Stranger Things has created a sprawling world with a huge cast, but some characters never fully got their moment in the spotlight. While Eleven and Chief Hopper battled monsters, other key figures provided crucial support from the sidelines. From a heroic science teacher to a doomed metalhead, these are five underutilized characters fans wish had gotten more to do.
Scott Clarke: The Teacher Who Knew Too Much
Mr. Clarke might just be the most important adult in Hawkins who never learned the full truth. Portrayed by Randy Havens, he was more than just a science teacher; he was the unofficial technical advisor to the main kids. His simple, clear explanations about theoretical physics gave Mike, Dustin, and Lucas the intellectual framework to understand the Upside Down when no one else would listen. He taught them about sensory deprivation tanks and the fundamentals of alternate dimensions, directly enabling their missions.
“Without his explanation the kids would have had far less knowledge about the Upside Down.” — BuzzFeed on Mr. Clarke’s role
Perhaps most tellingly, he was always available, even taking a phone call from the kids while he was on a date. In a story about battling otherworldly evils, Mr. Clarke represented a different kind of hero: the dedicated educator whose knowledge became a weapon against the unknown.
Sam Owens: The Government Man With a Conscience
Introduced in Season 2, Dr. Sam Owens, played by Paul Reiser, arrived as a new face from the Department of Energy. Unlike his predecessor, Dr. Brenner, Owens showed a protective side. He worked to contain the fallout from the lab while trying to give Eleven a chance at a normal life. Fans have noted that he acted as a second, more compassionate “papa” figure to Eleven, often shielding her from darker forces within the government. His moral complexity—a bureaucrat caught between duty and doing the right thing—was a storyline that many felt ended too soon after the Hawkins Lab saga concluded.
Eddie Munson: The Fan Favorite Who Left Too Soon
No list of underrated characters is complete without Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson. The charismatic leader of the Hellfire Club was introduced in Season 4 and immediately became a beloved outcast. His tragic death, sacrificing himself to a swarm of Demobats in the Upside Down, left a massive impact on fans and the show. Theories even swirled that he might return as Kas, a vampire lieutenant from Dungeons & Dragons who betrays his master Vecna.
His weapon of choice—a trash can lid studded with nails—mirrored the spiked shield of the D&D character Kas, fueling endless fan speculation about a potential resurrection. The Duffer Brothers confirmed his death, but the sheer volume of fan passion highlights how powerfully the character resonated in a short amount of time.
Dmitri Antonov: The Russian Redeemer
The Russian prison guard, played by Tom Wlaschiha, started as an antagonist but became an unlikely ally to Jim Hopper. Introduced in Season 4, Dmitri agreed to help Hopper escape from a Soviet prison in exchange for money. Their tense, grudging partnership evolved into one of trust. Despite being compromised, Dmitri risked everything to ensure Hopper’s survival and escape. His arc was a compelling look at a pragmatic man choosing decency in a brutal system, but it was largely confined to the Russian subplot, leaving fans wanting more of his story.
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Suzie Bingham: The Genius in Salt Lake City
Dustin Henderson’s girlfriend, Suzie, is a perfect example of a character who makes every second of screen time count. Played by Gabriella Pizzolo, she first appeared in Season 3, saving the day by knowing Planck’s Constant. In Season 4, her role expanded when the group traveled to her house in Salt Lake City. Suzie, a brilliant coder, managed to hack into a high-security military system to find the location of the top-secret Project NINA, a feat none of the Hawkins kids could accomplish.
Her ability to solve complex problems from a distance makes her one of the smartest characters in the entire series. Many fans argue that a character with her unique skillset deserved a more integrated role in the final battles against the Upside Down.
Also Read: The Pitt’s Top 5 Characters Who Drive the Show’s Authentic Energy
