As the launching point, the Iron Man trilogy has played an instrumental role in shaping the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The plotlines, such as the Avengers initiative teased in the after-credits scene in the first Iron Man, and the characters, such as Nick Fury and Natasha Romanoff, introduced in the franchise have become massively important.
Across the three Iron Man movies, audiences have been introduced to memorable heroes, villains, and side characters. Some of those characters made recurring appearances and some managed to stand out in just one film. Whether comedic or dramatic, these characters play an important role and left a strong impression on audiences.
Ho Yinsen
There would be no Iron Man without Ho Yinsen. After Tony Stark was captured by the Ten Rings, Ho Yinsen helped Tony Stark build a magnet to keep the shrapnel out of his heart. The two then built the prototype Iron Man suit to escape but Yinsen was killed during the escape.
Tony Stark's interaction with Yinsen was the beginning of one of the best superhero origin stories. Yinsen saved his life, helped him escape, and set him on the path that led to him becoming a hero. Kind, wise, and self-sacrificing, Yinsen inspired Tony Stark to become Iron Man.
J.A.R.V.I.S.
Named after Howard Stark's butler, J.A.R.V.I.S. was an artificial intelligence program that ran business operations for Stark Industries before Tony uploaded the program into his Iron Man suits. J.A.R.V.I.S. battled against Ultron and was eventually uploaded into a synthetic body, becoming part of Vision's personality.
J.A.R.V.I.S. was often the voice of reason, pointing out the recklessness or impracticality of Tony Stark's plans. He was funny in a dry and sarcastic way. Despite being computer programming, the character always felt warm and full of heart, as later seen in Vision.
Obadiah Stane
Obadiah Stane was a friend of Howard Stark's, watching over the company and Tony after Howard's passing. In a plot twist that everyone saw coming, Obadiah Stane ended up being the villain of Iron Man, working with the Ten Rings to take out Tony Stark.
Played brilliantly by Jeff Bridges, Obadiah Stane was charming and warm when he wants to be and menacing and intimidating when he reveals his true colors. The character established the MCU villain mold in which the villain is a shadow version of the hero. He represents the cautionary example of what Tony Stark could have become if he had not turned his life around.
Phil Coulson
One of the funniest running jokes in the first Iron Man is agent Phil Coulson's multiple attempts to talk to Tony Stark and his repeated announcement that he is from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, before eventually shorting it to S.H.I.E.L.D.
The relationship between Coulson and Tony Stark was playful and endearing, with the two building bond over multiple films. In a world of superhumans and aliens, Phil Coulson was a relatable everyman and good-natured character that grounded Tony Stark.
Justin Hammer
Although Iron Man 2 is one of the worst MCU movies, villain Justin Hammer is easily one of the best parts of the film. He was the CEO of a rival company of Stark Industries who was willing to do whatever it took to get a leg up on Tony Stark.
Justin Hammer is a compelling and entertaining character. Like Obadiah Stane, he was a mirror of Tony Stark, a similar character who went down a darker path. He was immature and prone to outbursts of anger. His inflated ego and tendency to rip off Tony Stark's ideas were also a great source of humor.
Happy Hogan
Happy Hogan has played many different roles for Tony Stark, working as his chauffeur, bodyguard, and head of security. Regardless of his position, Happy Hogan was always been one of Tony Stark's closest friends and most trusted assistants.
In addition to helping Tony as an employee, wingman, and friend, he has also carried on Tony's legacy after his passing. Happy Hogan has been shown bonding with Morgan after Tony's funeral in Endgame and mentoring Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Far From Home. He saw Tony at his worst and at his best and continued to support and believe in him, no matter what.
Nick Fury
After being introduced in the after-credits scene of Iron Man, Nick Fury returned for a larger role in Iron Man 2, in which he continued to keep an eye on Tony Stark and eventually recruited him to join the Avengers.
Nick Fury was always one of the only people who were able to hold Tony Stark accountable, calling him out for his selfish or reckless behavior. Like most Samuel L. Jackson characters, he was cool, snarky, and confident. He saw the potential in Tony Stark and pushed him to step up and become a hero.
James Rhodes
James "Rhodey" Rhodes has always been Tony Stark's best friend and the closest thing he has had to a sidekick, donning his own suit of armor as War Machine. He accompanied Iron Man on many missions over the course of the franchise, helping to take down villains such as Whiplash and Aldrich Killian.
Rhodey was a loyal and dependable friend, supporting Tony Stark but also pushing back and calling him out when appropriate. Brave, funny, and experienced in combat, he has become a fully fleshed-out character who is capable of leading his own show.
Pepper Potts
Pepper Potts started as Tony Stark's assistant but eventually married him and took over as CEO of Stark Industries. Even before they began dating, Tony trusted her enough to put his life in her hands and he even let her see his secret identity. She played a huge role in defeating both Obadiah Stane and Aldrich Killian.
Pepper Potts was consistently one of the most likable characters in the Iron Man trilogy. She was funny in a quirky way, independent, and a more than a capable businesswoman.
Tony Stark
The best character in the Iron Man trilogy is easily Tony Stark. His transformation from selfish playboy to superhero was a tremendous character arc. Robert Downey Jr. played the character to perfection, balancing the sarcastic and witty side of his personality with the deeper and more dramatic aspects including his complicated relationship with his late father and the trauma caused by the Battle of New York.
Charming, intelligent, and good-natured underneath it all, Tony Stark is a well-rounded character that audiences easily fell in love with.