Homer Simpson is the lovable, dim-witted father to The Simpson family. Not only is he a comic relief to the show with his trademark burp, thirst for Duff Beer, and iconic catchphrase “D’oh!”, he is also strangely the most relatable character in The Simpsons with his struggles with self-doubt, laziness, and flaws.

Bart Simpson's mischievousness and reputation as a prankster precede him. Bart started as the main character of The Simpsons. And even if the later seasons of The Simpsons center on the whole Simpson family, Bart remains one of the most iconic and prominent Simpsons characters. Fans enjoy Bart's never-ending rebellious adventures as his actions lead to some of the funniest situations for the Simpson family.

Voiced by Frasier's Kelsey Grammer, Sideshow Bob is one of The Simpsons' biggest villains. After Bart Simpson derails Sideshow Bob's plan to frame Krusty for armed robbery, Bob becomes Bart's number one enemy. Sideshow Bob is an absolute fan-favorite due to his recurring encounters with Springfield's biggest prankster in many Simpsons episodes.

Moe Syszlak is the gruff, and often downtrodden bartender of Moe’s Tavern. A complex character known for his furrowed brow, rough exterior, and occasional moments of vulnerability. Owner of Springfield's most notorious watering hole, regularly visited by the town barfly's, Homer Simpson and his entourage of misfit friends, Moe serves as a central character in the town's social scene.

While incompetent due to questionable medical training, Dr. Nick tries his best to give his patients the best health care possible, sometimes with outrageous consequences. The now iconic "Hi, everybody!" catchphrase is a staple in The Simpsons fandom. Every fan has replied "Hi, Dr. Nick!" at least once when the hilarious Dr. Nick Riviera appears on the screen. 

The Krusty the Clown Show and The Itchy & Scratchy Show cartoons are central to many stories in The Simpsons, providing fans with fun fictional TV show characters within a fictional TV show. Krusty is Bart's hero and a hilarious TV clown, but in real life, he is the complete opposite of his TV personality and becomes a burned-out, cynical person. 

Starring in the very first Simpsons episode, Seymour Skinner started as the principal of Springfield Elementary School. In later seasons, however, viewers learned more about Principal Skinner's past. Seymour Skinner's military background is a big part of his backstory, particularly in an episode with a controversial twist, "The Principal and the Pauper," which was retconned in later Simpsons episodes due to fan backlash.

We all love a fiery Scotsman, and that’s exactly what we get from Springfield Elementary School’s custodian. Known for his gruff demeanor and comically unwavering dedication to his job, Groundskeeper Willie exudes a rugged charm and a no-nonsense attitude. With his thick Scottish accent and sporting a kilt, Willie serves as a vehicle for satirizing Scottish stereotypes with layers of humor and authenticity to his portrayal.

Abraham Simpson, or Grampa Simpson, brings a hilarious representation of the older generation to The Simpsons. Usually rambling about the old days, Abe Simpson often creates stories that never happened. This habit backfires when Bart doesn't believe Grampa Simpson about his infantry squad, the Flying Hellfish. Abe Simpson adds a lighthearted dynamic to the Simpson family, providing fans with some of the funniest scenes in the show.

If there was a physical, yellow, balding, liver-spotted manifestation of corporate greed, corruption, and callousness, Mr. Burns would be what you would get. With his sinister appearance that is almost skeletal, and a menacing catchphrase "Release the hounds" to boot, Mr Burns represents the epitome of a heartless capitalist villain and owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant.

Known for her loving and caring nature, Marge Simpson is the famous matriarch of The Simpson family and the anchor that provides stability and support amidst the chaos of Springfield. Portrayed with her famous blue hair and trademark pearl necklace, she maintains a strong devotion to her family, including putting up with Homer’s often drunken antics.

Voiced by the late Phil Hartman (Coneheads, Three Amigos!), Troy McClure serves as the epitome of a washed-up actor desperately clinging to his fading fame. With catchphrases like “You might remember me from…” and a string of outlandish B-movies and instructional videos, McClure’s character provides endless comic relief, with an undertone of sadness.

Lionel Hutz is the incompetent, disbarred Springfield lawyer audiences can't help but root for. While he didn't win cases, the Simpson family repeatedly hired Lionel Hutz as their lawyer throughout the series. Despite his poor success rate in the courtroom, Lionel Hutz wins the public (and Simpsons fans) every time he's on-screen with his outrageous screw-ups and hilarious one-liners.

Lisa Simpson is the voice of reason in the Simpson family. Lisa is the crusader of the family and her morals and fervent convictions are part of several key Simpsons storylines. Lisa is a vegetarian and a Buddhist, which sets her apart from the rest of her family, but those traits are also why she stands out as a favorite character for many Simpsons fans.

Owner of Springfield's Kwik-E-Mart convenience store, Apu stands out among Simpsons characters with his unrelenting kindness and welcoming demeanor. Fans won't forget Apu's smile and classic catchphrase, "Thank you, come again!" As a Ph.D. in computer science who opens his store to pay off his student loans, Apu also proves to be one of Springfield's most humble residents, which is why many fans appreciate his character in The Simpsons.

Ned Flanders plays a big role in The Simpsons. Ned is Homer's frenemy and neighbor, and they share several important storylines in the series. In one Simpsons episode, Homer causes Ned's wife's accidental death. In another episode, Homer and Ned drunkenly marry two waitresses in Las Vegas. This unlikely Springfield duo has a chemistry that fans enjoy watching, even if sometimes Homer and Ned are at odds with each other.

As Springfield Elementary's biggest bully, Nelson Muntz constantly harasses children in The Simpsons, especially Bart's best friend Milhouse. Prone to violence, Nelson is often seen beating up his victims, though Bart does stand up to him and earns his respect. Nelson's famous catchphrase, "Ha Ha!," makes him one of the most popular Simpsons characters among fans, bringing both comedic and dramatic elements to a major antagonist.

One of the most iconic Simpsons characters is Waylon Smithers, Mr. Burns' loyal personal assistant. The unique relationship between Burns and Smithers is one of the most popular running gags in The Simpsons. Mr. Smithers' devotion and unrequited love towards Mr. Burns is the center of many memorable jokes and scenes from the show, giving fans a funny Simpsons duo to follow across the series.

Bart's teacher at Springfield Elementary, Edna Krabappel, is one of the most recognizable characters on The Simpsons thanks to her unique laugh. Fans enjoy the depth of Edna's love-hate relationship with Bart, which sees them both arguing and sharing a bond on other occasions. Viewers resonate with Edna's relatable jadedness and burnout from her demanding job as a teacher.

Don Marion Anthony D'Amico, or Fat Tony, debuted in The Simpsons' third season. And ever since, Fat Tony has been an irredeemable crime boss of the Springfield Mafia, though that hasn't stopped him from being a favorite character among fans as one of Springfield's most notable residents. Fat Tony's design is inspired by Paul Sorvino's mobster character in Goodfellas, Paul Cicero, which sets him apart as a memorable side character in the show.

The youngest Simpson doesn't have much to say. Yet, Maggie's silence is also iconic in itself. The fact that baby Maggie Simpson has never spoken in The Simpsons is now a running gag in the series. So much so, that when viewers see the Simpson family's future in "Lisa's Wedding," many jokes revolve around interrupting an older Maggie before she speaks.

Homer Simpson's older half-brother, Herb Powell, has a key role in the extended Simpson family. As the illegitimate child of Grampa Abe Simpson and a carnival woman, Herb's existence was initially hidden from Homer. But shortly after a near-death experience, Abe reveals the truth about Herb to Homer, leading him to track down his half-brother. 

As Bart's best friend and sidekick, Milhouse Van Houten goes along with all of Bart's pranks. He's hopelessly in love with Bart's sister, Lisa Simpson, who refuses Milhouse's affections more than once. Despite often being the butt of jokes and getting bullied by many of his Springfield Elementary classmates, Milhouse's resilience and carefree nature never wavers, which is why Simpsons fans gravitate to his character.

Santa's Little Helper was introduced in the first episode of The Simpsons, aptly named to match the theme of the 1989 Christmas special. When Homer and Bart go to a greyhound racetrack, Homer bets on dog "No. 8," Santa's Little Helper, despite the poor odds. After finishing in last place, Santa's Little Helper's owner abandons him and runs straight to Homer and Bart. 

Characterized by his endearing innocence and comically absurd behavior, Ralph Wiggum’s dim-witted nature and quirky personality make him a standout character in the world of The Simpsons cast. Clad in his iconic blue outfit, stout belly, and sporting unruly hair, Ralph’s charm lies in his childlike overview. From his crush on Lisa Simpson to his clumsy participation in school activities, Ralph’s presence adds a unique and delightful layer to each episode he appears in.