Those who work for or struggle against the Yellowstone ranch don’t fall into easy categorizations. While their most common trait is being strong-willed, each character follows their own path to gain power, respect, or a little of both. These are the best characters in Yellowstone, ranked by their performance, storylines, and impact on the series.

10. Thomas Rainwater

Played by Gil Birmingham

The high chief of the Confederated Tribes, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), is a complicated antagonist to John. Rainwater’s goal is to take the ranch and add the property to the reservation he oversees, but his motives are not unlike John’s to keep it; both feel the land rightfully belongs to them and plays a large factor in their respective legacies. Also, like John, Rainwater’s ego can sometimes serve to undercut the purity of his actions, especially if money is involved.

9. Monica Dutton

Played by Kelsey Asbille

As the wife of Kayce, Monica (Kelsey Asbille) plays an integral role in Yellowstone. First introduced as a teacher on the reservation, Monica’s ties to her culture are deeply meaningful to her, even more so after marrying into the Dutton family. Monica loves Kayce and the man he strives to be, but she has understandable reluctance when it comes to embracing his family and what they appear to stand for.

Monica is an ideal character to view the Duttons through because she is subjected to the full spectrum of emotions during her time with them. If she allowed herself to accept the privilege that comes with the last name, she would enjoy comfort and access to a lavish way of life for her and her son, but Monica also understands the costs. Monica sees the unchecked power the Duttons flaunt, but she chooses to stay for the right reasons with her soul intact.

8. Teeter

Played by Jennifer Landon

The common joke was that no one could understand what Teeter was saying, but her optimistic attitude and respect from her peers spoke volumes. Rip (Cole Hauser) doesn’t vouch for many people, but when it looked like all the women were going to be fired from the ranch, Teeter successfully made her case with the assistance of the lead hand. Teeter may be the only woman to wear the Yellowstone brand, but she didn’t need a permanent mark to represent her loyalty to the ranch.

7. Walker

Played by Ryan Bingham