An Official Ranking Of 'The O.C.'s 17 Most Memorable Minor Characters

The position for worst O.C. character is very close between Volchok, Oliver, and Trey. But considering how Volchok ends up killing Marissa and is an absolutely terrible boyfriend, he's the worst. If you need a reminder of why, re-watch Marissa's death scene.

Many fans believe Oliver is the absolute worst — and it’s for a good reason. Oliver manipulates Marissa and breaks up her first stable relationship out of selfishness, showing no remorse for his actions. Marissa is already going through a lot and he ruins things further, even going as far as threatening to kill himself when she won't hook up with him.

Following the trend of the men in Marissa's life being terrible, Trey is at the same level of horribleness as Oliver and Volchok. Trey is the poster boy for toxic masculinity, as he tries to sexually assault Marissa when she refutes his advances. Once Ryan confronts him, their fight is so physically intense that Marissa has to intervene by shooting Trey to save Ryan.

Even though he isn't as terrible as Oliver, Johnny gave fans some serious déjá vú when he entered Marissa's life. His reckless behavior and desire to be with Marissa leads to his gruesome death — making her feel guilty, even though Johnny was the one who didn't respect her feelings.

Che does sort of redeem himself by the fourth season, but who can forget how his selfishness causes Summer to be kicked out of Brown? He never really feels remorseful about what he did, though Seth and Summer end up forgiving him. Also, the fact that he's willing to break up Seth and Summer shouldn't be forgotten.

Luke becomes a sweet, comedic relief later on in the show, but he's initially introduced as a violent jerk who cheats on Marissa. Even though he's not the best, he's one of the characters who grows the most throughout the show. Plus, who can forget his iconic line?

Ryan's dad Frank is an abusive alcoholic, but by the fourth season, it's clear he's trying to rectify his actions and become part of Ryan's life. Julie Cooper also becomes an unlikely partner who helps bring out a loving, caring side of Frank.

Like Frank, Dawn isn't the best parent to Ryan. When she first appears in the first season, she makes a scene by getting drunk in front of Newport's richest folks at a charity casino. But when Ryan reunites with her during the third season, she shows him how much she's changed for the better and how much she cares about him.

Kirsten's sister Hailey forms a close bond with both Seth and Ryan and occasionally wrecks havoc despite having the best intentions. Hailey isn't the most likable character from the show, but she definitely causes exciting moments, from standing up to Julie Cooper to being caught stripping by Seth.

The Nana is an underrated badass. Upon finding out she has cancer, she decides to evoke a positive outlook and retains it once she's on remission. This change helps her become more involved in the Cohens' lives, even accepting Ryan.

Sadie might not be the best minor character out of the women Ryan dates, but she serves as a good support system while he's struggling emotionally after not being able to stop Johnny's death and finding out his brother almost raped Marissa.

Dr. Kim is one of the most underrated minor characters from The O.C. When Ryan moves to Newport, she becomes one of his first supporters, encouraging him to apply to Harbor and fulfill his potential once she discovers his passion for architecture.

When Kaitlin experiences the loss of Marissa and then has to deal with other family issues, Bullit becomes an incredible father figure to her. Their dynamic is so endearing to watch, considering how happy he makes Kaitlin. It makes you wonder what Marissa's life would've been like if Julie had met him sooner.

Before dating Taylor, Ryan briefly romances another headstrong, outspoken teen. Lindsay helps Ryan get in touch with his feelings and move on after dating Marissa. But unfortunately, Lindsay doesn't last very long after it's revealed that she's actually Caleb's daughter and Kirsten's half-sister, making her relationship with Ryan super awkward.

Alex is hands down the best person Marissa dates besides Ryan. She's patient, understanding, and there for Marissa during a time of emotional turmoil. Their relationship didn't last long after the network pressured creator Josh Schwartz to wrap up Alex's arc, but Alex became a very important character for LGBTQ fans at a time where there was a severe lack of representation of queer characters on TV.

Theresa is one of The O.C.'s most empowering female characters. She's smart, independent, and hard working. Theresa is by no means perfect, but does everything she can to help her loved ones. Not only does she decide to raise her kid on her own to not tarnish Ryan's future, but she denies financial help from the Cohens and goes on to become a hotel manager.

Anna is hands down the best minor character from The O.C. There are so many reasons why she deserves this honor, but it all boils down to her immense effort to better herself and others. She has no qualms calling out Seth on his sexist Manic Pixie Dream Girl fantasy and his inability to consider her and Summer's feelings while secretly dating both of them at the same time. No matter how many times Seth toys with her emotions, she is always willing to show her support.

If this ranking is making you nostalgic, it's time to revisit these minor characters' best and worst moments.