When the first movie came out in 2008, the Twilight Saga captivated fans. With what we thought was cool and edgy vampires at the time with a love triangle between a human, a vampire, and a werewolf, there were memorable characters despite their low-screen presence. It’s their charm and mystery that fans would choose as their favorite, wishing to have gotten more of their backstory. Now, as the years have passed since the vampire craze and we look at these movies with nostalgia and many laughs (and cringe), let’s take a look at the favorite side characters of the Twilight franchise.
Charlie Swan
Bella’s father is probably the most ordinary man in the Twilight universe. Unaware of the supernatural danger his daughter involved herself in, he was still weary of the vampire Edward. Bella spent too much time with Edward, and Charlie tried to nudge her toward human friends, hoping the exposure would create healthier bonds than just her boyfriend. Charlie even hoped Bella would end up with Jacob Black. His facial expressions and one-liners have made Charlie a fan favorite. His love for Bella was potentially the most healthy relationship in the franchise.
Rosalie Hale
Rosalie deserved her movie. When we were introduced to her tragic backstory in Eclipse, the number of fans Rosalie had increased. She made for a more compelling protagonist that would have had more people engaged in the franchise. Rightfully worried for her family’s safety, she despised the idea of Bella knowing Cullen’s family secret. However, Rosalie was the first one by Bella’s side when debating the future of Bella’s baby. Taking care of Bella as her pregnancy made her health worse, everyone knew that if worst came to shove, Rosalie would fight tooth and nail to keep Renesmee safe.
Jane
With creepy, bright red eyes that don’t blink, Jane was like a well-dressed, murderous porcelain doll. With the power to cause illusionary pain to others with a simple stare, Jane gladly tortured others under the order of the vampire council. As a servant to the Volturi, Jane fits in with the diabolically evil Aro as they try to kill off the Cullen clan. Though we barely get that much screen time with Jane alongside her brother Alec, her presence fills the room when she’s on screen.
Aro
Aro, the main antagonist in Twilight, enjoys his existence as a vampire. As the leader of the Volturi, Aro embraces his sadistic nature as he holds the future of vampires in a tight grip. Behind his fanged smile is a dedicated will to protect his kind from unknown dangers. At least that’s what he proclaims as he tries to kill Renesmee. Living for a thousand years, Aro could just be looking for a way to pass the time, and his feud with the Cullen family was a way to entertain himself, no matter the bloodshed.
Jessica Stanley
Jessica, though not the typical mean girl among Bella’s human friends, was often passive-aggressive toward Bella. Since Bella’s arrival, Jessica has been jealous of her effortlessness, which drew people to her. Despite Jessica’s active involvement in many school activities, she still felt overshadowed by Bella. We were drawn to Jessica common sense and practicality, especially when she voiced concern over Bella’s risky choices. In New Moon, for example, Jessica was rightly alarmed when Bella impulsively rode a motorcycle with a stranger, unaware Bella was doing it to evoke hallucinations of Edward.
Benjamin
This vampire is Twilight‘s version of the Avatar. Benjamin has total control over fire, water, wind, and land. From the Egyptian coven, his family tried to keep him hidden in fear of the Volturi misusing his elemental powers. Benjamin, however, proves he can handle himself during the big battle in Breaking Dawn: Part Two, opening up the Earth with a punch to throw enemies into the lava. If that future fight sequence happened for real, Benjamin would’ve proven more effective than the entire vampire council.
Carlisle Cullen
The progenitor of the Cullen clan, Carlisle used to be part of the Volturi, the vampire council attempting to lead Carlisle into accepting his vampiric lifestyle. Keeping away from human blood by controlling his urges, Carlisle became a successful doctor. What makes Carlisle different from other vampires is that from the moment he became a vampire, he fed on a herd of deer, considering this “vegetarian” diet more humane. It’s his unwillingness to drink and kill humans that makes him a favorite. Despite not being a central character, his desire to protect his family is commendable.
Alice Cullen
Alice might be the most favorite Cullen, more than Edward and Rosalie. With an upbeat attitude that considers her actions weird, Alice already declared Bella her new best friend before she even met her. Her sparkling personality may have been too much for Bella, but her caring nature makes us want our own Alice. With the power to see into the future, Alice already saw how future events would play out. Though not predestined, her visions depend on the choices people make.
Leah Clearwater
In her debut in Eclipse, we see Leah doomed with a broken heart. She was dating Sam before his werewolf transformation, but he left her for the woman he imprinted on. As if a painful breakup wasn’t enough, Leah had to endure another challenge after she became a werewolf: the pack’s shared mind, forcing her to hear Sam’s love for Emily. Despite this, Leah remains a loyal pack member, especially to her brother Seth. When something feels off in the pack, Leah trusts her instincts, prioritizing what’s best for herself and Seth. Overall, Leah is a compelling character and stands out as the only female werewolf in the movie.
Victoria
As the main antagonist for much of the franchise, Victoria was the relentless vampire pursuing Bella. Of course, killing her lover and burning his body to ash complicated things for the Cullen clan. Yet, Victoria was cunning, hiding in the shadows as she controlled Riley and her newborn vampire army. By manipulating Riley’s actions, Victoria cleverly evaded Alice’s powers, who could only see Riley. Victoria remained concealed until she was ready to launch her attack on Bella during the Cullen’s battle. Had she focused more on her goals than on Bella, she might’ve successfully completed her revenge.
Were there any other favorites that were not mentioned? Let us know your favorite Twilight side character on Instagram, X, and, Facebook.
Read why the first Twilight movie was the best from the series by clicking here!
To check out the Twilight book series and other supernatural romances on Bookshop.org, click here!
