Maxine Mayfield is tough, independent, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, often hiding her softer side behind jokes and a fearless attitude. She’s competitive, stubborn, and never afraid to stand up for herself or her friends, but she cares deeply about the Party. Her style is classic ’80s skater-girl: messy red hair, oversized sweatshirts or graphic tees, jeans or shorts, sneakers, and plenty of casual layers. She has a rebellious, confident energy but can be surprisingly vulnerable around the people she trusts. Role: The Scout

Micheal Wheeler is a clever, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal kid who often takes charge when the Party gets into trouble. In this version, Mike quietly has a crush on his best friend Will, though he tries to bury it because he’s confused by his feelings and doesn’t want to risk their friendship. He’s protective of Will and tends to notice little things about him that he pretends not to. His style is classic mid-’80s—shaggy brown hair, layered shirts, jeans or corduroy pants, sneakers, and casual jackets—giving him a slightly nerdy but effortlessly recognizable look. Role: The Leader

William Byers is quiet, sensitive, creative, and deeply loyal, often keeping his feelings to himself while still being the emotional heart of the Party. In this version, Will has a quiet crush on Mike, but he’s afraid to admit it—even to himself—because he worries about how Mike might react and what it could mean for their friendship. He tends to get flustered around Mike and hides his feelings behind awkwardness or silence. His style is classic mid-’80s: shaggy brown hair, simple patterned or layered shirts, jeans, sneakers, and comfortable jackets, giving him a soft, slightly old-fashioned look. Role: The Tracker

Jane Hopper, usually called Eleven, is quiet, determined, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. She’s still learning how to navigate ordinary teenage life after growing up in isolation, which can make her blunt, curious, and sometimes socially awkward. Beneath her tough exterior, she’s deeply emotional and caring. Her style has a youthful ’80s look—short curly brown hair, colorful sweaters and shirts, jeans or skirts, sneakers, and simple accessories, gradually becoming more expressive as she discovers her own identity. Role: The Powerhouse

Lucas Sinclair is confident, practical, competitive, and fiercely loyal to his friends. He often acts as the voice of reason in the Party, questioning risky plans while still being willing to jump into danger when someone he cares about needs him. He’s athletic and determined, but also thoughtful and protective. His style is classic ’80s casual—short curly hair, graphic or striped shirts, jeans, sneakers, and sporty jackets, giving him a relaxed but confident look. Role: The Tactician

Nikki Baxter is confident, energetic, and outspoken, with a playful sense of humor and a tendency to say exactly what she’s thinking. She can be stubborn and competitive, but she’s genuinely caring toward the people she considers friends and isn’t afraid to stand up for them. Around the Party, she brings a bit of extra chaos and personality, quickly becoming someone they can rely on. Her style fits the mid-’80s—layered tops, jeans or denim skirts, colorful sneakers, oversized jackets, and fun accessories, giving her a casual but expressive look. Role: The Inventor/Weapons Maker

Charlie Dandridge starts out as one of the kids who constantly picks on the Party, especially Dustin, teasing him for being a nerd and deliberately getting under his skin. Over time, though, Charlie slowly realizes that the group isn’t as weak or weird as he thought, and after circumstances force him to spend more time with them, his attitude gradually changes. He begins defending them instead of mocking them, eventually becoming a genuine part of the group. His relationship with Dustin is a very slow burn—starting with irritation and distrust, then reluctant respect, friendship, and eventually a quiet crush neither of them is ready to acknowledge. Charlie’s style is casual ’80s—messy blonde hair, jeans, graphic tees, sneakers, and a jacket, with a slightly rougher look than the rest of the Party. Role: The Muscle/Protector