2. Ryan Atwood
Is a troubled teenager from Chino who is
thrust into the privileged community of
Newport Beach, California after his mother,
throws him out of their family home.
3. Marissa Cooper
Marissa's relationships with her parents,
boyfriends, and fellow classmates are often
tumultuous. She is Summer's best friend and
Ryan's on and off love interest.
4. Seth Cohen
The awkward adolescent son of Sandy and
Kirsten Cohen. He is known for his quick
quips and pop-culture references. He is also
the love interest of Summer Roberts, on
whom he had a crush on since third grade.
5. Summer Roberts
Summer's mother left when her parents
divorced. Her stepmother is a lazy woman
with a suggested drug problem. Summer has
been referred to as a seemingly snotty,
superficial rich girl.
6. Sandy Cohen
He is the husband of Kirsten, the father of
Seth Cohen, and the legal guardian of Ryan
Atwood. Although he lives in a large upper
class house, his politics are left-leaning and
open-minded
7. Kirsten Cohen
She is the wife of Sandy Cohen, the mother
of Seth. Before she met Sandy she dated and
grew up with Jimmy Cooper She has had
trouble with alcohol and had an abortion early
8. Julie Cooper
Is the mother of Kaitlin Cooper and Marissa
Cooper. At the beginning of the show she is
married to financial planner Jimmy Cooper.
She is often characterized as being devious,
selfish, and shallow.
9. Jimmy Cooper
Marissa and Kaitlin's father and Julie's ex-
husband. He gets in trouble and must face
the consequences of his actions and its effect
on his reputation and personal life.
10. Caleb Nichol
Kirsten's father and later Julie Cooper's
husband. Owns the property and real estate
company Newport Group. He was portrayed
as quite businessman that was known for
dishonest business dealings and practice.
