The Sopranos is renowned for its intricate and troubled characters, but even within this catalog of complex personalities, there are a few who rise to the surface as detestable and repugnant. These individuals are not merely morally ambiguous but actively malevolent, with no redeeming qualities to speak of. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake.
Janice Soprano, Tony’s older sister, is one of the most reviled characters in the show. A cold-blooded and calculating individual, she has no qualms about using people to further her own interests. She is willing to employ blackmail and gaslighting to get what she wants, demonstrating a ruthless disregard for the well-being of those around her.
Mikey Palmice, a loyal and sadistic old-school gangster, is another character who embodies the worst aspects of human nature. With no qualms about violence and manipulation, he is a master of mind games and will do whatever it takes to advance his own interests. His brutal methods and willingness to harm others make him a force to be reckoned with, and a source of discomfort for audiences.
Corrado “Junior” Soprano, Tony’s uncle, is also a problematic figure. An insecure and out-of-touch racketeer, he is consumed by his own ego and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means betraying those around him. His lack of empathy and compassion makes him a difficult character to sympathize with, and his actions are often motivated by self-interest rather than a desire to do what is right.
Tony Sirico as Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos (Photo: The Sopranos)
Tony Soprano, the show’s protagonist, is also a profoundly problematic character. A narcissistic and self-centered individual, he is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, including engaging in violent and destructive behavior. While he is not the most evil character on the list, his lack of empathy and willingness to prioritize his own desires over the well-being of others make him a complex and uncomfortable figure.
The show’s supporting cast is also filled with despicable characters. Paulie Gualtieri, a brutal and impulsive individual, lacks self-awareness and empathy, making him a force to be feared rather than respected. Phil Leotardo, a misogynistic and violent capo, is willing to do whatever it takes to advance his own interests, including perpetrating acts of violence and terrorizing those around him. Livia Soprano, Tony’s manipulative and abusive mother, is a master of psychological games, willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, including setting her own son up to be killed.
Finally, there is Christopher Moltisanti, a cold and calculating individual who has no qualms about violence and manipulation. A narcissistic and egotistical individual, he is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead, including betraying those around him and engaging in brutal behavior. His lack of empathy and compassion makes him a difficult character to sympathize with, and his actions are often motivated by a desire to impress others rather than a genuine concern for their well-being.
The Sopranos is a show that is renowned for its complex and troubled characters, but even among this cast of complex personalities, there are a few who stand out as particularly despicable. These characters are not merely morally ambiguous but actively malevolent, with no redeeming qualities to speak of. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake.
