For over two decades, South Park has given us some of the most unforgettable characters on television. These aren’t just animated figures, they’re pieces of our childhoods, inside jokes with friends, and mirrors reflecting the absurdity of real life. Whether you grew up watching Stan, Kyle, Hartman, and Kenny navigate the chaos of their small Colorado town, or you’re just discovering this wild world, the South Park characters have a special way of making us laugh, cringe, and think all at once.
This post is your complete guide to the South Park characters list from the main kids we’ve followed for years to their quirky families, the unforgettable school staff, and even the celebrities who got hilariously parodied. We’ll explore the South Park main characters, dive into South Park secondary characters, meet the South Park villains who stirred up trouble, and revisit those celebrity moments that became internet legends. Whether you’re searching for South Park character descriptions or want a refresher on all South Park kids, this South Park character guide has everything you need. Let’s take a heartfelt walk through the town of South Park and remember why these characters mean so much to us.
The Main Characters
These four boys are the heart and soul of South Park. They’ve been through everything together from alien encounters to saving the world multiple times. The South Park cast and characters wouldn’t exist without them.
Stan Marsh
Stan is the everyman of the group, the one who often feels like us when we’re watching. He’s got a good heart, tries to do the right thing, and sometimes gets overwhelmed by how crazy everything around him is. Stan Marsh’s personality is grounded and compassionate, making him the moral center most of the time. His relationship with his dad Randy can be exhausting. Randy’s ridiculous schemes often embarrass Stan to no end. Stan and Wendy’s relationship has been on-and-off throughout the series, giving us some genuinely sweet moments mixed with typical kid drama. When you ask “Why is Stan depressed Season 15,” it’s because he’s growing up and realizing the world isn’t always as simple as he thought. His family includes Randy and Sharon Marsh family, his sister Shelly, and his grandfather Marvin. Stan represents all of us trying to find meaning in a chaotic world.
Kyle Broflovski
Kyle is the conscience of the group, always standing up for what’s right even when it’s hard. Kyle Broflovski character analysis shows a kid who’s intelligent, passionate, and deeply loyal to his friends and values. He’s Jewish, which becomes a big part of his identity and a frequent target for Cartman’s cruel jokes. The Kyle and Cartman rivalry is legendary—it’s one of the most iconic dynamics in the show, mixing genuine hatred with an odd codependency. Jewish characters in South Park are represented through Kyle and his family, who celebrate holidays and deal with stereotypes head-on. The Kyle Broflovski family includes his neurotic mother Sheila, his lawyer father Gerald, his adopted Canadian brother Ike, and his cousin Kyle from Connecticut. Kyle teaches us that standing up for your beliefs, even when everyone else thinks you’re being preachy, matters.
Eric Cartman
Where do you even start with Cartman? He’s awful, manipulative, selfish, and somehow one of the most fascinating characters on television. Eric Cartman character traits include being racist, antisemitic, narcissistic, and shockingly intelligent when it comes to getting what he wants. Why is Cartman so popular despite being terrible? Because he says and does things we’d never dream of, and there’s something darkly comedic about his complete lack of boundaries. His schemes are elaborate, his tantrums are legendary, and Cartman’s manipulative behavior knows no limits; he once fed a kid’s parents to him in chili as revenge. The Cartman antisemitic jokes directed at Kyle are uncomfortable but show how the show tackles bigotry through satire. Cartman and his mother Liane have an unusual relationship—she’s extremely permissive, which enabled Eric to become the monster he is. Liane’s past is colorful, to put it mildly, and Cartman’s father’s identity was a whole mystery arc. Love him or hate him, Cartman makes South Park unforgettable.
Kenny McCormick
Kenny is the mysterious one, the poorest kid in the group, and for many seasons, the one who died in nearly every episode. Why Kenny dies every episode was one of the show’s running gags that became iconic. Each death was creative, gruesome, and followed by Stan saying, “Oh my God, they killed Kenny!” and Kyle responding, “You bastards!” Kenny McCormick explained: he’s immortal because of his parents’ cult involvement, so he remembers each death while everyone else forgets. The McCormick family’s poverty is played for both laughs and sympathy; they live in the poorest part of town, his parents fight constantly, and his little sister Karen struggles too. Kenny’s iconic deaths stopped being a regular thing in later seasons as his character developed more. When his hood is down and he’s not muffled, Kenny is actually kind, loyal, and heroic; his alter ego Mysterion protects the city. He represents resilience despite circumstances and reminds us that quiet people often have the biggest hearts.
Their Friends and Classmates
The other kids in South Park Elementary make the world feel alive and real. These South Park classmates each bring their own energy, conflicts, and memorable moments. This part of the list of South Park characters shows how rich the show’s universe really is.
Butters Stotch
Butters is pure innocence in a town full of chaos. He’s sweet, naive, and constantly gets taken advantage of by the other kids, especially Cartman. Why Butters is popular among fans is simple—he represents goodness and optimism even when life beats him down. His alter ego is Butters Stitch Professor Chaos, a “villain” persona that’s more adorable than threatening. Butters’ strict parents ground him for everything, often unfairly, and his dad Stephen has serious anger issues and closeted tendencies. Butters gives us someone to root for, someone who stays kind even when kindness isn’t rewarded.
Token Black (Now Token Williams)
Token is the wealthiest kid in South Park, and for years that was his main characteristic. Token Black character evolved over time to show he’s talented, reasonable, and often the voice of reason. Token Black wealthy family lives in a nice house, and his parents are successful and sophisticated. The show eventually revealed his name was actually “Tolkien,” named after J.R.R. Tolkien, which became a meta-joke about assumptions. He plays bass, he’s athletic, and he’s tired of being the only Black kid dealing with everyone’s ignorance.
Wendy Testaburger
Wendy is smart, driven, and not afraid to challenge anyone—including Cartman. She’s Stan’s on-and-off girlfriend throughout the series, and Wendy Testaburger feminist episodes showcase her fighting against injustice, superficiality, and sexism. She beat up Cartman once, ran for student body president, and constantly proves she’s more than just “Stan’s girlfriend.” Wendy represents young female empowerment done right.
Tweek and Craig
These two started as individual characters and became one of the show’s most beloved couples. Tweak Tweak anxiety is extreme—he’s constantly shaking, drinking coffee, and panicking about everything from gnomes to terrorism. Craig is his opposite: deadpan, calm, and known for flipping people off. Tweek and Craig’s relationship began when the Asian girls in school started shipping them, and it became real and genuinely sweet. Craig Tucker middle finger is his signature move, and his pet guinea pig Stripe is his pride and joy. Together, they show that opposites really do attract.
Bebe Stevens
Bebe is the popular girl, the one who started developing early and knows how to use social dynamics to her advantage. Bebe Stevens school gossip often drives drama in the classroom. She’s not mean-spirited, just very typical of how social hierarchies work in elementary school. She dated Kyle, Clyde, and others throughout the series.
Timmy Burch
Timmy is a disabled student who uses a wheelchair and can mostly only say his own name. Timmy Burch disabled characters South Park representation was controversial at first, but the show treats him as just another kid—capable, funny, and part of the group. He’s in a band called Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld, and he’s performed at major venues. Timmy proves that everyone belongs.
Jimmy Valmer
Jimmy is another disabled character who uses crutches and has a stutter, but he doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream of being a comedian. His “Wow, what a terrific audience” catchphrase is memorable, and his optimistic “can-do” attitude is infectious. He’s also a surprisingly good athlete and competed in the Special Olympics.
Clyde Donovan
Clyde is kind of a follower, often going along with whatever the group does. He’s sensitive, cries easily, and is known for having a huge ass according to the show’s lore. He’s a regular South Park kids ensemble member who adds to classroom dynamics.
Their Families
The parents and siblings in South Park are often crazier than the kids. These South Park families drive so much of the show’s humor and heart.
Randy Marsh
Randy started as Stan’s dad and became one of the show’s breakout stars. Randy Marsh Tegridy Farms is his weed farm that dominated recent seasons, showcasing his impulsive, self-centered personality. Randy is basically a child in an adult’s body—he gets into fights at Little League games, joins every trend, and constantly embarrasses Stan. Whether he’s bouncing on his balls to get cancer or becoming Lorde, Randy represents ridiculous male middle-age crisis energy.
Sharon Marsh
Sharon is Stan’s mom, and she’s basically the only sane person in the Marsh household. She tries to hold the family together while Randy does increasingly stupid things. She’s called Randy out on his behavior, left him temporarily, and represents the exhausted but loving mom archetype.
Sheila and Gerald Broflovski
Gerald and Sheila Broflovski activism drives multiple episodes. Sheila is overprotective, leads crusades against things she finds offensive, and once started a war with Canada. Gerald is a lawyer who got involved in an internet trolling scandal that nearly destroyed his family. They’re loving but flawed parents who mean well but often make things worse. Their son Ike, Kyle’s adopted brother, is Canadian and provides his own comic relief.
Liane Cartman
Liane Cartman, a single mother, is possibly the most permissive parent on television. She gives Eric everything he wants, which created the monster he is today. The show has implied she was extremely promiscuous and worked various jobs to make ends meet. Despite everything, she loves her son, even though he treats her horribly. She represents unconditional parental love taken to an unhealthy extreme.
The McCormick Family
McCormick family poverty South Park is a recurring theme that adds darkness to Kenny’s story. His parents Stuart and Carol are alcoholics who fight constantly, and his little sister Karen is neglected. Kenny often has to be the responsible one, taking care of Karen and dealing with his parents’ failures. Their poverty isn’t just played for laughs—it’s a real element that affects Kenny’s life and choices.
The School Staff
The adults running South Park Elementary are just as dysfunctional as everyone else. These South Park town residents in positions of authority make education look terrifying.
Mr. Garrison
Mr. Garrison transformations include starting as a closeted gay man with a puppet named Mr. Hat, coming out, becoming a woman named Janet Garrison, then transitioning back to male, and eventually becoming President of the United States. Mr. Garrison President of the United States was the show’s response to Trump’s election, and it was chaotic perfection. He’s inappropriate, unstable, and somehow has kept his teaching job through everything. Mr. Garrison represents society’s confusion about identity, politics, and authority.
Mr. Mackey
The school counselor with the giant head is known for adding “m’kay” to the end of his sentences. Mr. Mackey guidance counselor tries to help students with their problems but is largely ineffective and clueless. Mr. Mackey “m’kay” quotes became one of the show’s most memorable verbal tics. He’s been fired, hooked on drugs, and abducted by the A-Team, but he always comes back to dispense questionable advice.
Principal Victoria (and Later PC Principal)
Principal Victoria South Park was the original principal—reasonable, kind, and often the voice of sanity. She was eventually replaced by PC Principal, an aggressive, overly politically correct administrator who screams about microaggressions and throws people through windows. PC Principal represents the culture war battles happening in schools and society.
Chef
Chef South Park voice actor was Isaac Hayes, and his loss (Hayes left due to the show’s Scientology episode) was deeply felt. Chef was the cafeteria worker who gave the kids advice about love and sex through R&B songs. He was a voice of wisdom and soul in the town, and his death in the show was both tragic and ridiculous, befitting his character.
The Town Authorities
The people running South Park, Colorado, are incompetent at best and corrupt at worst. These authority figures complete our South Park character archive.
Officer Barbrady
Officer Barbrady incompetent cop is South Park’s only police officer, and he’s illiterate, stupid, and terrible at his job. He represents the failure of law enforcement institutions, and his eventual firing and death in later seasons showed the show getting darker about real-world police issues.
Mayor McDaniels
Mayor McDaniels role is mostly ceremonial—she cuts ribbons, makes speeches, and generally fails to lead during crises. She’s had various scandals and affairs but maintains her position because, well, nobody else wants the job.
Jimbo and Ned
Jimbo and Ned hunters are Stan’s uncle and his war buddy. They’re gun-loving, animal-hunting stereotypical rural Americans who somehow always survive their dangerous adventures. They own Jimbo’s Guns and represent a certain slice of American culture that the show both mocks and humanizes.
Secondary Characters
These beloved side characters make South Park’s world feel complete. This section of our South Park secondary characters list includes some true fan favorites.
Terrance and Phillip
Terrance and Phillip toilet humor is a show within the show, a Canadian comedy duo whose entire act is fart jokes. The kids love them, the parents hate them, and they sparked a war between America and Canada. They represent the show’s self-awareness about its own crude humor.
Big Gay Al
Big Gay Al LGBTQ episodes brought positive gay representation to the show early on. He’s flamboyant, kind, runs an animal sanctuary, and teaches tolerance through his “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride” episode. He’s been a Boy Scout leader and Stan’s dog’s caretaker, and he’s one of the show’s most genuinely good characters.
Mr. Hankey
Mr. Hankey Christmas Poo is a talking piece of feces who appears during Christmas to spread holiday cheer. Yes, really. He has a family, sings songs, and represents the show’s commitment to finding humor in absolutely everything. He’s been less prominent in recent seasons but remains a bizarre icon.
Towelie
Towelie is a genetically engineered talking towel who’s addicted to marijuana and constantly tells people “Don’t forget to bring a towel!” He’s useless, high most of the time, and somehow survived multiple episodes to become a weird recurring character. He’s the show’s absurdist humor at its finest.
The Villains
Every good show needs bad guys, and these South Park villains brought chaos, terror, and dark comedy to the series.
Scott Tenorman
Scott Tenorman Cartman revenge is one of the darkest episodes in the series. Scott scammed Cartman, so Cartman plotted elaborate revenge that ended with Scott unknowingly eating his own parents in chili. Later revelations showed Scott might be Cartman’s half-brother, making it even more twisted. He’s Cartman’s nemesis and proof of how far Eric will go.
Satan
Satan South Park episodes portray him not as ultimate evil but as an insecure, emotional being who has relationship problems and wants to be loved. He’s been in an abusive relationship with Saddam Hussein, thrown parties, and struggled with self-esteem. South Park’s Satan is surprisingly sympathetic and represents the show’s contrarian take on religious figures.
ManBearPig
Al Gore’s obsession with ManBearPig (half man, half bear, half pig) was originally played as a joke about climate change alarmism. Later seasons brought ManBearPig back as a real threat, with the show acknowledging they were wrong to dismiss climate change concerns. ManBearPig represents how the show’s satire evolved with the times.
Saddam Hussein
Before his real-world death, Saddam was portrayed as Satan’s abusive boyfriend, a cartoon villain who tried to take over the world from Hell itself. His appearances were absurd and offensive in equal measure, turning a real dictator into a South Park caricature.
Caricatured Celebrities
South Park’s celebrity parodies are legendary. These South Park celebrity parodies turned real famous people into unforgettable animated mockeries.
Barbra Streisand / Mecha Streisand
Mecha Streisand robot appeared in the very first season, portraying Barbra Streisand as a giant robot destroying South Park like Godzilla. It’s one of the show’s earliest and most memorable celebrity take-downs, featuring Super Best Friends religious parody type humor about entertainment industry egos.
Kanye West
The Kanye West Fishsticks episode became a cultural phenomenon. The episode featured a joke about fishsticks that everyone understood except Kanye, leading to him questioning his identity and eventually accepting he might be a gay fish. It’s both absurd and weirdly touching, and Kanye’s actual response to it became part of the story.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson The Jeffersons episode portrayed him as Mr. Jefferson, a wealthy white man living in South Park with his son Blanket. The episode touched on Michael’s bizarre behavior and plastic surgery while also questioning whether he was actually dangerous or just misunderstood. It aired before his death and remains controversial.
Mickey Mouse
The Mickey Mouse The Ring episode portrayed him as a ruthless, foul-mouthed corporate executive who forces Jonas Brothers to wear purity rings as a marketing scheme. It’s a savage take on Disney’s control over youth culture and corporate manipulation of innocence.
Tom Cruise and Scientology
The show’s episodes about Scientology and Tom Cruise led to Isaac Hayes leaving and threats of lawsuits. Tom Cruise literally won’t come out of the closet in one episode, and the show explained Scientology’s beliefs in deadpan detail. It’s brave satire that had real-world consequences.
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, and Others
The Ben Affleck South Park episode featured him as a hand puppet character Mitch Connor manipulating Cartman. P. Diddy South Park appears as a helicopter-flying music mogul. The show has parodied hundreds of celebrities over its run, from Paris Hilton to Bono to Rob Reiner, each treated with equal opportunity mockery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the four main South Park characters?
The four main South Park characters are Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick—they’ve been the core group since the show began in 1997.
Why does Kenny die in every episode?
Kenny dies repeatedly because of a curse from his parents’ cult involvement, and he’s reborn each time while remembering each death, though others forget.
What happened to Chef in South Park?
Chef was killed off after voice actor Isaac Hayes left the show due to its Scientology episode, and the character was brainwashed by the Super Adventure Club before his death.
Who is the most popular South Park character?
Eric Cartman is arguably the most popular despite being awful, because his outrageous behavior and schemes make him darkly fascinating and quotable.
Are Tweek and Craig actually a couple?
Yes, Tweek and Craig became an actual couple after the show explored their relationship, and they’re one of the series’ most beloved pairings.
What is Tegridy Farms?
Tegridy Farms is Randy Marsh’s marijuana farm that became a major focus in recent seasons, representing his midlife crisis and impulsive decisions.
Who are the Jewish characters in South Park?
Kyle Broflovski and his family are the main Jewish characters, and their faith is a significant part of their identity and storylines throughout the series.
Why is Mr. Garrison so different in later seasons?
Mr. Garrison underwent gender transitions and became President of the United States as satire, reflecting the show’s response to real-world political changes and Trump’s presidency.
What are the funniest South Park celebrity parodies?
The funniest include Kanye West as a gay fish, Mecha Streisand, Mickey Mouse as an evil executive, and the Scientology episode with Tom Cruise.
Who is the kindest South Park character?
Butters Stotch is the kindest character despite constant mistreatment and strict parents, he maintains his innocence, optimism, and genuine goodness throughout the series.
Conclusion
The South Park characters have been making us laugh, gasp, and think for over 25 years. From the South Park main characters we’ve grown up with to the South Park families that raised them, every personality adds something special to this animated universe. Whether you’re rewatching classic episodes or discovering the show for the first time, this South Park character guide shows why these animated kids from Colorado became cultural icons.
The beauty of the list of South Park characters is how they reflect real people and real absurdities in our world. Stan’s frustration, Kyle’s principles, Cartman’s darkness, and Kenny’s resilience all represent parts of the human experience, just in the most ridiculous, offensive, and hilarious ways possible. The South Park cast and characters remind us that animation can be smart, provocative, and deeply human while still making us laugh at fart jokes and talking Christmas poo. Here’s to many more years of chaos in that quiet little mountain town.
Ash is a naming specialist with 4 years of experience in creative branding, business naming, and identity crafting. She now shares her expertise on NameChannels.com, helping entrepreneurs, creators, and individuals discover unique, memorable, and impactful names.