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Culture > Entertainment

Twilight: a Breakdown of Favorite Characters

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emmanuel chapter.

From the books to the movies, the Twilight saga has become a classic in many households worldwide. Twilight started out as a book by Stephenie Meyer. It follows the love triangle between a human girl, a vampire, and a werewolf. Then in 2008, Twilight was made into a movie. The movie stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner who brought to life characters to love, hate, and cringe at. Though the “team Edward vs. team Jacob” argument is very well known, in the world of Twilight most fans have hard opinions about each character. Here is my analysis on the most common favorite Twilight characters: 

Bella Swan-Cullen: 

Bella is the main character of this series, but she doesn’t hold a lot of main character energy. She is extremely boring, she doesn’t show much interest in anything, or display any skills. The few times she performed an act that involved bravery it was mainly to get male attention. Bella is clumsy and painfully awkward when it comes to social situations, but nevertheless she has the attention of every guy in the town of Forks, Washington. Overall, Bella is the least consistent character. Sometimes she makes sharp, quick-witted remarks and other times her social interactions give the audience second-hand embarrassment. When Bella was first introduced her clumsiness and shyness was part of the foundation of her character. Throughout each novel, Bella completed at least one brave and bold action for the attention of one of her suitors. Bella does not deserve the attention she gets, and she is not truly the main character.

Edward Cullen:

In terms of the “team Edward vs. team Jacob” argument, Edward is the superior character by far. Edward is very attractive, mysterious, and passionate but after that he is an extremely toxic character. Throughout the first two books Edward constantly makes it clear to Bella that he isn’t good for her and that she would be better off without him. At the same time that he is telling Bella to stay away, he is also prying himself into her life. His constant indecisiveness about his relationship with Bella causes her lots of confusion and heartache. He is also obsessive. Before even becoming friendly with Bella he followed her to another town and he bombarded her with invasive personal questions. Though Edward is a dreamy and mysterious vampire, he is also an extremely toxic teenage boy. 

Jacob Black:

Jacob is the gorgeous, but immature best friend. Jacob is very attractive, has good intentions, and really cares for Bella. However, Jacob is also an annoyingly immature teenage boy. His biggest character flaw is his lack of understanding the word “no.” Bella conveyed to Jacob several times that she did not have romantic feelings for him. Jacob persistently pushed the idea that Bella was in love with him, trying to convince her to leave Edward for him. Though Jacob’s stupid actions were driven by unrequented love, his immaturity makes him a toxic character. 

Charlie Swan:

Bella’s father, Charlie Swan, is by far the best and most loveable character in this saga. He honestly wants whatever is best for Bella and whatever would make her happy. His love language is definitely not words, as he is very short-spoken. He shows his love and concern for others through his actions. Charlie has the purest intentions and so much love to share. 

Alice Cullen:

Even though Bella is the intended main character, Alice Cullen deserves that title. Alice has a bubbly and contagiously happy demeanor. Alice uses her special gifts for the benefit of others. Though at times she shows a forceful, demanding side for the most part she is a graceful friend to all. When Edward brought Bella into his family’s secret world Alice welcomed her with open arms. Alice is warm, lovable, and interesting. She should have been the main character of Twilight. 

Jessica Stanley:

Jessica Stanley is the most hilarious character in this saga. She is obnoxious, loud, and suffers from main-character syndrome. But honestly she is the most relatable. Watching her feel confused about why all the boys in town are infatuated with Bella is so understandable. 

When I read the books I found Jessica to be so needy and annoying but now I realize Bella is the villain not Jessica. She is a somewhat-lovable side character that most people can relate to. 
Each Twilight character is special in their own way. Some are so loveable and have pure intentions. Others have good intentions but also have some pretty toxic character traits. There are so many fun characters in this series to choose from.

Dora Berensmann

Emmanuel '25

I am currently a sophomore attending Emmanuel College. I currently major in graphic design. I am passionate about social justice, art, music, entertainment, and being outdoors