1. Lafayette Reynolds
Creator Alan Ball made a smart choice to amplify this character beyond his background existence in Charlaine Harris' novels. Brought to Emmy Award-worthy life by actor Nelsan Ellis, Lafayette is consistently entertaining, and has become an overwhelming fan favorite. As the make-up wearing gay cook of Merlotte’s Bar, Ellis steers the character away from effeminate clichés by also being a strong, resourceful figure. When Lafayette both verbally and physically dominated three redneck bar patrons, the audience cheered, and Ball’s dedication to complex gay characters lived on.
2. Rene Lenier
The handsome, laid-back Cajun is mainly seen socializing in Merlotte’s Bar, but Rene seems to eventually appear all over Bon Temps. Rene is a fun and faithful boyfriend (now fiancée) to Arlene, although his observational, mysterious demeanor often keeps him in the background, casually emerging to offer perceptive remarks. Surprisingly from Michigan, actor Michael Raymond-James is the owner of the cast’s most authentic fake accent. According to the Internet Movie Database, Raymond-James hired his own dialect coach to assist him with his mastery of the Cajun dialect, and he is a valuable addition to the show’s Southern ambiance.
3. Pam
Created by the powerful vampire Eric, Pam is also Eric’s business partner, and the two of them provide an intense, stylish force to be reckoned with at the popular vampire bar, Fangtasia. Actress Kristin Bauer’s amusingly bored intonation gives Pam an intimidating confidence that inspires as much fear as it does sexual tension.
4. Terry Bellefleur
Actor Todd Lowe’s quiet performance as an Iraq War veteran has made Terry an increasingly lovable character. Terry’s affliction with post traumatic stress disorder is handled well, and the show has wisely altered the character to be younger and a veteran of a current war, adding a layer of relevant awareness. Each week Terry becomes more intriguing, as a man who is kind, sadly aloof, and at times, even affectionately comical.
5. Arlene Fowler
Arlene is known for her fire engine red tresses almost as much as she is known for her affinity for being nosy. Actress Carrie Preston’s performance brings a humorous energy to Merlotte’s Bar, where Arlene waitresses and always has something to say about her co-workers’ lives. Arlene herself has a busy life, handling motherhood while actively dating and hoping that Rene is finally Mr. Right. Preston skillfully balances Arlene’s vulnerability and nurturing nature with the character’s frequent displays of small town gossip and apprehension towards change.
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