Top 20 Best South Park Side Characters
#20: Sergeant Harrison Yates
As a member of the police department in “South Park,” Sergeant Yates isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. His overconfidence makes for several hilarious moments throughout the series. The furthest thing from John McClane, Yates is rarely up to the task and can’t quite solve any case the right way. He also has such a deep dedication to his job that he’ll do almost anything for it, only making things more complicated and darkly comedic at the same time. Perfectly at home with the other inept adults, this detective brings cluelessness to every problem in the funniest way possible.
#19: Goth Kids
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These moody kids are a welcome addition to the “South Park” series. Most of their comedy comes from their subdued demeanor in regard to everything. With a couple of subtle hair flips, the ensemble marches to the beat of their own drum. Despite all of the chaos that happens in the town, this social group tends to keep a low profile with their trademark monotone and cigarette smoking. Parodying goth stereotypes, this group of characters ends up surprising the audience with their unexpected and entertaining plots. The Goth Kids might not seem entertaining on the surface, but more than make up for it with their dancing.
#18: Ike Broflovski
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Hailing from Canada, Ike isn’t like the other Broflovskis. He’s actually adopted and has a distinct appearance that the creators reserve for Canadian roles. Due to his younger age, Kyle’s innocent brother often brings a cuteness and honest observation to his scenes. He’s definitely a far cry from the likes of Terrance and Phillip. However, this doesn’t mean that he can’t hold his own as a precocious child. The character has also revealed his sometimes-extraordinary intelligence in certain episodes. Some of his finest moments come when he acts like an ordinary adult. Lest we forget, he’s also a pretty good hockey player.
#17: Tolkien Black
In another bold use of satire, Tolkien is one of the only Black roles on the show. His name and existence are an obvious reference to the word “token,” commenting on the lack of parts for Black characters on TV. He also reminds viewers of the series’ Colorado setting that's predominantly white and rural. He’s usually found to be among the smarter elementary school boys, but often has to fight back against the backward thinking of his classmates. This choice makes him a unique piece of the program’s puzzle, proving yet again that the creators are very much self-aware and willing to push the envelope.
#16: Officer Barbrady
From the very first episode, this policeman made his mark on “South Park.” Officer Barbrady represents the bumbling cop better than almost anyone. This character walked so the likes of Sergeant Yates could run, setting the tone for local authorities to be hopeless in fighting crime. It’s no wonder that the first several seasons of the show are so lawless with him in charge. Every time he comes through, Barbrady provides some kind of poor judgment or unexpectedly funny line. He even brings some moments bordering on poignant with his apparent problems with reading. A lovable dope in every way, this cop quickly became a staple of the series.
#15: Liane Cartman
Eric Cartman’s single mother might just be the most pleasant woman on the entire show. Her always-cheery demeanor is the perfect counter to her son’s demonic behavior. Functioning like a great comedy team, the two are so hilariously opposite that it’s impossible not to laugh at them. Liane Cartman also seems somewhat oblivious to most of her child’s schemes. She perfectly encapsulates the kind of mom that lets her offspring get away with almost anything. Lost in her own world, this character ends up becoming one of the more memorable parents for her unconditional love.
#14: Mr. Hankey
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What more can be said about this holiday miracle? Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo is a cult favorite for obvious reasons. He isn’t just anthropomorphic fecal matter either, the character also has the common decency to put on a hat, scarf, and gloves. Trey Parker and Matt Stone really outdo themselves with this character that feels like a bizarro version of other Christmas icons. Leading the boys on a magical journey, this oddly cute being has a delightful voice that could sway any naysayer. With any luck, he’ll make another appearance out of a toilet and bring even more cheer to the good people of “South Park.”
#13: Terrance & Phillip
One of the many awesome things about "South Park" is that many of the gags work at several levels. Voiced by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Terrance and Phillip are the stars of a popular Canadian comedy show primarily consisting of juvenile humor. While the kids love Terrance and Phillip, parents hate the comedy duo with a fiery passion - which reflects the way that many adults dismissed "South Park" itself. Terrance and Phillip are simultaneously hilarious, meta, and iconic - showing that you’re never too old to giggle at a well-written fart joke.
#12: Clyde Donovan
Often seen with friends like Craig, Clyde Donovan is another member of the elementary school class. He’s not quite the brightest member of the cast, but he’s always finding himself in the middle of some strange plots. One highlight comes in the form of his run-in with lice that reaches epic proportions. Whether he’s hanging out with the guys or leaving the toilet seat up, he makes his mark in tragically-funny ways. His luck frequently runs out and leads him into crying fits that end up being equally adorable and laughable. This doesn’t mean that he can’t fall prey to his own share of villainous behavior, pitting him against his classmates.
#11: Towelie
Only “South Park” can pull off having a towel as a character. Since he’s a cartoon, he can do things that most other towels can’t. The lovably, absorbent guy has a thing for drugs that seemingly get out of hand in one episode. In a parody of “Intervention,” the boys try to help Towelie achieve sobriety. He also shows an appreciation for the classics like the song “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. Disregarding his many faults, this anthropomorphic being is still a welcome presence in the town. At the very least, he has a catchphrase that transcends the series.
#10: Wendy Testaburger
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Being one of the elementary school girls, Wendy feels like one of the more normal students in the series. Her brains separate her from many of the other kids and most of the adults. She’s also known to be the occasional girlfriend of Stan. Testaburger also stands for many political causes on the show, frequently schooling others about real-world issues. Her sincerity is a welcome addition to the program’s ironic tone while also presenting her as a complicated person. At the same time, she functions like a parody of people who might just be too smart for their own good.
#9: Jimmy Valmer
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You can never have too much of a good thing, and Jimmy exemplifies this motto. Initially introduced as a one-off character to rival "South Park's" other physically impaired resident, Jimmy was popular enough to warrant a recurring role. Arguably the most optimistic person in the series, Jimmy is constantly striving to prove the doubters wrong, even if that entails cheating at the Special Olympics. In lesser hands, Jimmy may have been a one-joke character, but "South Park" created a foul-mouthed comedian who’s much more than meets the eye.
#8: PC Principal
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He might not represent South Park at its subtlest . . . but he is damn hilarious! As the name suggests, PC Principal satirizes so-called “social justice warriors”, and introducing the character, “South Park” pulls none of its punches. Liable to fly off into a tirade at the smallest indiscretion, PC Principal starts out as a violent villain who tries to ruin the "South Park" experience we’ve all come to love. Eventually, PC Principal reveals a few extra dimensions and becomes a genuinely fascinating character, particularly once Vice-Principal Strong Woman enters the scene and romance blooms between the two progressive-yet-obnoxious caricatures.
#7: Mr. Mackey
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Underneath this counselor's boring green shirt, blue jeans, and thinning hair; rests a tormented hoarder aching to lash out at anyone unfortunate enough to get in the way. Mr. Mackey stands out as one of "South Park's" competent adults, although the educator has steadily grown more unhinged with each passing season. Season 14's "Insheeption" dives deep into Mr. Mackey's painful childhood, although the counselor is primarily known for adding the phrase "m'kay" to the end of every sentence. In "South Park," normal is relative, and Mr. Mackey set the standard.
#6: Timmy Burch
A character who uses a wheelchair while also boasting quite a limited vocabulary, Timmy has a solid case for being "South Park's" most controversial secondary character, which is saying something. At first glance, Timmy comes across as a crude collection of disability traits. But he also subverts these stereotypes, and is treated as an equal by the other children. "South Park" might mock the way people react to Timmy, but the character isn’t actually the joke. Along with spawning numerous catchphrases, Timmy continues to be a highlight whenever he makes an appearance.
#5: Jerome "Chef" McElroy
What do you do when you can’t rely on your teachers for words of wisdom? Turn to the school cafeteria cook! For the show’s best ten seasons, Chef acts as the voice of reason . . . or something close to it. Sure, he may break into song a lot about his favorite topic, but at least he actually offers some sort of advice. He also cooks fantastic meals and composes future Alanis Morissette songs, which is more than a little impressive. "South Park" was never quite the same after his passing, which just serves as a testament to Chef's brilliance.
#4: Tweek Tweak
Perpetually on the verge of a panic attack, Tweek doesn’t exactly exude positivity. But that hasn’t stopped the kid from becoming one of "South Park's" standout secondary characters. When not unwittingly aiding Cartman during one of his schemes, Tweek can be found hanging out with Craig. Initially introduced as enemies, Tweek and Craig eventually form such a close friendship that the town becomes convinced they’re dating. While it isn’t true at first, Tweek and Craig steadily embrace the idea and start to date - becoming one of “South Park”s most endearing couples.
#3: Garrison
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How to even begin describing such a complex character? Garrison often communicates through puppets, dated a man named Mr. Slave, and succeeded in becoming the 45th President of the United States. In season nine, the character underwent gender affirmation surgery, but a few years later, reversed it. Whether adopting atheism, or taking a stand against Canadian immigrants, Garrison tends to take everything to its absolute extreme. As one of "South Park's" most eccentric personalities; Garrison is unpredictable, irreverent . . . and a riot.
#2: Randy Marsh
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Stan's father is a walking contradiction - but in the most entertaining way. On one hand, he has a doctorate in geology, so must be reasonably smart . . . On the other, he microwaves his genitalia in the hopes of contracting cancer and scoring legal marijuana. His naivety and selfishness drive the plot forward in quite a number of episodes, with the character often playing a significant role in the cartoon's darkest or strangest moments. "South Park" is primarily about The Boys, but nobody steals the spotlight quite like Randy Marsh.
#1: Leopold "Butters" Stotch
"South Park's" unofficial fifth main character, Butters underwent a gradual rather than meteoric rise to fame, culminating in the character temporarily replacing Kenny in Season Six. Unlike virtually every other elementary student on the show, Butters actually behaves like a pretty regular kid. Because he isn’t as cynical or as assertive as the likes of Cartman and Stan, Butters tends to be the butt of many jokes and attract the attention of bullies; but if pushed too hard, he also has the potential to snap and plot sweet revenge . . . even if his schemes never quite came to fruition.
