Modern TV series craft story arcs for their characters based on unique personalities and life circumstances—but one mistake can instantly ruin what has taken years to build. This list highlights five characters whose stories, luckily, were not only preserved but brought to a perfect conclusion.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Protagonist from Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s unnamed heroine in the hit show Fleabag is far deeper than she first appears. The story goes well beyond casual sexual escapades and endless jokes on the subject. In the first season, her character navigates all the stages of grief while blaming herself for her best friend’s death. In the second season, she still grieves but now for a love story that didn’t work out. Fleabag delves into the protagonist’s inner world and helps her find answers—not ones that drastically change her life, but ones that are undeniably necessary.
Villanelle from Killing Eve
Jodie Comer’s character in the hit drama-thriller Killing Eve begins as a professional assassin who thoroughly enjoys her craft. However, everything changes when Villanelle is tasked with killing MI6 agent Eve Polastri. The series takes Villanelle on a journey of exploring her own sexuality and questioning whether her murderous lifestyle, which she once loved, is worth continuing.
Arya Stark from Game of Thrones
The ambitious Stark heiress is one of the few characters who achieves at least part of her ultimate goal by the end of the series. Rejecting the traditional future of a homemaker and caretaker, Arya embarks on a journey to train with the Faceless Men, all to avenge the deaths of her mother and brother. In the end, Arya fulfills her mission of revenge and sets her sights on new horizons, staying true to her character’s bold nature.
Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad
Unlike Walter White, who succumbs to greed and fear by the show’s end, Jesse receives a more just resolution. His story arc revolves around making the right choices and growing up emotionally. Despite his involvement in criminal activity, Jesse is not inherently a bad person. Much of the suffering he endures is not his fault, making him a character who truly deserves a second chance.
J.D. from Scrubs
Scrubs follows J.D.’s life from his very first day as an intern to his eventual promotion as an attending physician. What makes his character’s story arc stand out is that while J.D. climbs the career ladder, he remains true to himself and the values he upheld from the very first season. His humor, idealism, and compassion stay intact, making his arc a heartfelt and satisfying journey.
