The Chief of Police in Stranger Things is a little different than the run-of-the-mill TV sheriff. Jim Hopper at first seems to be lazy and have absolutely no regard for the responsibilities of his position. He's pessimistic, cynical, reserved, and outright rude. He doesn't take Joyce seriously at all when she comes to ask for his help with Will. If he had listened sooner, much of the pain and trouble could have been avoided.
Even so, many fans still have a soft spot for Hopper. He's a tortured, troubled man with a dark past, and he shows a lot of promise in the later seasons. When he adopts Eleven, he becomes much more responsible, but not necessarily mature or composed. In fact, his immaturity reaches a peak in season 3, when he's constantly bickering with Joyce and trying to ruin Mike's life. Even though he's acting out because he's so protective and loving, it can be overwhelming.
BEST: Loyal
Though he doesn't always show it, Hopper is a lot softer and more emotional than he lets on. He loves and cares for people so much that when he loses them, he can't let go.
For example, he remains loyal to the memory of his lost daughter even when he adopts Eleven. Her blue bracelet can be seen throughout the show, usually worn by Hopper or Eleven. He also remains loyal to Joyce after everything they've been through, even after she stands him up and dates another man.
WORST: Spiteful
On the flip side, Hopper is known to be spiteful. He's such an ornery, resentful, and often childish person that he seems to enjoy making other people frustrated. Most notably, he likes to torment Mike.
He invents the three-inch doorway rule, then prevents Mike from seeing Eleven altogether. Similarly, he treats Joyce awfully simply out of spite. He is hurt that she stands him up at what he thinks is going to be a date, then continues punishing her for it for most of the third season.
BEST: Caring
Viewers can say what they will about Hopper, but one quality of his that can't be denied is his caring nature. He doesn't like to it that he cares as much as he does, which is why he tries so hard to cover it up.
He takes Eleven in without a second thought and provides for her the best way he knows how. He protects her fiercely, maybe a little too fiercely at times, but it pays off. He also cares deeply for Joyce and wants to help the Byers feel at home in Hawkins.
WORST: Overbearing
Sometimes Hopper's caring nature can come across as overbearing. He cares so intensely that he hurts those he loves, like Eleven. He drives her away because he's not ready for her to grow up and change yet. She retaliates, and he realizes his mistake.
He's also overbearing in less pleasant ways, like with Mike, or anyone evil. His first instinct is to treat people with suspicion, skepticism, or mistrust. When he doesn't like someone, like the new mayor, he lashes out with unnecessary anger and violence.
BEST: Selfless
Even though Hopper can act mean, he actually has very strong morals. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, and to ensure the safety of his loved ones. This becomes apparent when he actually does sacrifice himself in the season 3 finale.
Luckily, though, it seems that Hopper didn't actually die and will return in season 4. In any case, he does a lot for other people, even if he does seem overbearing at times. A lot of his negative traits are by-products of his selflessness.
WORST: Stubborn
Hopper can be so immature that he refuses to give up his opinions, even when they're proven to be misguided. He's particularly stubborn when it comes to people he cares deeply about, like Joyce and Eleven.
He simply refuses to give in and allow Joyce to take the lead in investigations that she opened. For a long time in season 1, Hopper will not allow himself to be swayed from the belief that everything is fine in Hawkins. In season 2, he doesn't allow Eleven any freedom, and in season 3, he is stubborn about just about everything.
BEST: Intuitive
Once Hopper's opinions on things finally loosen, he is able to see more clearly and use his intuition to guide him to the truth. For instance, in Will's case, he is quick to feel that something is amiss and realizes a more serious investigation is needed.
In season 2, he descends underground to pursue his hunch about the Upside-Down and the Mind Flayer. Even if he doesn't care about his job at first, he proves to be pretty good at it nevertheless.
WORST: Dismissive
Hopper is quick to dismiss other people and their ideas, no matter how valid they are. This is clear from the very beginning of the show when he refuses to even listen to Joyce's concerned about her missing son.
When Hopper finally does concede that he's missing under suspicious circumstances, he dismisses Joyce's theories that something supernatural is going on. If Hopper had been a little more open-minded and less resentful, he may have saved Will (and maybe even Barb) much sooner.
BEST: Empathetic
For all of Hopper's bitterness and skepticism, he's incredibly empathetic. He has a rather unique ability to empathize with people, given how lonely his life has been, but it's a quality that comes in handy many a time.
His ability to empathize with Eleven is what inspires him to adopt her, and what makes him - in a way - a great carer and companion for her. Similarly, when Mike gets angry at him, Hopper understands completely and lets the child dissolve into tears before embracing him.
WORST: Cynical
Hopper's cynicism makes it extremely difficult for people to get along with him, let alone respect him. The kids all make fun of him - to his face and behind his back - because he acts like such a grumpy old man most of the time.
When it comes to friendships and romance, he barely gets to experience anything real because he shuts people out so quickly. He has no outward desire for affection, which can be alienating to other people, including Eleven.