Warning: This article contains spoilers for season 4, volume one of Stranger Things.
Every season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things has focused on Eleven's powers, the friend group's battle against the evil in Hawkins, and the budding romance between Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers. But while certain main characters get a lot of praise, as fans love Dustin Henderson's sense of humor and bond with Steve Harrington, there are some people on the series who deserve to be discussed more.
From a few minor characters who bring a lot to the table to some members of The Party whose storylines are sometimes overlooked, Reddit fans are sharing the Stranger Things characters who they love the most.
Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler goes through a lot throughout every season of Stranger Things. In season 1, she's dating Steve while slowly developing feelings for Jonathan Byers, and before she knows it, she's grieving the death of her best friend Barb Holland and helping the younger characters.
One Redditor thinks that Nancy is underrated, writing "Her arc is one of my favorites" as Nancy does what she wants instead of having "jonathan to make decisions for her." In season 4, Nancy shows her strength and courage once again, especially when she gets stuck in The Upside Down.
Mr. Scott Clarke
Mr. Scott Clarke makes a big impression during his scenes, especially in season 1's "The Flea And The Acrobat" which is a fan favorite Stranger Things episode. It's sweet how seriously he takes the questions that his students ask him about different dimensions
Redditor GrGrG said Scott Clarke is the "best teacher ever" and he "Understands that they probably need space to deal with their friends disappearance/death." Mr. Clarke treats the characters with compassion and respect.
Benny Hammond
Hawkins, Indiana might not be an average small town, thanks to the presence of evil monsters and, of course, The Upside Down. But in season 1, fans are introduced to Benny's Burgers and the sweet owner, Benny Hammond. Benny is the one who finds Eleven and helps her out, making sure that she has food.
One Redditor thinks that Benny is underrated and wrote, "Wish he could have gotten more scenes, he was the best." While Benny tragically dies, he does play a significant role in the early episodes of the series.
Lucas Sinclair
For much of the show, Lucas Sinclair is a loyal part of the main friend group, and he's enjoying a happy life, spending time with his friends on a regular basis. In season 4, Lucas is given his own storyline as he joins the basketball team and wants to be popular, which causes conflict with his friends in the Hellfire Club at school.
Redditor MyriVerse considers Lucas to be an underrated character and wrote, "Lucas doesn't get the credit he deserves. He came up with the fireworks plan in S3. But he really needs more plot."
Mike Wheeler
While Mike Wheeler is a beloved character who is often praised for its relationship with Eleven and his place in the friend group, Redditor Rinichirou thinks that Mike has an underrated character arc in season 2 that should be discussed more.
The fan wrote, "At the start, he's so depressed over losing El that he's noticeably rougher and more reclusive" and then is able to go up against The Mind Flayer. Mike definitely grows a lot throughout this season and while Mike is a funny Stranger Things character, he has many tough and emotional experiences.
Calvin Powell And Phil Calahan
As for some underrated side characters, Redditor juleeneleven likes the "two sidekick cops that work with Hopper, they always crack me up even with their minimal screen time."
Calvin Powell and Phil Calahan interact with Jim Hopper at the Hawkins Police Department in season 1, and in season 4, they're on their own and dealing with the strange deaths that are occurring in town.
Max Mayfield
Since her first appearance in season 2, Max Mayfield has shown herself to be a tough character who should let her friends see her softer side sometimes. Max's Stranger Things quotes always show her intelligence and sarcastic sense of humor, and in season 4, she gets a chance to really shine as she works through her feelings about Billy Hargrove's death.
Redditor seveninstrek considers Max to be underrated and wrote that "she doesn’t get the same hype as 11 or Mike."
Karen Wheeler
Mike and Nancy's mother Nancy Wheeler has a few memorable scenes, and she's a smart, take charge kind of person who only wants the best for her kids.
Redditor binaryeye said "Karen is underrated, particularly in S1" and Redditor sqplanetarium agreed, "more human and well rounded - a caring mom who is genuinely frustrated that her teenage daughter won't talk to her." In season 4, Karen is more compassionate and protective than ever.
Agent Harmon
There are some great new characters in Stranger Things season 4, including Agent Harmon, who becomes a hero in one stunning and unforgettable scene.
Redditor BlackberryOpen974 called Agent Harmon underrated, noting that he is able to save Mike, Jonathan, and Will. The fan wrote that Harmon "got them pizza, talked to them like they were adults, and essentially saved the entire universe with his actions." Harmon also says the word "Nina," referring to Project Nina, which Dr. Brenner has set up because he wants Eleven to access her powers again.
Jonathan Byers
While Jonathan might not be talked about as much as the other main characters, he does experience a lot of pain and stress in his family life.
Redditor Little_Consequence loves Jonathan because "he organized Will's funerals by himself. Then he was willing to help Nancy. He never got to grieve his 'dead' brother." By the time fans catch up with Jonathan in season 4, he's having fun with his new pal Argyle, but Jonathan's tough times can't be forgotten about.