The Toy Story franchise broke boundaries with its fearless additions of innocent toy struggling with something—whether it is being donated, sold or getting lost.
The films would be lackluster without its extensive line of characters, which are both major and minor, and good and evil. Many viewers might get mixed up about who exactly came into the picture after the first film in 1995. However, every new character's introduction from Toy Story 2 and onward was important to the movies.
Lotso
Lotso isn't one of the best characters because he's a fluffy "huggin' bear." He is an important villain in the franchise's third installment and has a major role to play in the deception at Sunny Side.
The friendly face has a backstory that is filled with a lot of trauma and hatred. His misunderstanding that he was abandoned by his owner consumes him, leading him to take over Sunny Side and oversee every toy. When viewers see Woody try to save him, only for Lotso to then ditch all the toys in the incinerator, viewers are shocked and don't have time to process this. This is precisely why Lotso is one of the best characters. He conveys to the toys that not everyone can be trusted: an unfortunate yet significant lesson.
Jessie
Jessie brings one of the most important elements to the franchise: the aftermath of abandonment. Viewers weep as they watch Jessie's memory of being donated unfold from her beloved owner.
Without Jessie, the series wouldn't be what it is today. Fans wouldn't fully understand what it's like for one of these toys to lose their very first owner, and they wouldn't understand the trauma that other toys go through like Jessie did. The strong and sassy cowgirl brought a whole new side to the franchise.
Bullseye
The reticent yet helpful steed is one of the best characters introduced after the first movie. He brings a sweetness to the entire story and also a lot of strength to help the whole gang. Perhaps audiences forgot how essential he is to the story.
Once he's introduced in the second film, he helps Woody, Buzz and Jessie exit the plane by running with the entire airplane. No other toy would have been able to help them with this mission at the time.
Forkie
This unanticipated toy brings a unique quality to the series, and that is what the soul of a toy is. He shows the audience that a toy isn't solely a polished, store-bought collectible or even an abandoned, donated toy.
Forkie is created by Bonnie at school, and this shows how durable a child's imagination is. It doesn't take her that much effort to invent him. His personality comes out automatically through his welcoming to the world as a toy.
Mr. Pricklepants
The theatrical toy brings a whole new side to playing with toys. Mr. Pricklpants is introduced in a more thespian-like manner, with him "acting" in his role as Bonnie's toy.
His dedication to playing roles displays the meaning to viewers. The concept of playing with toys involves imaginary dedication: inventing a story for them to participate in through the child's mind. Similarly to Andy, Bonnie also puts her toys into a story and Mr, Pricklepants brings comedy to his serious devotion to his role.
Duke Caboom
This daredevil defies the odds in his stunts. His fearlessness goes a long way and it's undeniable that he is a key partner to the toys—primarily Woody and Bo—and brings another strong backstory of abandonment.
Duke didn't go through what some of the others did, in of being donated or sold. He was actually ditched by his owner years before, all because he couldn't jump through the ring of fire. The odds may seem against him, but the charming and funny stuntman is necessary to the fourth film.
The Prospector
The Prospector, a.k.a "Stinky Pete" is a much-needed was up call as an antagonist. He was never actually owned by an owner, and therefore, doesn't understand the personal connection the two could have.
His kind, calm and grandfather-like mask is a cunning way to hide his true bitter, angry self. Of course, when it all is revealed later in the second film, the gang finally learns what his true intentions are. The Prospector brought a new side to toy villainy after the first movie came out.
Bonnie
The sweet child, Bonnie, upheld the vital role that a toy's owner plays. Andy giving his toys over to the little girl is one of the most (if not the utmost) bittersweet moments of the entire franchise.
But, Bonnie doesn't disappoint viewers or the toy gang. She cares for them and continues the innocence of a child's imagination in playing with their toys. Her open mind and heart allows her to welcome all new friends into her toy family.
Ken
Ken is a complex character. The cheese yet hilarious demeanor he carries wins viewers over, despite being Barbie's new boyfriend.
At first, fans became a little concerned that Ken isn't a trustworthy guy. However, the character thankfully realizes his mistakes in working with Lotso and s the good squad, which later becomes his friends. His new direction over Sunny Side leaves a positive ending to the third film. And, it's great to see Barbie find additional happiness in a partner.
Mrs. Potato Head
Mrs. Potato Head, brought a sweet, caring motherly side to the franchise, and especially, to Mr. Potato Head as his partner. She ensures he is ready to go and offers the rest of the group her kindness.
She's also undoubtedly funny in her protectiveness, which is why her entire character shouldn't be underestimated. Mrs. Potato Head established a parental-like role within the gang, and without that, they wouldn't know what it's like to have a mother figure in their lives.
