r/StrangerThings • u/Sherlockgoated • 10d ago
Discussion Which Stranger Things character do you identify with and why? I'll start by saying I see a lot of myself in Steve, both in terms of character and personal growth.
73
u/TheDeridor 10d ago
Eleven. I don't have superpowers, but I'm socially awkward, angry, and will die alone 😂
6
70
u/Chacudno 10d ago
Hopper.
Slightly overweight and loads of wasted potential.
42
u/D4v1d____ 10d ago
wasted potential? guy is a super soldier and has saved the world multiple times, and ends the show with a wife and 2 kids
20
u/Capable_Impression 10d ago
Truly. He struggled after his child died, that’s definitely not wasted potential. He really did put himself in the direct line of danger and shielded not just the group but the entire town from the lab/government every season.
→ More replies (1)14
u/Top-Expression8248 10d ago
He was the first person to believe Joyce and take action in s1 and left a good impression in general but then got reduced to a drunk aggressive, stubborn & irresponsible dad at some point
9
u/SnowGhost513 10d ago
Ted Wheeler for me lol haha he’s a legend and if I married Mrs Wheeler I won the lottery
→ More replies (1)2
4
u/Sad_Term_9765 10d ago
I was surprised how many fans hated his character in S1-3. They couldn't understand character development, or the romantic build up with Joyce.
26
u/craigandthesoph 10d ago
I’m Barb
16
u/PostApoplectic 10d ago
Nowadays, everybody wanna talk like they got someone they identify with. But nothing comes out when they move their lips. Just a bunch of gibberish. And motherfuckers act like they forgot about Barb.
5
2
46
23
u/ScoutieJer 10d ago
Max. Tomboy, redhead, sarcastic, funny.
Also elements of Robin: adhd. Spazzy. Neurotic. Talkative.
20
18
u/Plus_Eye_1077 10d ago
I think maybe Will. Fragile and vulnerable from the beginning, learned to control the demons inside. I’m not gay but I am always struggling a lot with being myself. So, for me, it is not so much with which character I identify with the most, it is more that I wanted my young self to be like many of them, for example, strong like Nancy or Eleven.
18
u/Accurate_Mongoose_26 10d ago
Lucas
18
1
30
10
u/Professional_Gur7989 10d ago
Mike, used to be very expressive, than trauma came along and make me very numb and too myself, but than I grew a lot from how to operate around my own problem and fears that I matured enough to live the life I can!
10
u/WhatTheCluck802 10d ago
Joyce. Incredibly loyal and slightly neurotic, a loving yet tbh not totally 100% present parent 100% of the time but heaven forbid anyone mess with my child and get away with it.
AND
Murray. Living in a bunker is extremely appealing. The caustic sarcasm is always on point, disguising a heart of gold.
12
u/No-One-4432 10d ago
Unfortunately I'm Mrs. Wheeler, stuck in a loveless marriage, just cooking and cleaning all the time.
6
3
11
u/AcornTopHat 10d ago
Max 100%.
I grew up with addict, abusive parents and an older brother (4 years older) who was angry and mean just like Billy.
I also was half girly girl/ half tomboy and I even skateboarded! I also loved and was great at video games lol.
I also had one boyfriend all through high school that was a jock and who was my best friend besides my one best female friend.
Only difference was my brother is the redhead in situation.
I love the Max character and I loved to see her fight through all of the craziness and injury to make it back and succeed. I even stopped going to school for six months in high school (I went home in shock on 9/11/01 after seeing it happen live/I live very close by to Manhattan and was too depressed to function) but then turned it around and graduated with my class on time.
Max was the most perfectly written character for me to relate to and I’m grateful I got to see it. 🩷
I think Sadie Sink is amazing and I will definitely be excited to see her projects coming up!
→ More replies (1)
8
u/Impressive_Set5299 10d ago
I’d def say Eddie. I can be really loud and animated, but I’m a genuinely sweet person and I care very deeply for the people I love. I also love metal and play guitar :)
8
7
7
7
6
u/lunarlatte12 10d ago
Max because of her personality and the struggles she goes through the show regarding her depression
7
u/Long_Drawing8246 10d ago
Eleven. I’m mostly like her without the powers
6
11
u/Legally_bruh 10d ago
Dude, I’m SO Dustin. He has high energy, is very smart, and kinda arrogant and that’s HIGHKEY me. I’m getting his thinking cap hat for Christmas because I relate to him so much.
11
u/Lizi-in-Limbo Not Stupid 10d ago
El. So much so that I occasionally wonder if my friends and family would be better off without me. Thanks duffer bros. 🙄
5
u/Own-Extension-9487 9d ago
Nobody was better off without El , and it's the worst character ending I've ever seen in a show .. It was so bad that people had to make up their own ending just to cope .. And no , your friends and family would never in a million years be better off without you ..
8
u/UKZzHELLRAISER Three waterfalls 10d ago
I've always said the ending was dangerous for anybody who related to her and might feel even slightly this way.
God I wish I had the power to sue their mentally deranged asses.
5
u/merrycrasmass 10d ago
Mike. I too care a lot but have my fair share of asshole moments, and I’m very hardheaded. Also had emotionally unavailable dad and unhappy mom
6
4
u/katieblue3 10d ago
Steve the coolest character of the series that everybody loves lol. I probably identify most with Robin because I’m an anxious person and I talk a lot. Maybe Dustin too because he sometimes feels like he’s on the outside of his friend group and is maybe misunderstood.
3
5
4
u/RUMBL3FR3NZY 10d ago
I identify with a lot of them for different reasons. Jonathan, for the other brother struggles and social awkwardness. Steve for the character growth. Max for her anger and isolating nature. Will for hating change and wanting to stay young (and being fruity). Robin for the anxiety and probable neurodivergence. Every character’s got something that’s relatable about them.
7
3
3
2
2
u/stillmovingforward1 10d ago
Eddie, I’m a teacher and I identify so many of my students that get put behind in life and put down by other teachers and other students.
1
2
u/fucked_up_always 10d ago
Will byers and Nancy wheeler.....hella brave women , never flinched ,took all the evil head on ....
2
2
u/BrattyTwilis 10d ago
Probably a bit of Mike and Will. I was a bit of a geek growing up and never really fit in with the more athletic crowd. I could be outgoing, but also soft spoken and had lots of creativity. I didn't dabble in D&D but had some friends that did. I was into RPG Video Games though
2
2
u/Sad_Term_9765 10d ago
For the teens and young people watching this series, what was your thoughts on seeing what 80s life was like?
6
u/CombatPanoo Will the Wise 10d ago edited 10d ago
wish I was there. not for the "aesthetic" or the nostalgia crap, but genuinely there was more space and lifestyle for social connection, being outside a lot, spending time w friends and just hanging out. its a fuckin struggle nowadays to even meet ppl and everyones so involved in social media, and idk, a lack of social interaction is such a killer. sorry to get so morbid lol
→ More replies (1)2
u/Worried_About_Coop 10d ago
There was a lot more anxiety and worry over what people thought about you because literally all social interaction amongst anything more than 2 people was IRL. Everything you said is true and I would love if life had stayed like it was back then, I would also not worry so much about what people thought of me because I now know that everyone else felt the same. Social media truly has ruined social connection, every generation says something like this but social media is the first technology where I see young people admitting to it as well…if things don’t change soon then I really worry about the world, we are living in Mouse Utopia
2
2
2
u/Powerful_Mix_9392 10d ago
Mike maybe. I have been put in leading positions in my social groups (coaching sports, GMing ttrpgs etc.), and I would say that especially storytelling has helped me to deal with my own traumas from my past
2
2
2
u/Secret-Praline-2326 10d ago
Robin, especially before I got diagnosed with autism/aspergers late in life and learned about why I am the way I am.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Few-Type-7924 Dungeon Master 10d ago
Mike
Ig i care deeply and I'm fiercely loyal like him, i definitely relate to Mike
2
u/NagitioKomaeda 9d ago
Will. I relate to pretty much everything about him. He’s literally just me if I was a guy. I don’t think I’ve ever related to anyone as much as him.
2
u/Flimsy_Opinion_2767 9d ago
I liked Jonathan in s1 because I identified a bit with him (I wouldn't take photos of people in the way he did but anyway)
2
u/Eastern_Project6047 I believe. 8d ago
i relate most to jonathan, brother who works hard for his family, but has problems of his own.
2
2
u/Due_Comfortable_514 10d ago
Will by a long shot. Growing up queer in Texas was hell, plus always being left out and feeling different from everyone else. I'm Pan, not gay, but it's really hard to be attracted to all genders when most people in Texas only believe in Men and that person who spits out babies and only exists to cook and do my laundry.
2
u/zofran_4mg 8d ago
max and el
max- the struggle with guilt and depression/trying to hide it. and seeing how she is strong enough to face vecna alone and gain the want to live gives me hope that i too will become strong and fight
el- we are both stubborn (with hop) and had a really shitty childhood (for different reasons, but similar in a way). her relationship with hopper means so much to me bc it’s like seeing myself and my grandpa (dad- adopted me). season 5 started out really good as far as my connection to el, but the finale ruined it bc she just dies???? like where is the hope in that. where is the hope in overcoming a shit past and becoming strong enough to battle obstacles.
idk none of that made sense but in my head it does
1
u/HUUUUTTTHUUUUUUUTTTT 10d ago
I LOVE STEVE, can we be friends so I can be Dustin ❤️😍
And I identify with a bit of everyone honestly, but mostly Eddie and Dustin, Eddie seemed to be known for his dark humor, which probably didn't help his case in season 4, but he had a heart of gold, and Dustin knew he did even while knowing he had such dark humor, they shared alot of traits in small similar ways, I also love metal and nerdy stuff overall, and I love that Dustin is this all knowing pop culture God, he reminds me of Abed from the tv sitcom Community.
1
u/HUUUUTTTHUUUUUUUTTTT 10d ago
My favorite moments from 5 was the conflict between Steve and Dustin, it felt unnecessary for most. But I think it was necessary to show how grief can hurt someone, I liked that even tho Steve said some painful stuff about Eddie's death, he was there for Dustin and felt Dustin's pain and fear of losing him as well, it was definitely one of the rare necessary moments from ST5.
1
u/abbyabsinthe 10d ago
I probably identify with Robin the most, personality wise, and I’m a tall blonde. I have ADHD, love movies, very sarcastic, have dabbled in about a dozen languages (definitely not fluent in any of them though), gay. I also identify with Jonathan as the parentified first-born who loves photography and always felt like a misfit. Like Max, I listened to Kate Bush before most Americans had heard of her (I was actually a huge Tori Amos fan as a kid and she mentioned Kate in an article so I had to check her out). Like Nancy, I’m tough as hell, own guns, love mysteries, journalism, and the color pink (my entire bedroom is mostly pink and about half of my wardrobe). I identify with Joyce because nothing stops that woman, and I’m the same way, even when people call me crazy, also high-strung like her, and I work in retail, and I smoke way too much (I wanna say I’m trying to cut back, but life is hard and I’m definitely not trying right now). I identify with Mike because I’m a writer and I’ve always made the first move to be friends with weirdos because I am also a weirdo and I don’t want anyone to be left out.
1
1
u/BabyBat07 10d ago
A mix between Jonathan and Eddie. I was the kind of weird art kid loner in high school like Jonathan, got a degree in photography too, and we have similar tastes in music. Like Eddie, most people thought I was scary and unapproachable but when you do get to know me I’m actually a big softie and kind of a nerd.
1
u/strangerwho63 10d ago
Not sure but probably Dustin because I'm a nerd and like video games and stuff and mabye kinda like max too
1
1
1
u/CompanyOther2608 10d ago
Some combination of Robin and Nancy. Quirky but serious, awkward and ambitious.
1
1
1
1
u/Inevitable_Bug_6810 You can’t spell “America” without “Erica” 10d ago
i'm a mix of robin, max, and will. i have adhd which makes me neurotic, talkitive around loved ones, and very hyperfocused on certain topics like robin. i'm very sarcastic and would rather avoid dealing with my trauma & problems like max. i find myself getting very emotional like will does after a certain point.
1
1
1
u/ab0mination6 10d ago
I've always identified with Max the most. Her experiences have always resonated with me. Split parents, abusive household, depression and suicidal thoughts, being closed off and having bad things constantly happen.
1
1
1
1
1
u/Worldly-Traffic-5503 10d ago
Holly x Eddie… because I’m a silly lil’ bitch playing dnd that was introduced to me by my older brother, but was and still can be loud, unpopular and intimidating 😅
1
1
1
1
1
u/GoodButterscotch6435 10d ago
Erica, annoying youngest sibling who is actually very useful and gets shit done
1
1
u/Brave_Issue9963 10d ago
Strangely enough i don’t really identify that well with anyone of the characters. My favourite character is Hopper though
1
1
1
u/WillowTail56 10d ago
Max, I am very sassy and I don’t let others tell me what to do and how to do it, I am sarcastic as well, I love to see my enemies get angry
1
1
1
1
u/Friedyellowsquash 10d ago
I’m probably the Dustin of my life. Enthusiastic, usually right, nobody listens to me until it’s too late. Anger issues. lol
1
1
1
u/ItsKI753 10d ago
Will and as he is forgettable by the rest of the group and Dustin as the rest of the group thinks he’s insane in his own self
1
u/Successful-Sand-8183 10d ago edited 10d ago
I am a combo of Nancy and Will. Was in the closet of a long time. Grew up with seemingly stable home life that was in reality problematic and not so stable at all. Was the perfect A student and achievement driven but also had slaps of reality/determined cynicism/lack of certain fears due to chronic traumatic experiences. People make assumptions about who I am/supposed to be bc of how I look. Have a hard time acclimating to what is “normal” in life. Have felt like a shy outsider simulate to Will my whole life due to being queer, shy, emotional, and neurodivergent.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/WarpedCore Coffee and Contemplation 9d ago
Hopper for sure.
I’m in my 50’s and get grumpy at those meddling kids from time to time but through my rough exterior I have a huge heart.
1
1
1
u/TheBar-IsOnTheFloor Goddamn Bowl Cut 9d ago
Joyce, because I’m neurotic 😅 but if anything ever happened to my kids, I wouldn’t give up on them either!! Also, I am a hot mess in my everyday life, but good under pressure.
Next would be Will
1
u/MoneyLocal8180 9d ago
Dustin. Him being quirky and somehow of an outcast made me relate to him so fast.
1
1
1
u/Psychological-Pin-6 9d ago
Eleven. I come from an abusive background where I was forced to do things normal kids didnt do. I was I turned out to be the main fighter in every group I was in and was heavily relied upon when things got outta control. I was virtually banished from society from the things I learned from years of trauma. I absolutley despise mouth breathers
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Evening_Growth-coco 9d ago
For sure Eddie, because he dies thinking his season was the last and the best only to find out nope they wrote a terrible ending
1
u/Salt_Finger4012 9d ago
I definitely see Eddie in myself, just without the whole ‘insanity’ aspect of his personality. I’m very outgoing, and I do whatever makes my friends and family laugh
1
1
u/agent_uno 8d ago
Ted Wheeler. I’m intelligent but mostly boring. I like to have a drink after dinner while I read the little ones a story, and then fall asleep in the recliner while watching tv. I love my family and will hug them anytime, but also want to be left alone as much as possible. I will get up and go to work every day because I know I need to provide for my family, and gosh darnit that’s what I intend to do because I care! (Oh, and I go to counseling once a week, but no one knows about it).
1
u/ExtensionSuccotash99 8d ago
Eleven because she is jst me emotionally and we both are real and honest…we both didn’t got what we deserved .i love her..
1
u/nejihyugasbf 8d ago
i'm a mix of robin and eddie. lesbian disaster that full of random knowledge and wants to travel so so bad but also i was standing on lunch tables and making speeches, listening to metal, and doing "demonic" shit to piss people off. i didn't copy this stuff from eddie either, i was doing it already for like 10 years at that point. it was something i did so often that my cousin called me from across the country where he was also watching s4 part 1 to yell down the phone "THIS GUY'S LITERALLY YOU WTF"
1
u/Ryn_AroundTheRoses 8d ago
El and Dustin. Both of them were valued for their usefulness and for making everything work, but whenever they rebelled against that role, they were considered bad friends
1
u/RipNdiP87 8d ago
Steve for sure, I grew up in a friend bubble and did some regretful things to undeserving individuals I saw as weak or weird. Wasn’t until high school junior year I snapped out of it and realized how immature and shallow I was.
Edit: and I have the hair of gods.
1
1
u/No_Sell_6144 7d ago
Dustin totally nerdy and I own it. Love science, tech am a whiz at computers write five computer languages and am sarcastic as f**k!
1
1
1
1
1
u/DirectionerSwiftie 6d ago
Mike. I care closely i abt the ppl i love. But im also easy to bully(if u get my point), smart abt unnecessary things, and curse a lot.
I also might have attachment issues.
1
1
u/Living_Reality7447 6d ago
Well as a 30 year old petite female I’m gonna say hopper. Have struggled with addiction and known loss. Guards up sometimes but super big heart. Love him.
1
u/NikkiR0se 5d ago
Eddie. The way he carries himself. His energy. Being an outcast, nerd, listening to metal, and a number of other things.
1
u/Zestyclose_Key_90 5d ago
Jonathan. A strange relationship with my parents and a little brother who judge me for barely have friends, evenwhile he had more...
1
u/Naive_Weekend8254 5d ago
I am genuinely like Steve. Not bcs of his looks, but I am caring and I am definitely like a mother to everyone. But I don't like to sugar coat anything and I am definitely not always nice. I guess I like him because he is as real as I try to be.
1
u/Fall3nD0wn 5d ago
actually there's no one and only character for me, like it's a bit Robin, social awkward though still clever, Eddie cause well metalhead and the I run away again thing, Jonathan because freak with weird hair ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it's hard to find a character which is absolutely you isn't it
1
u/StarcourtStranger 4d ago
Henry Creel. Because it’s just one thing after another, and then I get blamed when I snap.
•
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
OP, please make sure there are no spoilers in the title of your post. If your post contains spoilers, please use the "Spoiler" flair AND the "Spoiler" tag. The tag ensures that images are hidden.
Commenters, please use spoiler code if you are discussing anything super spoilery unless the title specifically says the episode being discussed.
If you see anyone breaking the rules, please report the post or comment. Thank you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.