10 ‘The Sandman’ Best Characters, Ranked from Relatable to Everyone’s Forever Favorite

Netflix’s TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” might not have lasted long enough to cover many stories from the original series, though it still introduced its viewers to quite a lot of compelling characters they’ve been rooting for.

Mostly relying on the mythical element of the narrative and following the Endless family, particularly its member Morpheus aka Dream, The Sandman has also featured lots of all kinds of characters coming from different universes, whether it’s something superhero- or legend-related.

However, some of the show’s characters stand out in a way much more explicit than others — here are The Sandman’s best characters that many (if not everyone) definitely fell for.

10. Rose Walker

Thrust into the surreal world of the Endless without any warning, Rose boasts of strength and curiosity that help her continue the journey while looking for her long-lost brother Jed.

9. Lyta Hall

A former superheroine and Wonder Woman’s daughter, Lyta goes through several major hardships herself, losing her husband and seeing her child being taken away from her.

Lyta’s loyalty to her family and determination to sacrifice everything for her baby are what makes her one of the first characters to sympathise with.

8. Johanna Constantine / John Constantine

John Constantine’s ancestor, Johanna is one of The Sandman’s antagonists with questioned morality, though during some of her most intimate moments she appears to be extremely vulnerable while battling her own demons.

Johanna is the character looking for the balance between selfishness and sacrifice, and some fans might find her a pretty realistic version of a modern human being.

7. Lucienne

Lucienne comes as yet another character whose gender was swapped in Netflix’s version, though she remains the librarian and the caretaker of Dream’s realm just like in the book series.

She is Dream’s right hand and the person he can trust the most — just because he knows things will be fine when Lucienne gets all the control.

6. Matthew the Raven

Previously a human being and now Dream’s raven companion, Matthew is that comical element that The Sandman desperately needs at some moments.

His presence, often accompanied by some awkward or emotional situations, becomes one of rare “human” details in the entire story.

5. Desire

One of the Endless family members, Desire represents humanity’s emotional longing, attraction, vanity and want in general.

Just like all those aspects, they might seem dual or controversial, but Desire is definitely one of the most memorable characters in the show — for some even her smile like a knife is enough.

4. The Corinthian

Stylish and confident, The Corinthian is a living nightmare created by Dream.

Despite being a pure villain, he’s quite likeable and comes as that antagonist you’d watch a whole TV series about.

3. Morpheus / Dream

Morpheus is The Sandman’s leading character and one of the Endless that represents humanity’s realm of dreaming and imagination.

Even though the character does have many flaws to deal with, he’s doing his best to grow — which is why he’s so relatable for those looking for changes and purposes in life.

2. Death

Dream’s older sister and the personification of, well, death, the character is actually not scary at all — quite the opposite, she might even be more comforting than most of The Sandman’s characters.

Death is capable of sympathising with others and making right decisions, which is why she’s definitely in the top-3 of the show’s bests.

1. Hob Gadling

In both the book series and the show, Hob is a 14th-century man who refuses to die, eventually getting his wish granted by Dream who he meets up with every so often to talk about how things are going.

The character is the pure representation of the idea that, despite all its hardships and complications, life is still worth trying and living.

Hob’s personal growth over those centuries also shows that he makes the most of all this time he has.