HBO's spectacular Western series Deadwood is filled with memorable characters who are good, evil, and somewhere in the middle. It is not always easy to determine who the viewer should be cheering for, but that just adds to the show being so fascinating.
Some characters grow over the course of the show, becoming more complex and evolving as people. And there are also those characters who show their true colors immediately, whether good or bad. Deadwood might be a show that depicts the ugliness of the Old West, but there are plenty of characters to like, along with plenty to hate.
Likable: Ellsworth
When Ellsworth is first introduced into the show, he appears to be just another pathetic man who came to the titular town in search of gold. He spends his time collecting enough gold dust to pay for his daily supply of whiskey. However, Ellsworth soon reveals a lot more to his character.
He is a far cry from the usual drunken buffoons that populate the town; Ellsworth is a man who has a vast knowledge of gold-digging, and he uses that knowledge to help widow Alma Garret. He is someone who is willing to lend a hand to those in need without expecting anything in return.
Can't Stand: E.B. Farnham
E.B. Farnham often seems out of place in Deadwood. It is a dangerous town filled with dangerous people and he is quite a cowardly and weak man. One attribute he does share with most of the people in town is that he is greedy.
Farnham is always looking to put himself in the best position of power, which means he is constantly switching allegiances and backstabbing people. This might be impressive if he were not so bad at it. And as a method of making up for his many shortcomings, he is cruel to anyone he perceives as beneath him.
Likable: Al Swearengen
Though Deadwood is very much an ensemble drama, it's clear that Al Swearengen steals the show. He is the vulgar, violent and cunning owner of the Gem Saloon and a local crime boss in the town.
Given some of the terrible things Al has done over the course of the series, it's strange to consider him likable, but there is an undeniable charming quality to him. And while he looks out for his own interests first, he does seek to protect the people of Deadwood from outside forces whenever necessary.
Can't Stand: Cy Tolliver
Cy Tolliver is a man in direct competition with Al and his saloon. Cy comes into town with a more polished approach to entertainment and sets up a high-class place where citizens can gamble, drink, and find some paid female companionship.
While he may be a clever businessman, Cy is also an unhinged and violent man who constantly abuses those around him. He makes life a living hell for his employees and, unlike Al, he doesn't care what happens to anyone else in Deadwood.
Likable: Trixie
Trixie is one of the most popular ladies in Al's brothel. She is a strong and smart woman who doesn't put up with any mistreatment from anyone and is one of the few people with the courage to stand up to Al.
Eventually, Trixie begins a relationship with Sol Star and attempts to turn over a new leaf. She commits to Sol and works hard at learning math so she can help out at his store. But Trixie also maintains her colorful personality, refusing to soften her edges for anyone.
Can't Stand: Steve
Deadwood is a place filled with people who came seeking fortune, with many of them failing to find it. This creates a lot of desperate men looking for anyone to blame except themselves. Steve is a perfect example of this sort.
He is a drunken fool who spends his time sitting in a bar complaining about anything and everything that pops into his head. Along with being an unpleasant man, he is also a vile racist who again tries to blame all his failures in life on people who are different from him. He is just a childish man who cannot handle the disappointment of his own life.
Likable: Seth Bullock
In lawless town, Seth Bullock offers the closest thing to a hero Deadwood can get. He is a former lawman who moves to this town to open a hardware business. Eventually, he cannot stand the injustices he sees and becomes the sheriff.
Though he is a very angry and sometimes irrational man, Bullock is often the only one willing to stand up to the bullies of the town and push back. He is an honorable man who can be a pretty big badass whenever needed.
Can't Stand: Francis Wolcott
Francis Wolcott is a man of mystery when he arrives in Deadwood. He is obviously someone who comes from wealth, and he begins inquiring around town about various properties. As it turns out, he is an associate of George Hearst and seeks to get his mining operation underway.
Wolcott also has a reputation and history of murdering prostitutes, a habit he continues in Deadwood. He is a pathetic man who demands that women serve his every specific desire even as his dark intentions come to light.
Likable: Calamity Jane
It's hard not to get a smile on one's face as soon as Jane appears in this show. She is a loyal associate of the famous cowboy Wild Bill Hickok and accompanies him to Deadwood. Though she is vulgar, rude, and often drunk, Jane is someone who is easy to root for.
Even with all her flaws, Jane has a big heart. Early in the series, she takes a special interest in the well-being of a young orphan girl and becomes her protector. Jane might talk tough and yell at people, but she is truly a good person.
Can't Stand: George Hearst
There are many bad people who appear in Deadwood, but the show only has one true villain. George Hearst is the infamous businessman who comes to Deadwood to take it over for himself.
Though he comes with a smile and pretends like he is there to offer a fair deal to people, Hearst is not a man who will take no for an answer. Anyone who stands up to him, Hearst will simply have murdered. In Deadwood: The Movie, he returns to take his revenge. He is a corrupt and self-centered man who would plow over everything and everyone just to benefit his interests.