Having debuted in 2014,Powerhas become a massive television franchise throughout the past decade, establishing four main characters during its lifespan. Although the original series had a clear protagonist,the spinoffs elevated some of the show’s most pivotal characters by expanding their stories and making them just as important as Ghost. Some of their controversial arcs and storylines have led to fluctuating levels of popularity, but there’s no doubt the four central protagonists are among thePoweruniverse’s best characters. Without them, the franchise wouldn’t be the same, and it certainly wouldn’t have lasted all these years.
Despite their huge influence, ranking these four individuals can be difficult as they all have different traits that make them stand out. Given they are all heavily involved in the drug trade, none of them can be considered truly good people, with their likability being based more on loyalty, efficiency, and morality. Each of them has shown a more ugly side considering they are amongPower’s most dangerous characters, but some balance this with a more endearing personality better than others, making it clear who the franchise’s best protagonist is after a decade of storytelling.
4Tariq St. Patrick
Played By Michael Rainey Jr.
Tariq is easily the most divisive character among the big four as his journey to becoming a drug dealer involved a lot of controversial moments. Going against his parents' wishes, Tariq decided to get into the drug game with the help of his father’s former friend turned enemy, Kanan. Despite thinking he could handle himself, Tariq quickly learned the harsh realities of the criminal world as he was largely responsible for his sister’s death. From that moment onward, Tariq was never the same, as he developed a cold, arrogant attitude that somewhat resembled his father’s worst traits.
The Power Universe’s 50 Cent Theme Songs, Ranked Worst To Best
50 Cent has had a massive influence on the Power franchise, and his three theme songs are full of quality, adding a unique vibe to each project.
While this sort of personality is useful in the drug industry, he didn’t have the sort of reputation or credibility as the franchise’s other main players. However, he would go on to start his own empire after killing Ghost duringPowerseason 6’s ending, leading to him becoming much more competent in his spinoff show. Tariq managed to grow more street smart and his cunning plans helped audiences ease up on the character, but despite the positive changes,manyPowerfans still view Tariq as a weak protagonist and hard to root for, making him the universe’s worst lead.
3Kanan Stark
Played By 50 Cent & Mekai Curtis
Kanan Stark may be one ofPower’s biggest villains, but he’s still one of the franchise’s central characters. Having been introduced to the series as an antagonist,Kanan’s past with Ghost became a primary plot point throughout much of the show, with the two having an unsettled beef from the past. Despite Ghost seemingly killing him in season 2, Kanan survived and continued going after the protagonist until they eventually settled their differences and began reluctantly working together. Thankfully, his death in season 5 gave him a fitting sendoff, as he looked tough even in his final moments.
While Power Book III: Raising Kananhas been renewed, bothGhost&Forcehave been canceled. A fourth spinoff titledPower: Originsis in the works.
His story didn’t end there though, since his spinoff prequel has developed the character further. It provided context to Kanan becoming a drug dealer, as he was essentially born into the environment, andPower Book III: Raising Kananseason 4’s confirmationmeans the series could still uncover more about his past, adding to his legacy in the TV universe. Even though he is one ofPower’s most menacing characters and has done some awful things like killing his own son, Kanan provides constant entertainment and has earned the audience’s respect, making his time in the franchise unforgettable.
2James “Ghost” St. Patrick
Played By Omari Hardwick
Power’s original protagonist may have plenty of flaws, but that doesn’t stop him from ranking among the franchise’s best characters. At times, Ghost’s remorseless actions and hypocritical opinions make him insufferable, and while he isn’t a good person, he is still fantastically written. His lies and deception sometimes hurt the people he loved the most, but they also allowed him to deceive law enforcement and cement his status as New York’s most notorious drug dealer. His friendly businessman demeanor perfectly disguised his ruthless drug empire, and when Ghost had to get his hands dirty, there was no one more intimidating.
While Ghost may not always be the most likable character on the show, he is undoubtedly the most important, proving he will forever be one ofPower’s greatest protagonists.
Watching him get revenge on those who have crossed him is some of the scariest, most badass scenes inPower’s 10-year history, which really shows the difference between Ghost and James St. Patrick. He is easily the franchise’s most efficient criminal and his quick thinking mixed with his elaborate plans have helped create some ofPower’s best episodes. While Ghost may not always be the most likable character on the show, he is undoubtedly the most important, proving he will forever be one ofPower’s greatest protagonists, but one main character just about surpasses him.
1Tommy Egan
Played By Joseph Sikora
Having been a major part ofPowersince season 1, Tommy remains an important character to this day, leading his own show,Power Book IV: Force. It is arguablyPower’s most popular spinoff and the protagonist is one of the biggest reasons for that. Although Tommy has killed countless people - including his pregnant girlfriend -Joseph Sikora still finds a way to make the character charming and easy to root for, despite his dark past. His humorous dialogue blends well with his more aggressive side to create a dynamic and complex criminal who fits well into the TV universe.
7 Power Characters That Deserve Their Own Spinoffs
The Power universe has continued to expand through spinoffs following the conclusion of the main show, and several characters deserve a solo series.
Even though Tariq got the franchise’s first spinoff, it always felt likeTommy was Ghost’s true replacement asPower’sprotagonist, and he’s easily the second most important character. Additionally, his more nuanced story makes his unexpected rise in the criminal game more engaging, as Tommy often felt like Ghost’s number two in the original show and the type of character who wouldn’t be able to last long in the drug trade on his own. However, despite people underestimating him, Tommy has forged a successful empire with most fans rooting for him the whole time, making himPower’s best main character.
Power
Power, released in 2014, follows a successful New York entrepreneur who covertly leads a drug empire catering to wealthy elites. As he seeks to leave the criminal world behind and protect his family, he navigates the precarious balance between his dual identities.
