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The finale of Mad Men aired back in 2015 and yet, the drama continues to turn up in conversations among binge-watchers. This is because the show, containing seven seasons and 92 seasons, thrives on immersive plot and character development. Set in the 60s and 70s, it explores topics from the period including experimentation, feminism, and more.
One of the biggest highlights of this show has to be the characters themselves. The audience can't help but be drawn into their complex lives spurred by their selfish desires. While no character is without their shortcomings, they are relatable which adds to the overall viewing experience.
Although there are several Mad Men characters introduced across its many seasons, the ones mentioned on this list have left a bigger impression among the viewers.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources and has spoilers.
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Don Draper, Peggy Olsen and five other characters from Mad Men who fans couldn't get enough of
1) Don Draper
Jon Hamm's Don Draper is the lead protagonist of Mad Men whose mysterious charisma attracts people towards him. A successful creative director, Don has such a way with words that he could probably sell ice to an Eskimo. However, underneath the confident persona is a vulnerable man with a troubled past.
Fans of Mad Men may agree that Don prefers to conform to society's idea of masculinity in order to uphold the facade of the "perfect man". Every move that he makes and everything that he says feels calculated because it is all an effort to keep his past hidden. However, this burden eventually seeps through the cracks in moments of weakness.
He isn't the best husband or father, but there is something so intriguing about this Mad Men character that viewers can't make themselves look away. Hamm deserves credit for making such an unlikeable character so memorable.
2) Joan Holloway
In Mad Men's world, it is easy to see that women don't have equal access to many opportunities but that doesn't mean that the show lacks strong female characters. In fact, fans will always think very highly of Joan Holloway, portrayed by Christina Hendricks in Mad Men.
Strong-willed and intelligent, she never puts up with any kind of harassment at the workplace. Yes, it is true that she does use her feminine charms to gain advantage in certain situations but that doesn't mean that she is any less worthy than her male counterparts, all of whom have different tricks up their sleeves.
Her story arc has been interesting to watch and the fact that she chooses career over marital bliss says a lot about her independent personality.
3) Lane Pryce
Even though this Mad Men character is only introduced in the third season, Jared Harris' Lane Pryce still manages to leave an impression on fans of the show. From his stint as the financial officer at Sterling Cooper to forming Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce with some of his co-workers, Lane finds many ways to make himself useful.
His reserved demeanor makes it hard for him to adjust to the chaotic American work life and he is constantly undermined by those around him. It is easy to see that he idolizes Dan and wants to be like him but never quite manages to exude the same charisma.
Through this Mad Men character, the show explores what it is like to be an outsider and the struggles that come with that. Even though Lane's character arc ends in tragedy, he will always be remembered for steering the narrative into new territories.
4) Peggy Olsen
It is always a treat to see characters develop over the course of a narrative and Mad Men has plenty of great examples. However, it cannot be argued that Elisabeth Moss' Peggy Olsen has the best character arc on the show.
When the viewers first meet Peggy, she is struggling to find her place in a male-dominated industry. But over the course of the show, she evolves into a confident professional who is one of the best in her field. She starts out by trying to copy the ways of her male co-workers, but eventually realizes that she can never be like them and she has to find her own way.
While she picks up many lessons when Don takes her under his wing, she is also smart enough to learn from the other women around her, which is why she emulates the best of both worlds. From her work ethic to her pursuit of career goals, Peggy is one character who makes Mad Men worth watching.
5) Roger Sterling
Like Don Draper, John Slattery's Roger Sterling steals the scene whenever he comes on-screen. Witty and charismatic, Roger delivers so many memorable one-liners throughout the show that fans will have a hard time picking just one.
Roger initially works for Sterling Cooper and then becomes a founding partner at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Even though he carries an image that his life is perfect, it is revealed that his personal life is anything but sorted. But over time, Roger is forced to face reality and get his act together.
The way he strives to be a better version of himself endears him to the audience and the fact that he finally finds happiness with a like-minded partner is also quite satisfying.
6) Sally Draper
As a child actress, Kiernan Shipka leaves Mad Men fans impressed with her emotional portrayal of Sally Draper.
It is easy to see that Don and Betty aren't exactly good parents. They are both dealing with their own issues and don't pay enough attention to Sally when she is growing up. This is why she would often go out of her way to do things that would prompt them to take notice.
Despite the terrible parenting, Sally grows into a mature young adult who is able to take on responsibilities. It is also interesting to note that Sally is one of the few characters in Mad Men who can see through Dan's pretentious facade.
7) Sal Romano
Bryan Batt's Sal Romano appears in the first three seasons of Mad Men and charms the audience with his likable personality and relatable personal struggles. The show is set in a time period where many social stigmas exist because of which Sal finds it difficult to accept his own s*xual orientation in the beginning.
He isn't entirely at ease with some of the other characters who openly talk about intimate topics. Also, compared to many of the other male characters in the show, Sal is much more empathetic towards the women at the workplace.
Batt deserves credit for portraying the character's inner feelings and turmoil through tell-tale body language and expressions. However, viewers don't get to see more of this endearing character.
Mad Men has created a new benchmark when it comes to entertaining period dramas and it wouldn't have been possible without these characters who help bring the narrative to life.
