Eight of the best breakout characters

Often times a show's writers will not anticipate such strong, positive responses for a minor character. However, when they receive it, that character will later be written in as a major character (or in some instances, the main character). When this phenomenon occurs, the end product is known as a breakout character. Whether it be Chris Colfer as Kurt on Glee getting the Emmy love and becoming more acclaimed than the show's protagonists, that wacky Jim Rash playing larger and larger roles on Community, Ben Linus going from a character that was supposed to be around for three episodes to the leader of the Others, Andy Bernard going from "that guy from the Stamford Branch" to a series regular (and eventually Michael Scott's replacement) or Barney Stinson being infinitely more lovable than Ted on HIMYM, it is clear that minor characters have a tendency to steal our hearts. Below I have compiled a list of some of my favorite breakout characters from some of my favorite TV shows.


1. Andy Bernard (The Office)

2. Dean Pelton (Community)

3. Ben Linus (Lost)

4. Walter Jr. (Breaking Bad)

4. Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)

5. Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation)

6. Kurt Hummel (Glee)

7. Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

8. Abed Nadir (Community)