The success of every new entry in the Animal Crossing franchise depends, in part, on the likability of the new neighbors introduced to the series. Villagers range from sporty types to those with timid auras to snobbish personalities and borderline-overbearing sweetness levels. But, among the main characters who remain consistent across the franchise and its many platforms, likability varies quite a bit.
Of course, the game needs all of these characters, as they serve a valuable purpose both in terms of game design and keeping the various villages viably functioning. It just so happens that some of them go about it in genial ways, and others are downright nasty or opportunistic at times.
Tom Nook
Obviously, of all the main characters, the game's most prominent character is the least likable. Tom Nook runs the villages with an iron paw, leveling devastating financial blows to players whenever he deems it necessary.
The most unlikable aspect of these actions is the cloying, passive-aggressive ways in which he inflicts them. He may seem like a generous character at first glance, but he is actually emblematic of a system beyond its worth being upheld to players' detriments.
Resetti
Resetti is a bit more of a mixed bag than Tom Nook. The raccoon is an oppressive, inescapable force in the game, but Resetti only comes out when a player impropertly manages their game's save file. The problem, though, is that Resetti is quite harsh in his reminders of turning the game off properly. He's aggressive and occasionally cruel, which makes him hard to like, even if he's performing a necessary service.
Gulliver
Gulliver is certainly an odd duck... or seagull, rather. He's often found washed up on the shores of our islands in New Horizons, though he's been a staple of the series since it initially debuted on the Nintendo GameCube.
Continually cracking nautical puns and asking players for favors, he's a predictable character, to say the least. That said, his quotes are often hilarious, and the rewards he offers are well worth the time it takes to converse with him.
Saharah
Another character who turns up on occasion depending on the time is Saharah. She's a bit more regular, which makes her more likable than Gulliver, but she still emphasizes work and tasks over a genuine connection and friendship.
She does provide a somewhat decent service, though, with her rugs in tow. She's definitely fascinating and can provide some pretty unique wares, but she's just a bit too distant to be truly likable.
Blathers
Blathers is another character who's a bit of a mixed bag. By this point, Blathers is a beloved staple of the franchise, but his likability wanes depending on the scenario. He can be a fountain of intrigue and knowledge one moment and then turn into sniveling and pretentious the next.
With a bias against insects and a penchant for falling asleep during the day, Blathers is certainly adorable, though his unending adoration for the town's museum comes off as almost unhealthy at times.
Celeste
Continuing the grouping of owls, Animal Crossing has more outwardly likable (and honest) owls than a certain Disney franchise. Celeste undeniably gets the edge over Blathers, though. Up in the observatory, Celeste is much likelier to have a pleasant demeanor than the snoozing Blathers. She does her job with efficiency and goodwill. Players never get the impression that Celeste will be a lifelong friend, but she's a steady, likable presence in the community.
Sable
The Able Sisters store in the Animal Crossing series always has something to offer every player, and that is thanks to the keen fashion eyes of the Able sisters. (Seriously, these two could work for Miranda Priestly and be well-regarded for their work ethic.)
Sable is a bit less likable than her sister, Mabel, though. They're both lovely characters, but Sable is a bit quieter and a bit more aloof. She's harder to get to know, but she's a peach when she opens up a bit more.
Isabelle
Isabelle has only been around since the fifth installment of the franchise, but she has already made her impact known. Though she's relegated to her position in the town hall, she remains an iconic and adorable addition to the Animal Crossing character roster.
Isabelle is one of the friendliest characters in the entire game. She has big Leslie Knope energy, as she always strives to make the community a better place through hard work and good manners. Isabelle is a sunny, likable presence, for sure.
K.K. Slider
K.K. Slider is certainly a more subdued presence than Isabelle in the Animal Crossing games. But, while her likability stems from how eager and pleasant she is at all times, Slider is more likable as a result of his coolness.
He's the kind of character with the right vibes to be around. He's never overbearing and always knows exactly the right tone to strike. K.K. Slider has the aura of someone who would give the perfect advice in a situation rather than solely the optimistic advice.
Mabel
Lastly, returning to the Able sisters, Mabel clocks in as the most likable character in the entire Animal Crossing franchise. She may not have the most energy or the most coolness, but she doesn't need to because she doesn't try too hard.
She's pleasant whenever someone enters her shop, and she offers assistance without hounding them. When a player departs, she's still warm and helpful without being passive-aggressive or demanding for a return visit. Mabel just exists to make villages a better place with no ulterior agenda, and that's what makes her supremely likable.