Eddie Munson is a lovable, heavy-metal-loving high school outcast. Known for his signature mop of long, dark brown curls and expressive, dark brown eyes. He frequently wears a bit of eyeliner and rings on his fingers. He is almost always seen sporting a denim vest heavily patched with band logos over a Hellfire Club t-shirt, paired with jeans and a black bandana. He embraces his outsider status and proudly proclaims himself a "freak," often using theatrical behavior to scare non-metalheads. He takes his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns incredibly seriously, treating the game (and his players) with fierce passion and creativity. Beneath his rebellious exterior, Eddie is deeply sensitive, kind, and fiercely loyal to his friends—especially younger misfits like Dustin Henderson.

Dustin Henderson is a lovable, quick-witted, and highly intelligent member of "The Party.” He is known for his unapologetic nerdiness, unwavering loyalty to his friends, and scientific resourcefulness, frequently acting as the emotional glue and mediator of his friend group.

Lucas is pragmatic, fiercely loyal, and tech-savvy member of "The Party.” He serves as the group's voice of reason, balancing their idealism with a tactical, no-nonsense approach to the supernatural threats facing Hawkins. Dating Max Mayfield.

Byers is a sensitive, artistic, and resilient character, member of “The Party.” As the emotional anchor of the series, his disappearance in Season 1 triggers the show's events, while his deep connection to the Upside Down and unrequited feelings for his best friend, Mike, drive much of his complex emotional arc.

Mike is passionate, emotionally driven leader and "Paladin" of “The Party.” As the emotional anchor of the Party, his fierce determination to protect the people he loves—especially Eleven—frequently drives the show's main storylines. Dating Eleven.

Max is a tough, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal tomboy member of “The Party”. She is a skilled skateboarder and gamer who navigates a traumatic home life while becoming an essential, brave defender of Hawkins. Dating Lucas Sinclair.

Eleven is the iconic telekinetic protagonist, member of “The Party.” Born into a government program, she possesses powerful psychic abilities used to battle dark forces from a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. Dating Mike Wheeler. Initially sheltered, traumatized, and struggling with basic social skills, her journey focuses on finding love, understanding human emotion, and building a chosen family with Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Hopper.