Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Netflix’s The Sandman.
The recently released Netflix adaptation of the iconic comic book series by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, is an impressively accurate depiction of the fan-favorite characters and their storylines. The TV series brings powerful beings like Death and Lucifer Morningstar to life, highlighting their personalities in the process.
The most likable characters in the show so far are friendly, selfless, brave, and sometimes humorous. They usually teach Dream important lessons about humanity or change, which is a central theme in both the show and the comics. Based on their actions so far in the TV adaptation, the most likable characters manage to leave a positive and lasting impression on viewers who likely find themselves rooting for them.
Lucifer Morningstar
Often considered one of Gaiman’s best characters from Sandman, Lucifer is an intimidating but appealing character who has an unforgettable scene with the Lord of Dreams. She appears to be a cunning, powerful, and dangerous being who almost manages to defeat Dream in the oldest game.
Lucifer doesn’t give audiences much reason to like her, as she clearly enjoys the possibility of trapping the protagonist in Hell for all eternity. What’s more, the finale reveals that she has a devious plan in motion that could hurt Dream, with the show clearly setting her up to be the next big antagonist.
Lyta Hall
For the most part, Lyta is a helpful character who plays a crucial role in Rose Walker’s story arc. Her friendship and are instrumental in her experiences meeting her great grandmother and searching for her brother. However, Lyta’s focus significantly shifts once the walls between dreams and reality begin to crumble.
It’s somewhat frustrating to watch her seriously contemplate living in a dream with her deceased husband, even when Rose questions what this would do to her actual life. Granted, it isn’t her fault that she’s thrust into that situation, but it does make her less likable.
Hal Carter
The sassy Hal is an endearing character who is immediately likable thanks to the way he welcomes Rose to her temporary home. More facts about his backstory are revealed while he helps Rose put up posters later, with Hal explaining that he once had big dreams of becoming a performer and making it big on Broadway.
His fun personality and valuable certainly make him compelling, but it’s worth noting that his role isn’t significant enough to make him as memorable as other characters. Fans can only hope he manages to follow through with his declaration about selling the house and going back to doing what he loves most.
Dream
Over the course of the first season, the Lord of Dreams displays his incredible powers and the importance of his role in the waking world. His imprisonment in a mortal’s basement affects his realm and his view of humans negatively, though, which makes him jaded and somewhat cruel during the first few episodes.
It’s annoying to watch him undermine Lucienne and punish Gault, among other things. However, he does slowly change before the season ends, with his actions with Johanna Constantine’s ex and his final gift to Gault being just some examples that prove he can be a likable protagonist.
Hob Gadling
The fateful night Hob Gadling meets Dream changes his life forever, as the gift of immortality (subject to change every hundred years) allows him to live a much longer life than he would have had he not agreed to participate in Morpheus and Death’s experiment.
While there were moments where Hob seemed a bit arrogant, his positive characteristics are what define him in the end. He helps Dream realize that he’s more than an experiment, but rather a friend. It’s a moving and critical lesson for Morpheus, who may have continued to see humans as being beneath him had it not been for the likable Hob.
Death
Death is one of the most powerful of the Endless who has the daunting job of being there when people die. Despite how upsetting that must be (as seen in her reaction when she has to meet a baby), she maintains her cheerful attitude and appreciation for life.
The day Dream spends with Death helps him understand that the Endless need humans as much as they need them. Her wit, charm, and positive outlook make it impossible not to like Death, which is why it’s disappointing that she only appears in one episode. It’s likely that she will become the fan-favorite character after a few more seasons that reveal even more reasons to fall in love with her.
Matthew
Wherever Dream goes, his raven follows, or they at least try to. The latest raven, Matthew, has a difficult time convincing Morpheus to let him accompany the protagonist, who is still hurting from the loss of his previous raven, Jessamy. Thankfully, Matthew’s patience, persistence, and humor eventually lead to acceptance from the Lord of Dreams.
Matthew’s valuable assistance in the waking world often comes with funny jokes and comical scenarios, especially when he begins interacting with other characters like Rose. His distinctive voice and impending existential crisis make him unforgettable and always likable.
Rose Walker
Rose’s story arc in The Sandman is inextricably linked with her role as a Vortex, which is a destructive force that could create or destroy entire universes. However, she’s also a young and lonely person who just wants to find her long-lost brother.
She’s feisty, as seen in her conversation with the representative from the foster agency. She also handles all the strange new experiences with Dream and the Corinthian remarkably well. Her decision to make the ultimate sacrifice so that her friends and everyone else could live makes her even more likable than she already was at that point, which is why it’s a good thing Unity and Lucienne interfered before it was too late.
Gilbert (Fiddler’s Green)
Those who have read the comics would know from the start that the polite and charming Gilbert is actually one of the missing Archana that Dream is looking for. He’s introduced in a positive light, with him coming to Rose’s defense after she’s nearly attacked in a dark alley.
It almost seems as if he may have betrayed Rose when he runs away after realizing what the Cereal Convention really is, but it’s soon revealed that he made his way to Dream’s realm to ask for his help. He stayed honorable and wise until the end, with the epic scene where he takes up his place again as Fiddler’s Green cementing him as a compelling and astonishing character.
Lucienne
The reliable, loyal, and witty Lucienne is the most likable character from the first season for several reasons. She’s there to help the Lord of Dreams upon his return but is also firm in reminding him that he needs to be careful because things are not as they once were.
Her genuine concern for him and the way she endures so much during his absence prove how empathetic and strong she can be. It’s not surprising that characters like Mervyn and Matthew see her as a leader, as she has the qualities that qualify her to be one. Plus, Dream likely would’ve killed Rose had it not been for Lucienne’s quick thinking and response to Unity’s request. Lucienne will probably continue to be an effortlessly likable character in future episodes.