty. His backstory as C-137 — the Rick who lost his family — recontextualizes his entire persona.
Morty Smith
Rick's Sidekick / GrandsonThe anxious, morally grounded 14-year-old whose \"brainwaves\" help conceal Rick from intergalactic authorities. Morty's experiences across infinite dimensions — witnessing trauma, death, and moral ambiguity — have gradually hardened him. His evolution into a darker, more cynical character across the seasons mirrors the viewer's own loss of innocence.
Evil Morty
President of the CitadelThe Morty who turned the tables — seizing control of the Citadel of Ricks and then destroying it. Evil Morty's reveal as the series' most intelligent and driven character — a Morty who decided to stop being defined by a Rick — is the show's most celebrated plot twist. His motives remain one of Rick and Morty's greatest mysteries.
Mr. Meeseeks
Task Fulfillment Entity\"I'm Mr. Meeseeks! Look at me!\" Blue beings summoned from the Meeseeks Box to complete a single task — then cease to exist. Their existential agony when given impossible tasks (improving Jerry's golf game) drives one of the show's most beloved episodes. Their cheerful suicidal desperation is pitch-black comedy perfection.
Beth Smith
Horse SurgeonRick's daughter — a horse surgeon who married Jerry young and frequently questions whether her intelligence is genuine or a simulation. Beth's complicated relationship with her father drives much of the show's emotional depth. The revelation that she may be a clone (or not) adds layers to questions about identity and authenticity.
Jerry Smith
The EverymanBeth's hapless, perpetually underestimated husband — Rick's foil and the show's anchor to relatable mediocrity. Jerry's genuine love for his family, complete lack of self-awareness, and occasional moments of genuine courage make him more than comic relief. He represents a worldview the show alternately mocks and defends.
Summer Smith
Morty's Older SisterThe confident, socially adept teenager who increasingly joins Rick and Morty's adventures. Summer's arc from background character to capable interdimensional agent in her own right mirrors the show's willingness to evolve. Her friendship with Rick — bonding over shared nihilistic clarity — is one of the later seasons' best additions.
Bird Person
Rick's Closest FriendRick's ancient alien friend and war comrade — whose wedding to Tammy is ambushed in one of the show's most shocking twists. Bird Person's transformation into the Tammy-controlled Phoenixperson and his eventual recovery become a major season 3 arc. His friendship with Rick hints at the battles they fought together before the events of the series.
Scary Terry
Dream DemonA Freddy Krueger parody who chases people in their dreams — but gets so exhausted he needs Rick and Morty's help. Scary Terry's constant use of \"bitch\" as punctuation and his surprisingly normal home life make him one of the show's funniest one-shot characters. \"You can run but you can't hide, bitch!\"
Unity
Hivemind EntityA hivemind that controls entire planets and shares a romantic history with Rick. Unity's episode — exploring a relationship between two beings who enable each other's worst impulses — is widely considered the show's most emotionally devastating entry. Rick's reaction after Unity leaves him is one of the series' most revealing character moments.
About Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty was created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, premiering on Adult Swim in December 2013. Inspired by Back to the Future parody, it evolved into one of animation's most philosophically ambitious series — exploring nihilism, trauma, determinism, and family dysfunction across infinite dimensions.
The show's enormous merchandise sales, meme culture (Pickle Rick, Meeseeks, Szechuan sauce), and passionate fanbase made it Adult Swim's highest-rated series. Season 7 (2023) introduced new voice actors following Justin Roiland's departure, with the show continuing under Harmon's creative direction.