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Characters of The Wire

Officer Jimmy McNulty

Good police, both in skill and heart, driven by a propensity for solving cases. He also has a knack for pissing people off.

Major Cedric Daniels

Well-educated and career conscious, Lt. Daniels has been on and off the fast track. Hamstrung by his superiors, he'll still do what it takes to crack the case, even if it means jeopardizing his career.

Detective Shakima "Kima" Greggs

Trained by Lt. Daniels, she's the smartest narcotics detective he's got. Her ability and willingness to do the job will even change McNulty's unfavorable view of female police.

Detective William "Bunk" Moreland

Skillful, cigar-toting veteran of homicide, and a detective who excels at interrogation. He has a low threshold for bullshit, excepting his own, of course.

Detective Lester Freamon

Cast off as dead wood until he was brought back from his dead end desk job, he is relentless when it comes to chasing leads.

Sergeant Ellis Carver

Narcotics officer, who along with his running buddy Herc, is not above engaging in petty corruption and cutting a few ethical corners to serve his own ends.

Officer Thomas "Herc" Hauk

Narcotics officer, at home on the streets and knocking heads. Dedicated and well meaning, he'll still succumb to temptation when there's a payday involved.

Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman

The guiding legal presence through all of the detail's investigations, but like everyone else, keeps her eye on office politics and the next promotion.

Russell "Stringer" Bell

Barksdale's second in command and a product of the projects, he's a master of organization with a penchant for economic theory.

Avon Barksdale

Leader of the drug organization that bears his name, and the target of Daniels' probe.

D'Angelo Barksdale

Barksdale's nephew, it was his court case that catalyzed the Barksdale investigation. Has a guilty conscience that can render him vulnerable.

Marlo Stanfield

Ruthless and cunning, he catches everyone off guard with his insurgent – and successful – campaign against the larger Barksdale crew.

Omar Little

One of Baltimore's most notorious stick-up artists, he's uncomfortable with profanity and careful to rob only those in the game who won't complain to police.

Preston "Boadie" Broadus

Loyal and stoic, he's willing to do whatever his superiors regard as necessary, up to and including murder

Bubbles

Effective and loyal informant for Greggs. He has tried to live drug-free, but mostly scratches and claws his way through West Baltimore, trying for a little dignity in a life that offers little of the sort.

Councilman Thomas "Tommy" Carcetti

Once described as "an asspain when he wants something, but mostly good people". He harbors a genuine idealism and a desire to improve the lives of the city's population – wishes that run contrary to his naked political ambitions.

Ronald "Prez" Pryzbylewski

Son-in-law of Major Valchek, a once impulsive, frightened officer who finds himself blossoming under the tutelage of Lester Freamon.

Howard "Bunny" Colvin

A career cop emboldened by his pending retirement and a desire to make a real impact, he attempts to reduce crime by legalizing drugs in his district.

Namond Brice

Son of Barksdale hitter Wee-Bey Brice, suddenly the head of his family -- and the corner -- when his father is put away.

Michael Lee

Reserved and quiet, loyal and smart, serves as father to his younger brother Bug. Wary of adults who take interest in him, he has managed to avoid taking anything from anybody.

Randy Wagstaff

Effectively parentless, but now blessed to have been placed in a stable foster home. Combines his social and resourceful nature to take care of himself.

Duquan "Dukie" Weems

Broken and neglected, continually exploited by the people who are supposed to be caring for him. Extremely intelligent, he's lacking in street smarts.