10 best characters in The Wolf of Wall Street – Who stole the show (and the cash)?

The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild and exhilarating ride. This movie is not just a simple story about greed and its outcome of it. It is a deep character delve into the world of vibrancy and moral ambiguity. These characters have their own unique ways to steal the show.

From the charismatic to the utterly unhinged, each and every character in the movie leaves a lasting impression on the viewers. The outrageous actions, sharp wit, and the sheer magnetic presence of these characters leap off the screen and burrow into our minds.

Some of these characters represent the excess and the intoxicating allure of power, while others get caught up in it and get in trouble. Though choosing ten characters is not an easy task, yet these characters propel the movie forward and lead us to question our own perception of morality and success.

10 best characters in The Wolf of Wall Street – Who stole the show (and the cash)?

1)Brad Bodnick

The Wolf of Wall Street | Image Via: Paramount Pictures

Though Brad Bodnick’s character is usually not considered while discussing about some of the best characters in the movie, it cannot be denied that his character is truly remarkable. Brad Bodnick does stand out amongst the other characters and rightfully so.

Though Brad is sometimes aggressive and clueless at the same time, he is fiercely loyal. His loyalty spirals further into illegality. Brad offers a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds of the individuals who are drawn into Jordan’s orbit. The Wolf of Wall Street is a larger-than-life movie.

It is filled with characters that have outrageous behaviour; however, amongst them Brad Bodnick’s character does represent a strength and unwavering loyalty, which is a significant contrast.

2)Max Belfort

Max Belfort’s character brings a level of semblance and balance to the otherwise questionable activities of the other characters. He represents the ethical aspect of it all. Though he is often represented as Mad Max mainly because of his incessant worries and annoyance, however, his character undoubtedly stands out from the rest.

Max Belfort, played by Rob Reiner, is perfect for the role. Rob Reiner has portrayed the nuances and the difficulties that Max faces throughout the movie. Max tries his best to keep his son Jordan’s business activities in check.

Though Max’s character brings forth a level of humor to the movie, he is not just for the laughs. He witnesses his son’s destructive nature firsthand. There is a sense that he genuinely cares for Jordan. He is relatable in a strange manner, which makes his character further intriguing.

3)Jean-Jacques Saurel

Jean-Jacques Saurel might be a criminal, but he does his activities in such a cool and calm manner that it is hard not to be intrigued. He is one of the most memorable parts of this movie. Though he is quite different from Belfort, he stands out.

This former Swiss banker shrouds his criminal activities in secrecy and operates in his own set of rules. His calm demeanor and collected attitude add a layer of dark humor to the movie. He is the gatekeeper to stashing away Belfort’s ill-gotten gains.

His methods are just truly remarkable and quite wild. Jean-Jacques Saurel represents a crucial element of Belfort’s operation. He is the shadowy embodiment of all the work. He also represents Belfort’s downfall, which makes his character further interesting.

4)Patrick Denham

Though Patrick Denham might not steal the money, he does steal the hearts of millions of fans all around the world. Patrick Denham represents the exact opposite world of Jordan Belfort. Denham serves as the unwavering anchor of justice.

His persistence is truly remarkable. He is not attached to the allure of wealth, power, or the hedonistic lifestyle at all. Denham’s quiet determination in his character stands out from the rest. His interaction with Belfort is particularly intriguing.

The Wolf of Wall Street is saturated with moral corruption; among them, Patrick Denham is a beacon of integrity. His quiet presence and unwavering dedication to his work are memorable.

5) Naomi Lapaglia

This list would be incomplete without Naomi Lapaglia. Her character truly sticks with you throughout the movie. She is a fascinating mix of beauty and sharp intelligence. Her character’s contrast to Belfort’s adds a layer of intrigue. She is a force to be reckoned with.

Though she enjoys the perks of the life that she lives with Belfort, yet she does not involve herself in it. Naomi’s resilience and self-reliance become apparent as Jordan’s empire begins to crumble. Naomi stands out more because she is not just a product of Jordan’s world.

Her decision to divorce Jordan and take the kids with her shows her own agency. She uses her intelligence and understanding of the dynamics at play.

6) Jordan Belfort

Even though Jordan Belfort’s actions are questionable, his character does stand out. Even though he is captivating for all the wrong reasons, especially his lack of a moral compass, he cannot be denied as one of the most interesting characters in the movie.

As Belfort’s greed increases, he embodies a transformation that changes his whole persona. His speeches and his frenzied behavior make him remarkable. His spectacular downfall does not shy away from showing the consequences of his actions.

The rise and fall arc of Jordan Belfort has been embodied by Leonardo DiCaprio in a perfect manner. Though you might not condone his actions, he is a character wrapped in an entertaining and unforgettable wrapper.

7)Donnie Azoff

One of the first things that anyone has noticed about Donnie Azoff is undoubtedly his ill-fitted dentures. However, as the story unfolded, his dentures were not the only thing that caught the attention of the viewers.

It was his wide-eyed wonder and the innocent glee in his eyes as he embraced the debauchery that made him stand out from the other characters. His character feels like a grown-up kid who has discovered the ultimate playground of money and excess.

However, beneath the surface of his goofy antics lies a complete disregard for the consequences of his actions. Donnie is the crucial element in the movie’s exploration of greed and excess.

8)Chester Ming

Kenneth Choi’s understanding of Chester Ming’s character is truly remarkable. He brings out the layers of Chester’s character in a nuanced manner. The unique blend of Chester’s outrageous behaviour and quiet observations is truly remarkable.

Chester Ming has remained a remarkable character mainly because of the duality of his nature. He is both an insider and an outsider. On one hand, he is deeply involved in the debauchery, while on the other hand, he is also watching it all unfold with detached amusement.

This unique perspective of his character makes him an unforgettable part of the movie.

9)Teresa Petrillo

Teresa represented the more grounded aspect of Jordan’s life. She is one of the most relatable characters in the chaotic world of The Wolf of Wall Street. Teresa stood as a beacon of normalcy and genuine human connection. This made her character stand out from the rest.

Her strength lies in her moral compass. Her quiet strength and her conviction are truly palpable. Amongst the excessive superficiality in the movie, Teresa is the anchor that tethers the narrative and directs it to a more grounded aspect. She is a vital character is providing a crucial counterpoint amongst the world of madness.

10)Mark Hanna

One of the most iconic lines that Mark Hanna said was, “The name of the game, moving the money from the client's pocket to your pocket.” Though his screen time might be less than the other characters, he stood out instantly with his cocaine sniffing and high-functioning life on Wall Street.

He unapologetically embraces the morally ambiguous world of finance. It is undeniable that Belfort learnt from the best. Instead of relying on sugarcoating his words, he lays them as it is. It is both strangely shocking and also intriguing at the same time.

His words are delivered with such casualness that sometimes it seems like a joke however, it is not. He dismisses any notion of ethical responsibility towards his clients, especially when Belfort tries to talk about making money for the clients. Hanna’s eccentricity makes his character a crucial part of the movie.

The way he matter-of-factly explains about the necessity of drugs and self-indulgence to cope with the pressure of the lifestyle is deeply unsettling.