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Redemption
Nearly every character arrives on the Island carrying guilt or shame. The Island offers a chance to become someone better -- or to repeat the same mistakes.
Key Characters
James "Sawyer" Ford
Played by Josh Holloway
A charming con man who adopted the name of the man who destroyed his family. Hides his intelligence behind sarcasm and nicknames. His evolution from selfish loner to selfless leader is one of the show's most satisfying arcs.
The SurvivorsSayid Jarrah
Played by Naveen Andrews
A former Iraqi Republican Guard communications officer and skilled interrogator seeking redemption for his past. Brilliant, principled, and haunted, he is the group's most capable tactician but can never escape the violence that follows him.
The SurvivorsBenjamin Linus
Played by Michael Emerson
The enigmatic and manipulative leader of the Others. Originally introduced as "Henry Gale," a supposedly stranded balloonist. Michael Emerson's portrayal turned a planned three-episode guest role into one of TV's greatest villains.
The OthersKate Austen
Played by Evangeline Lilly
A fugitive who was being escorted back to the US by a federal marshal when the plane crashed. Resourceful and tough, she runs from her past but can't escape the connections she forms on the Island.
The SurvivorsCharlie Pace
Played by Dominic Monaghan
The bass player of the one-hit-wonder band Drive Shaft. Struggles with heroin addiction but is brave, loyal, and deeply romantic. His sacrifice in the Looking Glass station is one of the show's most devastating moments.
The SurvivorsMr. Eko
Played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
A Nigerian man of imposing presence and few words who carries a carved scripture stick. A man of deep but complicated faith. His unflinching refusal to apologize for his past makes his confrontation with the Smoke Monster one of the show's most powerful scenes.
The SurvivorsMichael Dawson
Played by Harold Perrineau
A construction worker and aspiring artist desperate to reconnect with his son Walt after years of estrangement. His desperation to save Walt leads him to commit one of the most shocking betrayals in the show's history.
The SurvivorsAna Lucia Cortez
Played by Michelle Rodriguez
A former LAPD officer hardened by tragedy, who leads the tail-section survivors with an iron fist after the crash. Her aggressive leadership style clashes with the main group and leads to devastating consequences.
The SurvivorsShannon Rutherford
Played by Maggie Grace
A former ballet teacher and Boone's stepsister. Initially self-centered and seemingly useless, she gradually reveals hidden depths and resilience. Her arc is a quietly powerful story of growth cut tragically short.
The SurvivorsKey Episodes
S1E04#4
Walkabout
Locke goes on a boar hunt. His backstory reveals a life-changing secret.
2004-10-13·42 min
S1E11#11
All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues
Jack and Kate search for kidnapped survivors. A major discovery is made underground.
2005-01-05·42 min
S3E11#60
Enter 77
The survivors find the Flame station and its occupant.
2007-03-07·42 min
S3E16#65
One of Us
Juliet joins the main camp. Her history with Ben and the Others is explored.
2007-04-11·42 min
S4E13#85
There's No Place Like Home (Part 2)
The Season 4 finale. The Island is moved. The Oceanic Six escape.
2008-05-29·42 min
S6E18#121
The End (Part 2)
The series finale. Everything that happened, happened.
2010-05-23·62 min
Related Mysteries
What happened to the DHARMA Initiative?
Introduced in Episode #69