Confirmation: Marco Grazzini, Star of the Virgin River Dating Series, Has Passed Away md20

Virgin River‘s intense drama, mixed with comforting wholesomeness, makes for a winning combination, and the characters in the show contribute to its appeal. From Mel to Lizzie, every person living in the fictional town of Virgin River brings something interesting to the table. Each has their unique history, motivations, and personalities, some of which audiences warmed up to more than others.

What makes these characters so enjoyable is that they are not one-dimensional. Each character is richly layered, which means that while there are good and bad people in the scenic town, they all have shades of gray. Every season of Virgin River continues to introduce more fantastic characters to audiences, and their relatability makes them instant favorites.

10. Charmaine Roberts

A pregnant Charmaine in Virgin River.

Charmaine’s character has always been quite contentious on the show since the beginning because of her abrasive nature. At first, audiences sympathized with her as she struggled with Jack’s unrequited love, but her nature turned aggressive when she found out that Jack liked Mel. Throughout her pregnancy, she shades and harasses Mel, who only wants to help her, and even worse, she lies about the paternity of her babies.

While her actions are deplorable, Charmaine’s existence adds to the complexity between Mel and Jack in Virgin River. It is clear that Charmaine does whatever she has to in order to survive and acts as the perfect foil to Mel, who is caring and unselfish. Charmaine represents one end of the human emotional spectrum.

9. Lizzie

Lizzie in Virgin River

Rebellious and free-spirited, Lizzie is a bit of a wild card in Virgin River. There are few young people in the town, and her energy is quite different from the staid atmosphere that people are used to. Connie is always a little too harsh to her, which brings out the worst in Lizzie. However, the young woman’s best qualities surface when people treat her with love and respect.

Her relationship with Ricky has been rocky, but she always tries to stand by him. More than her romantic relationship, Lizzie’s sudden bond with Doc is the most endearing. It shows that after resisting the charms of Virgin River, Lizzie finally gave in to the community’s appeal. Her growth from a bratty teen to an empathetic young woman is delightful to watch.

8. Dan Brady

Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady in Virgin River

Virgin River‘s resident bad boy Dan Brady is a man full of shades of gray and very much the moral opposite of his buddy Jack. Brady has also served in the Marines but adjusted poorly to life outside of combat. Not a fan of hard work, he chooses get-rich-quick schemes with drug kingpins that land him in a lot of trouble.

However, Brady’s decency is unearthed when Calvin tries to make him kill people to keep his secrets. The ex-Marine goes through a complete transformation where he vows to become a better man. His relationship with Brie is also a catalyst for this, and it’s heartening to see the leather-clad rogue show his softer side.

7. Brie Sheridan

Brady and Brie looking at each other on Virgin River

One of the newer characters on Virgin River, Brie Sheridan, makes her way to the idyllic borough in Season 3. Jack’s sister is a high-stakes lawyer who was hiding a secret when she first came to nurse him back to health after he got shot. She seemed anxious and unsure of herself, unlike her past self, which audiences did not get to see but was described by Jack.

Her love story with Brady is unexpected, but it shows the multitudes Brie contains. When her assault and miscarriage come to light, it broke audiences. Brie’s story is a tragically familiar one for too many women, which makes her a relatable character in Virgin River.

6. Muriel

Muriel smiles in Virgin river

Initially portrayed as a vacuous actress who had a superiority complex, Muriel’s character arc is one of the most surprisingly pleasant ones on Virgin River. She may have competed with Hope to date Doc, but her care for him is genuine, as evidenced in Seasons 3 and 4. With Hope away, Muriel could have tried to seduce Doc, but she only supports him with her friendship and a friendly game of backgammon to help him feel better.

Even when Hope returns, Muriel shows tremendous growth as she assists her friend after the accident, which makes for comforting television. Audiences are divided over if Muriel has always been friendly and perceived the wrong way or whether she has actually mended her ways over time. The fact remains — she pulls her weight whenever anyone in Virgin River needs help.

5. Hope McCrea

Hope writes in a journal on her couch in Virgin River

Despite being one of the main characters, Hope could be a controversial member of the town. She is a fierce and vivacious woman who takes no prisoners, but her methods could be questionable. She has a habit of meddling in everyone’s business, which usually backfires on them. However, her presence is quite a breath of fresh air in the show.

Virgin River does a stellar job of representing its older characters, injecting them with life instead of making them predictable or boring. Hope is the life and soul of Virgin River, which is why audiences were dismayed when she almost died. Many people like Doc, Jack, and Mel depend on her, and even though her story takes a tragic turn, fans are ready for an upward trajectory for her now.

4. Vernon “Doc” Mullins

Doc looks grumpy in Virgin River

Gruff and rigid, Vernon is a man who is incredibly layered. He is a highly competent doctor whom the town depends on greatly, but he is also too proud to see his own shortcomings. Similarly, he loves Hope dearly but has made some terrible mistakes while they were together.

This dichotomy only makes Doc all the more human and relatable in Virgin River. He slowly caves and starts listening to Mel as a voice of reason, both personally and professionally. He is not perfect, but his relationship with Hope is one of the best in Virgin River. Additionally, his arc only gets a lot more interesting with the appearance of his grandson.

3. Jack Sheridan

Jack points a finger in Virgin River

Jack Sheridan, Virgin River’s bar owner, goes through a rollercoaster of a journey on the show. He is charming and warm from the beginning, which is expected as he is the show’s male lead. The ex-Marine has had his fair share of demons, but he ensures he’s always available for Mel, Doc, Brie, Preacher, and even Brady when they need him.

Unlike others, Jack consistently finds ways to improve his own life while helping others. He likes to see the best in people, even when they show him the worst. Fans also adore how romantic he is, especially when he tells Mel that he doesn’t care if he is the father of her child. He is merely that dependable, even after he gets shot in his bar, choosing to see the best in others still.

2. John “Preacher” Middleton

Preacher in the kitchen of Jacks Bar in Virgin River

Jack’s friend, his brother-in-arms, and also his partner at Jack’s Bar, Preacher, is one of the most generous and hardworking people around. He goes above and beyond to get people out of a crunch, even if it means he would be uncomfortable. He is a bit awkward and prefers to be alone, but Preacher’s door is often wide open.

His most significant romance is with Paige, but that, too, turned into a rescue mission that ended too quickly. Fortunately, the arc brings out the best in Preacher, who takes in Paige’s son Christopher like his own. In Seasons 3 and 4, Preacher starts feeling more self-confident and paternal, which is a much-needed evolution in his already great character.

1. Mel Monroe

Mel laughs in Doc's clinic in Virgin River

As Virgin River’s protagonist, Mel’s tragedies kickstart the narrative when she moves to the scenic little town. She battles with grief for her lost husband and baby for a long time, but she never allows her heartaches to turn her bitter. As a nurse practitioner, she remains patient, kind, and caring, even when Doc or the patients are terrible to her.

Mel’s best quality is her ability to bounce back. She allows herself to move on from her sorrow and start a life with Jack when she shifts to Virgin River, which is uplifting to see. She is always hopeful in her thoughts and actions in the face of adversity. Mel has a heart of gold, which makes her the most beloved character in Virgin River.

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