In a show where infinite universes exist, there are bound to be a few interesting characters with stories to tell. Over eight seasons of Rick and Morty, the genius scientist Rick Sanchez (Ian Cardoni) and his grandson Morty (Harry Belden) have ventured to bizarre worlds and encountered many eclectic otherworldly beings. However, it’s the recurring characters who make up the family and friends of the pair that have elevated the show into one with a passionate fan base.
Although it’s an animated series, the characters in Rick and Morty continue to develop and grow, even if they remain the same age. While fans wait for the next season of adventures, now is a great time to take a closer look at the very best heroes and villains of Rick and Morty. The following characters are the ones who have had the greatest impact on the show and are featured at the center of the animated series’ finest moments.
10
President Andre Curtis
Andre Curtis, formerly known as the President of the United States, has been a fixture on the series since his first appearance in the Season 2 episode, “Get Schwifty.” Voiced by Keith David, President Curtis’s role on Rick and Morty has expanded along with his on-again, off-again rivalry with perennial pain Rick. His motives seem to be primarily selfless (for a politician), but Curtis’ ego can override what’s best for the greater good.
It’s that moral ambiguity, such as his willingness to use a hive mind to increase approval numbers in “Air Force Wong,” that allows President Curtis to ride the fence of an ally or enemy on a situational basis. For as much as they try to distance themselves from one another, the main issue between Rick and President Curtis is their shared stubbornness. One has to wonder how many times Curtis desperately needed Rick’s assistance but chose a harder path to avoid the smug eye-rolling that would come with it. Likely, viewers will soon find out, with President Curtis set to star in a spin-off series on Adult Swim.
9
Space Beth
The version of Beth who left Earth behind to become a hardened enemy of the Galactic Federation, Space Beth (Sarah Chalke), has quickly become an important character in Rick and Morty. Space Beth bears the battle scars of her adventures, the most noticeable one along her face, but underneath her new rugged appearance, she’s still the mother to Summer and Morty. She may never know if she’s the real Beth or the clone, but Space Beth has built a bond with her Earth family that’s unique and fulfilling for all involved.
This is the version of Beth that’s able to indulge in her more violent tendencies, things that were previously hinted at in the unexpectedly dark Rick and Morty episode, “The ABCs of Beth.” Space Beth still has unresolved resentment toward her father, but the two have managed to develop a relationship made easier by her newfound insight into his world. She’s intelligent, more empathetic than she wishes to be, and much like Rick, is trying to reconcile her free spirit with the need for family and community.
8
Birdperson
If there’s one person Rick trusts above all else, someone he views as a confidant and friend, it’s the stoic and steadfast Birdperson. His emotions may be hard to read based on a typically impassive face and monotone delivery by way of Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon, but he is a loyal friend ready to share his wisdom as needed. Although he was briefly an enemy to Rick as the cybernetic Phoenixperson, he has since been restored to his kind ways thanks to Rick entering his subconscious in “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort.”
Birdperson’s life has drastically changed since finding and raising his daughter, Birddaughter, but he’s still available to help Rick if for no other reason than to get a break from parenting. Birdperson represents the past Rick idealizes, but also pokes much-needed holes in the fantasy by reminding his old friend how things were versus how they are remembered. Birdperson is always a welcome presence on the show, as viewers usually get to see a different side of Rick and the way he once was.
7
Beth
[TRUNCATED FOR BREVITY]
