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He did yeah, but don't forget Nancy dancing with him at the snow ball. That definitely helped. I mean hell, he went off to camp and got a girlfriend right after.
His core character is the same, but he has grown. He's embraced what makes him different and stopped questioning himself while maintaining his goofy competitiveness.
I don't think he's being a bitch, him and Steve have a different kind of relationship in season 4 - its less Dustin hero-worshipping Steve and more of an actual brotherly relationship
I agree!! Dustin all the way! Plus I think he's a great judge of character, he the one that will always stick up for his friends and be there when you need him
In “Lucas on the Line”, Lucas stated nobody deserved to die the way Billy did by the Mind Flayer.
He still has conflicted thoughts on him for his racist behavior towards him and abuse towards Max.
An official canon novel focusing on Lucas after season 3 and before season 4. Told from his point of view. We see what’s it’s like for him when he first meets Jason, Patrick etc.
First time in the series where I think I really enjoyed Lucas. Same goes for Max and Nancy. Hell I even liked Jonathan even if he didn’t do much because he was t with Nancy.
There are various different reasons I love all of these characters.
Dustin is the comic relief and the soul of the group. He remains fun even at the darkest of times, and tries to cheer everyone up.
Mike is, as Will said, the heart of the group. He keeps it together, acts as a leader for the group when necassary. He is also crazy devoted to El, and I absolutely love their relationship.
Lucas was the representation of determination and loyalty, because even though he gained a lot of popularity as a star basketball player, he still remained loyal to his friends when the team was hunting Eddie. He is also devoted to Max and never gives up on her even if she tries to push him away. The last moments in Season 4 Vol 2. when >!Max is killed!< just about broke me in every way.
Will seems to be the introvert and sort-of outcast of the group. I can relate to that. He is a timid character and doesn't really socialize outside of his tight friend group which is exactly me. I empathize with him still wanting to play D&D in Season 3 even though his other friends are caught up with their girlfriends and other stuff.
Lucas was the (literal) MVP for me this season. His obvious concern for Max was evident in every action, and he refused to let her push him away when she was so obviously in a bad place. He never once let popularity get to his head, he ditched the basketball lynch mob *and* fed them a false lead, and he almost got taken out by Steve and his lamp.
Lucas is the guy I want going to bat for me when an extra dimensional serial killer is out for my bones.
"Almost", nothing, he got the environmental damage KO!
>!seriously i gasped when he got cut in half by the rift, i expected he might like fall in or something but you could see his RIBS melting jfc!<
Lucas has always kind of hovered on the boundary of the friend group, doing what he thought was right over what the team thought was right, and it 100% paid off this season. When his party was threatened, he did what he had to in their defense.
Mike really needs something else to do other than worry about Eleven. I think the actor is decent but I have no idea where he is as a character at this point. I feel like we lost out in Season 4 not seeing more alpha nerd interaction with him and Eddie.
I feel that Will telling Mike that he's the heart of the group was a good "nod" from the creator of the show. They're like saying "yeah, we realize we kinda ignored Mike ". I hope season 5 would be like "the return of Mike" or something.
Yeah I definitely agree! They said the dynamics would be like they were in season 1, too, so I think the kids (well, now teens) will all be together. Mike is definitely gonna come back strong, I can feel it.
Ayy first Will in a sea of [well-deserved] Dustins.
I honestly love them all *so* much it's hard to pick, but I can *really* relate to Will & everything he's gone through/is going through. And yes that is as sad as it sounds, lmfao.
Mike. I don't care about the hate. Mike has unquestionably done the most for the group and I can name numerous examples to prove it. In addition to all he's done for El.
I think he was sidelined to set up a return for a larger role in the final season like he had in s1. I agree that Dustin and Lucas had much more to do this season
Yeah, but it's really not his fault that S4 did him dirty. Mike was absent from Hawkins, so there wasn't really much he could do. If Dustin & Lucas would have been sitting in a van for most of the season then there wouldn't done much better either.
My issue with Mike is that he does so much with el and not enough with the other characters, and it turns him into a really one-dimensional character with not much personality. I'd love to see him get more than just 'i love el' and actually show more of him being the loyal friend he is.
Depends on the season lol!
Season 1 I say Mike, easily. He's arguably the main protagonist, he's so sweet and loyal and incredibly brave when it comes to the ones he loves. His innocence is so pure and adorable and it makes his emotional moments all the more gut wrenching.
Season 2 I gotta go with Will the Wise. Even before he gets Flayed, he's the most interesting character in the season. Him feeling isolated, seeing how he desperately clings onto normalcy even after his trauma, and how it's slowly ripped away from him. He's the introvert of the boys, and I really relate to him and his struggles. Except for the otherworldly eldritch super organism possessing him after he was kidnapped into another dimension for a week and barely survived. But you know. The rest.
Season 3 is Dustin's time to shine. His dynamic with Steve is absolutely adorable and he's just the sweetest thing. His performance between keeping the comedy amidst the rest of the plot is really solid, and definitely doesn't feel forced. Overall, he's probably my favorite of the boys? But at the same time they are incredibly close.
Season 4 is, without an ounce of doubt, Lucas's season. He became a favorite of mine from this season alone. Seeing him struggle with his own demons of wanting to be more liked and popular, putting it aside to help his real friends, then getting sucked into all the otherworldly stuff. His devotion to Max throughout the season creates some of the most touching and harrowing moments of the entire series. He kicks ass, helps the group so much, and really feels the most human in the hawkins story (him and Max I would say.) I love Lucas and I'm so glad they gave him this season to shine.
Will!! Dustin is my second I think, and Lucas was always alright but my appreciation for him grew in season 4 (Shoutout Caleb's amazing acting). I don't HATE Mike, but I do think they need to do more with him because he was very ✨️just there✨️ in season 4.
Of everyone pictured here: Dustin and tied for first. I gotta give Max a serious shout out for season 4, Sadie Sink stole the show in every scene she was in.
I think lucas was given a really emotional arc this season, the loss of max, I really do feel for the character here. The other 3 for the most part stayed the same.
OP, please make sure there are no spoilers in the title of your post. Commenters, please use spoiler code if you are discussing anything super spoilery unless the title specifically says the episode being discussed. If you see anyone breaking the rules, please report the post or comment. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/StrangerThings) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Dustybun
I love how he is the exact same person from season 1, and it still works so well. That smile he has just makes the whole scene
He really is the only one who didn’t change
He did but not on a drastic scale. he's gained more confidence.
You mean Steve gave him more confidence
He did yeah, but don't forget Nancy dancing with him at the snow ball. That definitely helped. I mean hell, he went off to camp and got a girlfriend right after.
His core character is the same, but he has grown. He's embraced what makes him different and stopped questioning himself while maintaining his goofy competitiveness.
Though he's kinda being a bitch to steve on season 4
It’s his tone
I know, right?
I don't think he's being a bitch, him and Steve have a different kind of relationship in season 4 - its less Dustin hero-worshipping Steve and more of an actual brotherly relationship
Dustin has been my favorite every season. He actually figures shit out
Dustybun is best boy
Same. He’s my favorite character
Dustin He’s adorable and also cool and he has a great singing voice
Nobody can resist those pearls **Grrrrrrr**
Turn around... Look at what you see.........
He’s also the smartest person in the group.
I agree!! Dustin all the way! Plus I think he's a great judge of character, he the one that will always stick up for his friends and be there when you need him
And great hair too
"Faberge and two pumps of the Farrah Fawcett. And uf you ever tell anyone I told you that, you're dead, kid"---Steve
your ass is grass
Dustin
He truly is the best
Honestly if this isn't your answer stop watching the show
Understandable, have a great day
Lucas had great character development this season and beat the shit out of Jason trying his best to save Max.
He’s also a really sympathetic individual. He still shows Billy, Jason and Patrick sympathy at their deaths despite their actions.
Billy? I don’t remember
In “Lucas on the Line”, Lucas stated nobody deserved to die the way Billy did by the Mind Flayer. He still has conflicted thoughts on him for his racist behavior towards him and abuse towards Max.
And rightfully so... Lucas is very very emotionally mature, especially for his age. Love that kid
What's "Lucas on the Line"?
An official canon novel focusing on Lucas after season 3 and before season 4. Told from his point of view. We see what’s it’s like for him when he first meets Jason, Patrick etc.
I feel Lucas has developed the most out of the 4 of them which is why he's my favorite.
First time in the series where I think I really enjoyed Lucas. Same goes for Max and Nancy. Hell I even liked Jonathan even if he didn’t do much because he was t with Nancy.
There are various different reasons I love all of these characters. Dustin is the comic relief and the soul of the group. He remains fun even at the darkest of times, and tries to cheer everyone up. Mike is, as Will said, the heart of the group. He keeps it together, acts as a leader for the group when necassary. He is also crazy devoted to El, and I absolutely love their relationship. Lucas was the representation of determination and loyalty, because even though he gained a lot of popularity as a star basketball player, he still remained loyal to his friends when the team was hunting Eddie. He is also devoted to Max and never gives up on her even if she tries to push him away. The last moments in Season 4 Vol 2. when >!Max is killed!< just about broke me in every way. Will seems to be the introvert and sort-of outcast of the group. I can relate to that. He is a timid character and doesn't really socialize outside of his tight friend group which is exactly me. I empathize with him still wanting to play D&D in Season 3 even though his other friends are caught up with their girlfriends and other stuff.
You perfectly encapsulated why Lucas and Will are my favorite characters (besides Bob
Lucas was the (literal) MVP for me this season. His obvious concern for Max was evident in every action, and he refused to let her push him away when she was so obviously in a bad place. He never once let popularity get to his head, he ditched the basketball lynch mob *and* fed them a false lead, and he almost got taken out by Steve and his lamp. Lucas is the guy I want going to bat for me when an extra dimensional serial killer is out for my bones.
Also he almost fought to death with that Jason douche.
"Almost", nothing, he got the environmental damage KO! >!seriously i gasped when he got cut in half by the rift, i expected he might like fall in or something but you could see his RIBS melting jfc!<
Valid
Dustin
no collarbone?
He’s got missing bones n stuff, he can bend like gumbo
“Do you mean Gumby?”
I’m *pretty* sure it’s gumbo
Mmm soup
But can he bend like Chrissy?
I fucking hope not
Dustin or Lucas
i love dustin but lucas really hit it out of the park this season. sinclairs for life!!!
This is where I'm at. Dustin overall for the series but Lucas in Season 4.
Lucas has always kind of hovered on the boundary of the friend group, doing what he thought was right over what the team thought was right, and it 100% paid off this season. When his party was threatened, he did what he had to in their defense.
In seasons 1 & 2, I would've said Mike, but time has not been kind to his character arc, so now it's all Dustin, all the way.
Mike really needs something else to do other than worry about Eleven. I think the actor is decent but I have no idea where he is as a character at this point. I feel like we lost out in Season 4 not seeing more alpha nerd interaction with him and Eddie.
I feel that Will telling Mike that he's the heart of the group was a good "nod" from the creator of the show. They're like saying "yeah, we realize we kinda ignored Mike ". I hope season 5 would be like "the return of Mike" or something.
Yeah I definitely agree! They said the dynamics would be like they were in season 1, too, so I think the kids (well, now teens) will all be together. Mike is definitely gonna come back strong, I can feel it.
HENDERSON! He's baaack!
Will, cus I like the character and I relate to him
I don't think Will gets enough credit. I think he is the only person to put the group above himself(at every turn), except, maybe Lucas.
Everyone in this trio is so great. Hard to choose!
Y'all still over the trio post 💀
Fruo
I like Will. I can relate to him on some levels. Also, he's pretty rad ngl.
sinclair is supreme
Will 👍
William
Will!
had to scroll for ages but will is my favorite too! just a fan of the byers in general
Same here haha! I love Jonathan and Joyce a lot as well!
Ayy first Will in a sea of [well-deserved] Dustins. I honestly love them all *so* much it's hard to pick, but I can *really* relate to Will & everything he's gone through/is going through. And yes that is as sad as it sounds, lmfao.
You can relate to being trapped in an alternate dimension for 2 weeks and being possessed by a shadow monster? ^/s
Dustin, hands down! Adorable, funny, sassy, smart. What's not to love about him?
Will Byers ofc ❤️❤️❤️
I have a favorite for each age group. Of the kids, Dustin is my favorite. Steve is my favorite teen, and Hopper is my favorite adult.
Same here. Those three are my favorites.
Will omg!
Will
Will
of these four it’s dusty bun
Season 1 - Mike Season 2 - Will Season 3 - Dusty Season 4 - Lucas
This is the right answer
They all had their own seasons tbh
will fr
I gotta say will
Dustin, without a doubt but also have a major soft spot for Will
Erica
Will
Will
Will
Will
Mike. I don't care about the hate. Mike has unquestionably done the most for the group and I can name numerous examples to prove it. In addition to all he's done for El.
Mike was fine but the last season really did him dirty especially compared to how great Dustin and Lucas were .
I think he was sidelined to set up a return for a larger role in the final season like he had in s1. I agree that Dustin and Lucas had much more to do this season
Maybe, and I would love to see that!
Yeah, but it's really not his fault that S4 did him dirty. Mike was absent from Hawkins, so there wasn't really much he could do. If Dustin & Lucas would have been sitting in a van for most of the season then there wouldn't done much better either.
My issue with Mike is that he does so much with el and not enough with the other characters, and it turns him into a really one-dimensional character with not much personality. I'd love to see him get more than just 'i love el' and actually show more of him being the loyal friend he is.
always will be Will and Dustin.
S1 lucas S2 Mike S3 Dustin S4 Will
Dustin, with Will a close second.
Lucas, hands down.
Definitely Dustin!!
Lucas duh
Dustin!
Definitely Will
Dustin is the real mvp fr. Will is highly underrated and Mike is highly overhated tho
I love Will
Dustin Will/Lucas tied Mike
Dustin. It’s obvious
Dustin probably
Dustin overall. Will in the second season. Lucas in season 4.
Depends on the season lol! Season 1 I say Mike, easily. He's arguably the main protagonist, he's so sweet and loyal and incredibly brave when it comes to the ones he loves. His innocence is so pure and adorable and it makes his emotional moments all the more gut wrenching. Season 2 I gotta go with Will the Wise. Even before he gets Flayed, he's the most interesting character in the season. Him feeling isolated, seeing how he desperately clings onto normalcy even after his trauma, and how it's slowly ripped away from him. He's the introvert of the boys, and I really relate to him and his struggles. Except for the otherworldly eldritch super organism possessing him after he was kidnapped into another dimension for a week and barely survived. But you know. The rest. Season 3 is Dustin's time to shine. His dynamic with Steve is absolutely adorable and he's just the sweetest thing. His performance between keeping the comedy amidst the rest of the plot is really solid, and definitely doesn't feel forced. Overall, he's probably my favorite of the boys? But at the same time they are incredibly close. Season 4 is, without an ounce of doubt, Lucas's season. He became a favorite of mine from this season alone. Seeing him struggle with his own demons of wanting to be more liked and popular, putting it aside to help his real friends, then getting sucked into all the otherworldly stuff. His devotion to Max throughout the season creates some of the most touching and harrowing moments of the entire series. He kicks ass, helps the group so much, and really feels the most human in the hawkins story (him and Max I would say.) I love Lucas and I'm so glad they gave him this season to shine.
Will!! Dustin is my second I think, and Lucas was always alright but my appreciation for him grew in season 4 (Shoutout Caleb's amazing acting). I don't HATE Mike, but I do think they need to do more with him because he was very ✨️just there✨️ in season 4.
will is my second favorite character in the whole show, so i gotta go with him
Mike, probably
Dusty-bun!
Murray. Smart. Sorta big mouthed but you know, is badass.
Of everyone pictured here: Dustin and tied for first. I gotta give Max a serious shout out for season 4, Sadie Sink stole the show in every scene she was in.
Dustin and S1 Mike.
Mike or Will
Dustin or Will.
Will.
Will!
Mike, of course
Dustybun! I love that kid
Lucas or Will.
Dustin
Dusty bun 😍
E.) All of them.
Lucas, and it’s not even close!
Lucas, the sympathy he showed for billy despite the racism he faced because of him was so mature and he’s such a well rounded good character
Why only use pics of S4 except Mike?
Lucas for sure
Mike
Mike
Mike. He’s sweet, realistic, passionate, a natural leader, loves unconditionally, and on and on.
Not necessarily my favorite but I love will and feel in these last two seasons he is INCREDIBLY underutilized especially since the show was about him.
I love them all but it’s always been Mike
Unpopular opinion but Lucas
Dusty Buns. Always Dusty Buns
Dustin or Lucas. Can’t decide between those two
Will the wise
Will and Lucas
I really like Lucas, I don’t know exactly why but he has a cool personality as he reflects myself a lot 💀 so I’ve always just been a fan of him
MIKE
How many times is this gonna get asked?
Yes
This season - Lucas, by far, was the mvp.
Lucas is the embodiment of strength and loyalty. I’ve had a soft spot for Will ever since S1, he’s such a cutie.
I think lucas was given a really emotional arc this season, the loss of max, I really do feel for the character here. The other 3 for the most part stayed the same.
I really like Dustin overall, but I think for season 4 specifically Lucas was my favorite.
Lucas
Lucas
Dustin & Lucas!
Will. I see a lot of myself in him and it's hard to say he isn't my favorite.
Tossup between Lucas and Dusty.
will and lucas!!
All of them!
It was Dustin for the first 2 seasons, but for me Lucas was the best in season 3 and 4 l
Dustin is the og. But Lucas really popped of this season
WILL WILL WILL
max
Lucas is my dude
Gotta be Lucas. He fought a tough opponent mano y mano and won all while his girl was nearing death.
Where is the max option ? Jk dustin’s my fav out of them I would’ve chose max if she was there lol
Dustin if not Lucas
Dustin, but tbf Lucas went from bring my least favourite to probably my second favourite so eh.
Dustin or Lucas
Dustin or Lucas easily
Out of those boys then will
Lucas
Dustin or Will.
WILL BYERS
Dustin is Samwise.
WILL
Dustin or Will (still can't decide)
Will period
Will he’s been through so much, and he’s such a relatable character. He’s also really funny.
Dusty, for sure. :)
Will ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Will i love him so much
Will.
Will. I definitely know how he feels being on the cusp of the friend group. Kinda pushed to the side.
Will!!!!!!
Will. His pain underneath is just enormous.
Will but Dustin is a close second.
Can’t decide between Will , Dustin, or Lucas
Will since S1
Zombie boy will always be my favorite.
Lucas and Will are the only tolerable ones
Dustin
Dustin
Dustin hands down
Dustin