*Article may contain spoilers ahead.*
In our ‘Ultimate Gilmore Girls’ series of articles we will also explore a Series Guide, and a Book Guide. Make sure to catch up on reading our ‘Ultimate Guide to Gilmore Girls‘ here too. So, whether you’re a Stars Hollow expert or a budding new fan of the show; you’re bound to learn something new about the dreamy world curated and shaped by show creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino. Here we break down the loveable Gilmore Girls characters that make up the dreamy small town of Stars Hollow. The early noughties nostalgia is about to kick in – anytime soon…
Iconic Cast – A Character Guide:
From Lorelai Gilmore and Rory Gilmore to the iconic townspeople of Stars Hollow, this guide will pace you through the characters we’ve soon learned to love like family over Gilmore Girls‘ seven-season run.
Gilmore Girls Characters:
The Show’s Leads: Lorelai & Rory Gilmore
LORELAI GILMORE:
The self-reliant and single mother, Lorelai Gilmore has largely had to defend for herself with parents who highly disapprove of how she’s lived her life. At just 16, Lorelai distanced herself from her wealthy parents to raise Rory in the small town of Stars Hollow.
Lorelai’s known for her witty comebacks, fast-talking, and devoted love for coffee. She’s also an accomplished businesswoman and sets up the Dragonfly Inn alongside her friend and co-worker, Sookie.
RORY GILMORE:
Fiercely intelligent, bookish, and studious is exactly what Rory Gilmore stands for. From navigating the elite prep school of Chilton to studying at Yale University – there really is no stopping Rory’s academic pursuits.
Although her journey to excelling in her journalism career is a little rocky, her romantic endeavours were certainly something to be desired. Her love interests ranged from Tristin and Dean to Jess and Logan. Albeit some messy affairs in the middle too.
It’s really a wonder that Rory was able to concentrate on her studies and journalism with so much rocky romance going on in between. Many fans of the show love the early seasons because Rory upheld better moral values, but the later seasons represent a damaged Rory who somewhat loses what made her so likeable in the beginning.
Gilmore Girls Characters:
Rory Gilmore’s Love Interests: Tristin, Dean, Jess, and Logan
Early Relationships: Tristin Dugray & Dean Forester
Tristin was purely just a teen crush for Rory who didn’t treat her so well. But it was Dean who became her first boyfriend, even if he was a little too possessive. However, it was their affair during Dean’s marriage to Lindsay that set Rory on a path of bad decisions. Then came along Luke’s rebellious nephew… the well-read, Jess.
Dedicated Relationships: Jess Mariano/Logan Huntzberger
Many fans of the show prefer Jess as Rory’s chosen soulmate because they matched each other well in terms of their intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence. But it was ultimately, Logan whom Rory would end up with – the charmingly wealthy Yale student whom she also had an affair with during his marriage. Whilst Rory initially choses her journalism career over Logan’s marriage proposal they soon had a child together in Stars Hollow.
Gilmore Girls Characters:
Lorelai Gilmore’s Love Interests: Christopher, Max & Luke
Christopher Hayden
High school sweethearts, Lorelai and Christopher were the teen lovers who unexpectedly got pregnant with Rory when they were 16-years-old. Both stemming from privileged backgrounds, Christopher was always the favourite love interest for Lorelai’s wealthy parents. And they always wanted them to stay together. However, Lorelai did eventually go back to Christopher, and they even got re-married, but their relationship was never written in the stars.
Max Medina
Fleeing an engagement with Max, Lorelai’s relationship with Rory’s Chilton lecturer saw the couple share a passionate connection but it ran its course with communication issues. Max often competed for Lorelai’s attention whenever Luke was around, and this left him with insecurities. Even after accepting Luke’s proposal, Lorelai’s fear of commitment led to her running away in a relationship that just wasn’t meant to be.
Luke Danes
Owner of Luke’s Diner in Stars Hollow, Luke Danes truly was always the one for Lorelai. Despite their on-and-off relationship, the two always had the right dynamics and played off each other’s wit with an intense magnetism. However, they were the ultimate couple in the show, and everyone wanted them to be together.
Other love interests for Lorelai included Jason, Peyton, and Rune over the show’s seven-season run.
Gilmore Girls Supporting Characters:
Lane, Sookie, Michel & Paris
Lane Kim
The sparky, rebellious, and music-focused Lane Kim goes against everything her mother stands for. Mrs. Kim is strictly devoted to her religion and upholds tough rules under her household.
But Lane was just too unique and different to follow suit. Dedicated to music, Lane starts her own band and dates against her mother’s wishes. Constantly supportive of Rory, Lane starts her own family with her band member, Zack and they have twin boys – Steve and Kwan together. Lane navigates motherhood whilst trying to pursue her dream of a music career in her band, Hep Alien.
Sookie St. James
Lorelai’s dedicated BFF, Sookie St. James was much more than a loyal friend but also a committed co-worker who helped plan Lorelai’s dreams of launching the Dragonfly Inn. Together they faced their challenges from the initial plans to eventually opening up their own business together after the Independent Inn closed down.
Despite being constantly enthusiastic, she was often one to cause a little chaos in the kitchen and things didn’t always go to plan for her. Sookie’s relationship with Jackson is one of the most heart-warming of the show and they even started a family together in the early seasons.
Michel Gerard
The sarcastic and loyal concierge at the inn, Michel Gerard is the fast-talking French man with such high standards that nothing was ever near as good enough. But underneath the countless times that he got on Lorelai and Sookie’s nerves, they needed him as a loyal friend and an integral part of their team. He is like family to Lorelai.
Paris Gellar
Intense and highly-strung, Paris Gellar began as an arch-nemesis to Rory during their time studying at Chilton prep school. But their stressful relationship did eventually thraw out and the two highly intelligent characters managed to work out their differences. Always the perfectionist, Paris was intimidating to anyone who crossed her path and she constantly outwitted them and she was never one to back down from a rather ‘healthy’ debate.
The Town of Stars Hollow: Emily & Richard Gilmore, Kirk, Taylor, Babette, and Miss Patty
Emily & Richard Gilmore
Lorelai’s parents and Rory’s grandparents, Emily and Richard Gilmore constantly expect the best from them. Upholding both traditional and high standards, the wealthy couple are quite different from Emily hosting society functions to Richard’s hard-working nature. But it’s ultimately their high standards that make them suited towards one another.
Emily’s sharp wit often comes into unfriendly crossfire when she argues with Lorelai and it’s always like a competitive death match between them. But Richard and Emily see a second chance for Lorelai through Rory. They fund her education at the elite Chilton prep school and they adore Rory. Treating her like a princess, Rory is the gift they’ve always wanted and as such Lorelai pays for being different.
Kirk Gleason
The comedic, eccentric, and ever-quirky Kirk Gleason is a fan-favourite amongst Gilmore Girls fans. He’s often inventing random jobs around Stars Hollow and his CV (resume) would be pretty impressive by now. Kirk is an active member of Stars Hollow and is always supporting others’ dreams even if they don’t support his own.
Fiercely creative, Kirk is always working hard at something to build towards his dream of buying his own house. Despite his loyalty, the townsfolk of Stars Hollow are usually irritated by his weird and comedic antics. Sometimes he becomes so dedicated to proving himself that his skills become unbearable for those around him. But if there’s something new in the town of Stars Hollow, it usually has something to do with Kirk.
Taylor Doose
Owner of Stars Hollow’s infamous Doose’s Market, Taylor Doose often gets on the last nerve of just about everyone in the town. During town meetings, he’s always one to put his opinion first and is not so great at listening to the thoughts of others. He uses his power as the Town Selectman (head of the town) to overrule important decisions. Although he often butts heads with Luke and their conflicting dynamics creates a comedic atmosphere for the show. Despite being an antagonist, his dedication to events and festivals in Stars Hollow reveal his kind intentions.
Babette Dell
The loud and energetic neighbour of Lorelai Gilmore, Babette Dell sees the cat-lover provide deep care for the townsfolk of Stars Hollow. Babette is the sort of character who is always there. Whether it’s an incident that’s happened or at a town meeting – Babette doesn’t miss out. She’s deeply invested in others and often wants to know the latest gossip around town.
Miss Patty
Formally a showgirl, Miss Patty is the town’s dance instructor with her own studio called ‘Miss Patty’s School of Ballet’ and is the BFF of Babette. The dance teacher is often theatrical in her approach to life and everything about her is quite lively and dramatic.
But along with her BFF Babette, Miss Patty is often known to acquire the town’s gossip and spread this accordingly. She’s not only an important member of Stars Hollow but is an iconic supporting character in Gilmore Girls. Miss Patty’s vibrant and wild free-spirit often serves as a commentary to the happenings about town. She’s somewhat of a legend herself.
Which iconic Gilmore Girls characters residing in Stars Hollow are your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
Next up in our ‘Ultimate Gilmore Girls’ series of articles, we will explore a Series Guide, and a Book Guide so watch out for those which are coming very soon! Make sure to catch up on reading our ‘Ultimate Guide to Gilmore Girls‘ here too.
