The one where we get to put names with faces.
If you're going to spend 92 episodes with a group of people, you need to know something about them, don't you? So, if you've never seen the show, here's your brief cast guide to the main characters from season 1.
Pleased to meet me
From the top, right to left
Ryan Atwood
Ryan is handsome and has a heart of gold, but he's still the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He broods. A lot. And lashes out with his fists even more than he broods. He's popular with the ladies, especially Summer Roberts. But he only has eyes for Marissa.
Seth Cohen
Neurotic, geeky, adorable, and introverted. Seth's passions include sailing, playing video games, reading comic books, and Summer Roberts. Side note: he and real-life Summer, Rachel Bilson, dated in real life for 3 years!
Sandy Cohen
Seth's dad. Sandy is a public defender and part-time surfer, and he's a total hippie at heart. He grew up in The Bronx and does not care for his shallow, petty, materialistic neighbors.
Kirsten Cohen
Married to Sandy, mom to Seth (and eventually to Ryan). She dated Jimmy Cooper in high school and continues to have a soft spot in her heart for him. She works for her father, Caleb Nichol, at The Newport Group, a powerful real estate and development company.
Marissa Cooper
Classic girl next door. She drinks, she smokes, she listens to punk music and reads Jack Kerouac. Is she bad? Is she good? Is she just misunderstood? She's dated Luke since the 5th grade, but might have eyes for Ryan. Daughter of Julie and Jimmy. Sister to Kaitlin.
Summer Roberts
Summer is one of the most complex characters on the show. She's being raised by her rich, single, doctor father and generally gets what she wants. While she starts out as someone who is vapid and spoiled, she evolves to be someone capable of feeling empathy. Her makeup and outfits are always on point. She's also the object of Seth's desire.
Julie Cooper
Mother to Marissa and Kaitlin, wife of Jimmy. She's super shallow, but probably because her hair is perfect and her wardrobe consists mainly of Juicy Couture sweatpants.
Jimmy Cooper
Marissa and Kaitlin's dad, husband of Julie. Possible financial huckster. Jimmy has some issues. Side note: Tate Donovan dated Jennifer Aniston in real life!
Luke Ward
Marissa's boyfriend. He drives a giant black truck. He's also a nemesis to Seth and Ryan.
Anna Stern
Recent transplant to Newport via Pittsburgh, she and Seth form a strong bond through their love of comic books.
Caleb Nichol
Kirsten's dad and owner of The Newport Group. He's a multi-billionaire and doesn't approve of Kirsten's husband Sandy, Seth's love for comic books, or Ryan in general.
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