Top 10 Best Characters in the Knives Out Trilogy
#10: Harlan Thrombey
“Knives Out” (2019)
One might assume that this bestselling author wasn’t the most likable person, as is often the case with murder mystery victims. Harlan Thrombey is as witty as he is charming, though, which is why you hire an actor like Christopher Plummer. Where most of his family members are just waiting for the wealthy old man to croak, nurse Marta Cabrera treats Harlan with genuine care. To Harlan, she’s his best friend in the house. When it appears Marta has made a fatal mistake, Harlan makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect her. While we don’t know him long, his final act not only demonstrates how old age has humbled Harlan, but also his knack for storytelling - going out like a character in one of his books.
#9: Birdie Jay
“Glass Onion” (2022)
The suspects in the “Knives Out” pictures are often ultra-rich and privileged, earning eyerolls from the audience. This model-turned-fashion-designer is on a whole other level. Not only does she ignorantly tweet whatever unfiltered thought she has into existence, but Birdie Jay throws a crowded party during COVID… without masks! That’s not to say she doesn’t own a mask, although it’s not very practical. Despite her ill-conceived Beyoncé costume and oblivious use of sweatshops, we’d be lying if we said that Birdie wasn’t a hoot. With Kate Hudson bringing her signature bubbly persona to the role, she’s always the most fun person in the room. She’s also naturally the most fashionable. She’s not a killer, but she is dressed to kill.
#8: Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
“Wake Up Dead Man” (2025)
The head of a small congregation, Jefferson Wicks might not have the farthest reach, but he’ll abuse what little power he does hold with a devilish grin. Where some men of god seek unity, Wicks goes out of his way to divide people. Wicks nonetheless gains a faithful flock, who would follow him to the gates of Hell, excusing whatever sins he commits along the way. Their loyalty isn’t rewarded, making Wicks a target. Of all the victims in the “Knives Out” movies, Wicks is the one we empathize with the least. Josh Brolin understands the assignment, creating an antagonist we love to hate while also bringing some twisted humor to the role. He’s a false prophet, but charismatic leaders like Wicks do exist.
#7: Miles Bron
“Glass Onion” (2022)
A glass onion doesn’t sound appetizing, but Miles Bron feeds into our desire to eat the rich. If you put Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk in a blender, you’d get Edward Norton’s egotistical tech bro, who views himself as untouchable. Miles is also under the misconception that he’s the smartest person on his estate, which Benoit Blanc quickly disproves. Miles still crafts a scheme that even takes Blanc a minute to unravel. Despite this, it appears Miles won’t pay for his crimes. Ironically, Miles is destroyed by the very thing that made him a billionaire: capitalism. It’s what permitted him to rent the Mona Lisa. Once that priceless painting goes up in flames on his watch, so does Miles’ wealth, freedom, and onion.
#6: Reverend Jud Duplenticy
“Wake Up Dead Man” (2025)
In each “Knives Out” movie, there’s someone who works closely with Benoit Blanc, essentially serving as a second protagonist. In “Wake Up Dead Man,” it’s Josh O’Connor’s Reverend Jud Duplenticy. This doesn’t rule Duplenticy out as a suspect, however. In many respects, Duplenticy is the opposite of Monsignor Wicks, one seeking redemption for his sins, while the other couldn’t care less. Both men have a fire inside them, though, which just might’ve caused Duplenticy to commit the deadliest of sins. While Duplenticy doubts even himself sometimes, he understands how religion should function in society. Not to manipulate or benefit the elite, but to provide comfort during difficult times. Duplenticy emerges as a vessel for good, even if that occasionally requires him to throw a punch.
#5: Hugh Ransom Drysdale
“Knives Out” (2019)
Although “Knives Out” seemingly gives away its biggest twist early on, the film still keeps us guessing. This is largely thanks to the wild card that is Ransom Drysdale. Despite being a jerky rich boy and the black sheep of his family, the audience begins to wonder if there’s more to Ransom as he reaches out to Marta. Chris Evans is the ideal choice for this two-faced part. While we’ve seen him play honest Boy Scouts before, he also knows how to eat up a villain role. Ransom turns out to be the latter. Not only was Ransom deceiving Marta, but he orchestrated his grandfather’s death in addition to murdering someone else. His kill count would’ve been three if he had grabbed a sharper knife.
#4: Martha Delacroix
“Wake Up Dead Man” (2025)
In most “Knives Out” movies, we feel satisfied when the killer gets their comeuppance. As Martha makes her confession, though, we can’t help but experience sorrow. This isn’t to say that Martha was an angel, despite dedicating her life to the church. She made an ungodly decision during her youth, which has come back to haunt her and others years later. Martha’s attempt to conceal the truth only leads to more blood, forcing her to reconcile with the sins she’s committed. During her final moments, Martha not only seeks forgiveness for what she’s done, but also offers closure to those who’ve been harmed. Glenn Close is an absolute powerhouse as a devout woman who sees the light after spending years hiding in the darkness.
#3: Helen Brand “Glass Onion” (2022)
Janelle Monáe pulls double duties as Helen Brand and her identical twin sister, Andi. Of course, for the first half of “Glass Onion,” we’re not even aware that Andi has a twin. In fact, the woman we’ve been led to believe is Andi was actually Helen, who has been impersonating her deceased sister to find her killer. Monáe’s performance is especially impressive considering how different the sisters were. Where Andi sought fame and fortune beyond Alabama, Helen is happy living a modest life. She may not be rich, but Helen has a strong head on her shoulders and a moral compass that never wavers. She serves as a reminder of how easily the glass onion can crack if someone is righteous enough to smash it.
#2: Marta Cabrera
“Knives Out” (2019)
“Knives Out” has such a stacked ensemble that most people overlooked Ana de Armas when the cast was announced. While de Armas wasn’t an unknown, she wasn’t a household name. By the end of the film, audiences not only knew de Armas’ name, but Marta owned the house that once employed her. In a way, Marta’s character arc mirrored de Armas’ ascension to fame. Marta is introduced as a meek figure whom nobody pays attention to. That is, until her name comes up during a will reading. Suddenly, all eyes are on Marta with a target on her back. Marta made de Armas a star while de Armas made Marta an endearing heroine who we want to see come out on top, which she does.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Linda Drysdale, “Knives Out” (2019)
Cool & Collected Until You Cut Her Out of the Will Claire Debella, “Glass Onion” (2022)
A Hot Mess, But Still More Sympathetic Than Most Politicians
Vera Draven, “Wake Up Dead Man” (2025)
A Lawyer Who Places Her Faith in a Devil in Disguise
Whiskey, “Glass Onion” (2022)
She Deserved Better Than Duke Anyway
Peg, “Glass Onion” (2022)
Birdie’s Long-Suffering Comedic Foil
#1: Benoit Blanc “Knives Out” franchise (2019-)
When somebody plays James Bond, it’s usually the peak of their career. In Benoit Blanc, however, Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson have created a new screen icon who could rank alongside Bond or Sherlock Holmes as one of the most memorable characters in any medium. Where a revolving door of actors have portrayed James and Sherlock, we can’t imagine anyone other than Craig playing this Southern sleuth. Craig took a huge swing with Blanc’s thick accent, which mixes the theatrics of Tennessee Williams and Shelby Foote. Yet, it 100% works in a performance we can’t get enough of, despite still not knowing much about Blanc’s past or personal life. It’s only appropriate that a master detective would be something of a mystery himself.
Who’s your favorite “Knives Out” character? Leave us a clue in the comments.
