In Squid Game‘s massive roster, ten characters seem to stand out the most, making them the best additions to the series. In its three-season runtime, Squid Game features a diverse set of characters, and, unfortunately, even kills off most of them before ending its run.

Even though most of the main characters in the series get limited screen time, the Netflix Korean show does a brilliant job of making all of them feel distinct and essential to the overarching story. Owing to this, even though many characters from season 1 do not make it to seasons 2 and 3, it is hard not to remember them as crucial divers of the narrative.

Similarly, despite dying long before the show ends its run, many characters from seasons 2 and 3 also leave their mark. Almost all character beats in Squid Game‘s three seasons are carefully crafted to serve a purpose. Yet, some characters still turn out to be far more memorable than others.

7

The Salesman/Recruiter

Played By Gong Yoo

Given how The Salesman barely has any screen time compared to most main characters and comes off as one of the most morally skewed individuals in the show’s roster, he should not rank among the best characters. However, the charm and brilliance with which Gong Yoo portrays him in both seasons 1 and 2 make one crave more screen time from him.

The Salesman does not have a lot of dialogue in the series, but Gong Yoo perfectly channels his hidden monstrous intent. There is an unsettling sense of duality to The Salesman, where he appears to be the kindest soul on the outside but is actually the perfect visual representation of the central games’ dark allure.

6

Kang Sae-byeok

Played By Jung Ho-yeon

Unlike most characters in Squid Game‘s roster, Kang Sae-byeok is neither loud nor flashy. Yet, she seems to have a commanding presence throughout season 1 because of her quiet resilience. Her tragic backstory of being a North Korean defector also reflects the real-life injustices faced by many, showing how many players like her were mere victims of their harsh circumstances.

5

Ali Abdul

Played By Anupam Tripathi

Ali Abdul ranks among Squid Game‘s best characters because of his sheer innocence. He clearly did not belong in the games and, if it wasn’t for him, Gi-hun likely would have died in the first game itself. It is his innocence that ultimately leads to his demise, highlighting how those who work hard and follow the rules are the ones who eventually get crushed under an unforgiving system.

4

Cho Hyun-ju

Played By Park Sung-hoon

Hyun-ju became a fan favorite in Squid Game season 2 soon after she was introduced. Although she initially supported the games and voted in favor of their continuation, she never let go of her sense of morality and showed impressive leadership skills. She even looked out for others during every game and showed immense courage during Gi-hun’s rebellion.

In season 3’s hide-and-seek game, Hyun-ju also single-handedly overpowered many players who tried to attack Geum-ja and Hyun-ju. Given how overpowered she seemed, it was hard not to believe she would be one of the finalists. Sadly, her journey ended too soon. Her death was tragic, but her sacrifice for Geum-ja and Hyun-ju made her even more admirable.

3

Hwang In-ho (Front Man)

Played By Lee Byung-hun

In-ho, aka the Front Man, stands as the main antagonist throughout Squid Game seasons 1 and 2. He even goes as far as entering the games to manipulate Gi-hun and ensure he stays ahead of him. However, the more the show progresses, the more it becomes impossible not to see where the Front Man comes from.

His hinted backstory reveals that, like Gi-hun, he, too, once entered the games with the hope of turning his life around and helping his family. To his dismay, the games gradually chipped away at his humanity and made him believe it was wrong to be hopeful about humans.

The Front Man never gets to fully redeem himself in Squid Game, but his final arc makes him even more likable. It highlights how Gi-hun’s sacrifice triggers a change in him and helps him realize that not all humans are doomed. In-ho seems to serve as a mirror for Gi-hun, reminding him of who he could potentially become if he chooses to shed his humanity.

2

Seong Gi-hun

Played By Lee Jung-jae

What makes Gi-hun a great character in Squid Game is that he perfectly embodies the everyman in the show’s initial moments. He seems to have his heart in the right place, but his desire to bite off more than he can chew seems to land him in trouble. In season 2, he gradually descends into moral ambiguity as his hunger to seek revenge gradually blinds him.

Related

Why The Front Man Commits That Humane Act In Squid Game Season 3 Ending Explained By Star

Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, explains why the antagonist saved a new season 3 character in the show’s final moments.

In Squid Game season 3, the character has a brush with darkness when he brutally kills Dae-ho, believing that it will give him a semblance of relief from his pain and grief. However, he eventually redeems himself by putting his life on the line to save Jun-hee’s baby.

Although Gi-hun’s Squid Game season 3 death has received a divisive response from viewers, it seems to give him a fitting closure. It highlights how, instead of serving his own interest and proving that the Front Man was right about humans, Gi-hun established that humans are not mere horses one can bet on and use for mere entertainment.

1

Cho Sang-woo

Played By Park Hae-soo

Sang-woo was one of the most complete and best-written characters in Squid Game. He was morally flawed from the very beginning and crossed many ethical boundaries to reach the final round of the game. However, his final sacrifice in the last round served as a tragic reminder that he, too, was once human.

His involvement in season 1 also brought real stakes to the table for Gi-hun because he was once the main character’s best friend. Since Sang-woo was immensely successful and capable before a few mistakes led to his fall from grace, his story in Squid Game also serves as a painful but relatable tale of how quickly a capitalistic system can abandon those who falter regardless of how remarkable they once were.