List of Archie Comics characters

Contents

Archie series

Main characters

Archie Andrews

The character Archie Andrews was created by Vic Bloom and Bob Montana and first appeared in a humor strip in Pep Comics #22 (December, 1941).

Within the context the strip and the larger series that grew out of it, Archie is a typical teenage boy, attending high school, participating in sports, and dating. Presented as well meaning, his accident-prone nature, easy infatuation with girls, and being caught in a love triangle between Betty and Veronica are the common source of stories.[1]

Betty Cooper

The very kind hearted, slightly tomboyish blonde girl next door. She is romantically obsessed with Archie, but usually ends up playing second fiddle to Veronica Lodge. She has a passion for writing, and is a good student, athlete, cook, and auto mechanic. She cares deeply for the well being of others, and is always ready to help people with their problems. She has two siblings, Polly and Chick.[1]

Veronica Lodge

The rich, sometimes nice and sometimes snobbish girl. She is Betty's best friend and rival for Archie's affections. Her wealthy life has made her rather vain, spoiled and selfish. She is known for her fiery temper, her possessiveness when dating Archie, and her tendency to endlessly spend money. She and Betty remain close friends, however, and she enjoys popularity. She and Jughead rarely get along with each other.[1]

Jughead Jones

Archie's best friend ever since they met as children. Jughead is obsessed with eating, and is most worried about how to obtain his next meal. He is also sarcastic, lazy, and apathetic towards girls. However, he maintains loyalty to Archie, and is usually the one who has to bail him out of his trouble. He is very clever in some ways, and ignorant in others. He usually wears his trademark gray crown beanie.[1]

Reggie Mantle

Archie’s main rival, particularly for Veronica's affections. She regularly dates both of them, but he does not understand why girls like Archie. He is a highly vain and conceited, thinks he can date anyone he wants, and expects everyone to think the world of him. He likes playing practical jokes on people. He is also an all-round talented athlete.[1] Sometimes when Veronica dumps him he dates Betty.

Moose Mason

A muscular star athlete who is a poor student and is possessive about his girlfriend. He also is known to be dyslexic.[2] He will often threaten to beat up anyone (particularly Reggie) who upsets him. At the same time, he is also kind, sensitive and helpful toward his closest friends.[1]

Midge Klump

Moose's girlfriend who is often frustrated with his jealousy and lack of intelligence. Boys cannot even talk to her without incurring Moose's wrath. In reality, however, she does not often show interest in other boys. Reggie is particularly attracted to her.[1]

Dilton Doiley

The very intelligent nerd and inventor. He gets A's in every class except physical education. He is not especially interested in dating, and when he wants to, he is shy around girls. Despite his quirks, he fits in well with the gang, who often rely on his brains. He and Moose are best friends.[1]

Ethel Muggs

A tall, stringy, somewhat dorky but goodhearted teenager who always tries to win over Jughead, albeit unsuccessfully. Despite her unattractiveness and few dates, she has many close friends and leads an active social life.[1]

Chuck Clayton

An African-American initially introduced as a token character. Initially a shy loner, he came out as one of the most popular students in school. He is a very talented athlete and enjoys cartooning for fun. He has been a close friend of Archie's since his introduction.[1]

Nancy Woods

Chuck's African-American steady girlfriend. She does not take an interest in other boys, being devoted to Chuck alone. However, she is often annoyed with his paying more attention to his hobbies than her. Nancy enjoys sports, fashion, cheerleading and journalism, and is a close friend of the other girls.[1]

Kevin Keller

The first openly gay character in Archie Comics. This fact earned him a great deal of attention in American comic media. He first appeared in Veronica #202.[3] Veronica was deeply attracted to him, but was initially unaware of his sexuality, so Jughead took advantage of this situation to avenge himelf against Veronica for humiliating him. Kevin's sexuality is not presented as controversial or stereotypical in the comics, keeping with Archie Comics' image of accepting diversity and inclusion.[4]

Pop Tate

The owner of the Chocklit Shoppe (in older comics, Pop's Malt Shop) where Archie and the gang frequently hang out. He is the self-appointed philanthropist of the gang, as his restaurant is where the kids often go when they have a problem and his life is devoted to making his customers happy.[5]

Hiram Lodge

Veronica's father. The richest man in Riverdale, he is usually portrayed as an industrialist. He often dreads meeting Archie due to Archie's clumsiness and knack for causing him trouble. He tolerates Archie, however, because he knows of Archie's more redeeming qualities, and allows his daughter to date whom she chooses.[1]

Mr. Waldo Weatherbee

The school principal, popularly referred to as 'The Bee'. A former United States Marine known for being obese and bald, he is often a victim of Archie's clumsiness, which often puts the latter in detention. He is often, however, quite helpful and friendly to students.[5]

Miss Geraldine Grundy

A teacher at Riverdale High. She is usually portrayed as an English teacher, though she is occasionally shown teaching other subjects. She is well-aged, slim with white hair, and her personality alternates between harsh and motherly.[5]

Family members

Faculty of Riverdale High School

Major recurring characters

Minor characters

Auxiliary members of Archie's gang

Other teenagers

1940s-early 1960s

Late 1960s-1970s

1980s-early 1990s

Late 1990s

Early 2000s

Late 2000s

Other characters

Riverdale townspeople

Other adults

Children

Nonhumans

Spin-offs

"Dynamic New Look" series

Little Archie

Alternate universes

Sabrina the Teenage Witch series

Josie and the Pussycats series

Cheryl Blossom series

That Wilkin Boy series

Li'l Jinx series

Katy Keene series

Archie's Mad House

Wilbur series

Suzie series

Ginger series

Super heroes

The Mighty Crusaders

Other superheroes

Other series

References

External links