With the 30th anniversary of Twin Peaks launching the show back into the spotlight, new fans may be inclined to check out the series. But if you aren't familiar with the show already, you might need a short debriefing before digging in - especially if you aren't familiar with the other works of David Lynch.
The characters in Twin Peaks are unconventional, to say the least. Between the tangled web of storylines, paranormal elements and the mysterious dream sequences, it may take a bit of prep work to keep everything in order. Not to worry: if you're thinking about starting the series - or if you're looking to reminisce about characters you already know and love - here's a small, spoiler-free selection of the most important characters you need to know, along with a few fan favourites for good measure.
Agent Dale Cooper
Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) is the definition of a gentleman, holds himself to the highest professional standard, and winds up uncovering more than just Laura Palmer's murder. Not to mention, he has a charming penchant for coffee and pie.
Laura Palmer
She may have been murdered, but Laura Palmer (Shelly Lee) is far from a mere victim in the story. She is a complex, mysterious character with a deep backstory, slowly coming to light throughout the series. Laura's tragic story meets the most tragic end, paying the highest price for her secrets in a town with so much to hide.
Leland Palmer
A heartbreaking portrayal as Laura's damaged and devastating father, Leland Palmer (Ray Wise) is someone you'll need to keep your eye on. Once you think you've figured out this character, another wave of unanswered questions appears out of nowhere to keep you on your toes.
Sarah Palmer
Laura Palmer's mother Sarah (Grace Zabriskie) is a deeply sympathetic character with a gut-wrenching story. Despite this sympathy, as more truths about her life fight their way to the surface it becomes apparent her character is much more complex than just a grieving mother.
BOB
The mysterious, supernatural BOB (Frank Silva) is a complete enigma, and it's best to know as little as possible about the character when starting the series for the first time. What you can know is that BOB will haunt your dreams long after you finish Twin Peaks.
Audrey Horne
The glamorous and seductive Audrey Horne (Sherilyn Fenn) was an instant fan favourite and became a staple of the show's cult following. Her schoolgirl crush on Agent Cooper and her vampy look initially painted Audrey as some sort of beautiful distraction, but she proves to be much more sweet and complex than viewers imagined.
Donna Hayward
As Laura's best friend, Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle) becomes Twin Peaks' resident Nancy Drew when she takes the murder investigation into her own hands. Donna has a huge heart and an unbreakable spirit, fighting for some semblance of justice for Laura - all while falling for Laura's secret boyfriend, James.
Sheriff Harry S. Truman
Everything you think audiences though they about TV cops was turned on its head with Sheriff Truman (Michael Ontkean). He is truly a good man, and the perfect small-town counterpart to Agent Cooper's big-city way of doing things. Truman is a benign character compared to some of the others on this list, but his presence becomes vital to the series - even if just to offer a small ray of light amid the craziness.
Shelly Johnson
One of the most sympathetic and tragic characters on the show, Shelly (Madchen Amick) is a beautiful high school dropout stuck in a horrific marriage. She also finds herself in a love triangle, with Laura Palmer on one end and her secret boyfriend Bobby Briggs in the middle. Shelly keeps to herself initially, but ultimately gets herself in over her head when it comes to her abusive husband's business.
Bobby Briggs
As Laura Palmer's superficial boyfriend (in more ways than one), Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook) becomes public enemy number one in Twin Peaks very quickly after Laura's murder. He seems to get himself into more trouble than he means to, hiding his kind-of-kind heart under his leather jacket and 90s bad boy haircut.
James Hurley
Another tangent in the ever-growing love triangle (or pentagon) between Laura, Bobby, Shelly and Donna, James (James Marshall) was initially Laura's secret lover who soon finds himself getting sweet on his crime-fighting partner Donna. James is also involved in some shady dealings, casting a shadow of doubt on his good-guy persona.
Benjamin Horne
The type of character people just love to hate, Benjamin Horne (Richard Beymer) is the personification of malice in Twin Peaks. He's the centre of the town's business infrastructure with his fingers in many sketchy pies. He's also Audrey's father.
Norma Jennings
The absolute embodiment of sweetness and light, Norma Jennings (Peggy Lipton) keeps the town of Twin Peaks running from her position at the Double R Diner. She finds herself on the business end of a few secrets, but she maintains her good nature and is a definite fan favourite.
Pete Martell
Another overwhelmingly sweet character, Pete Martell (Jack Nance) is the unfortunate soul to discover Laura's body, and his circumstances get more sympathetic from there. Despite all he endures throughout the series, Pete remains the series' most loveable character with the biggest heart.
Jocelyn Packard
One of the most confusing and emotionally turbulent character arcs in the series (and that's truly saying something), Jocelyn Packard (Joan Chen) is mysterious in her own unique way. She's one of the most desired women in Twin Peaks, but is also extremely powerful as the owner of the Packard Sawmill.
Lucy Moran
The high-voiced receptionist at the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Department (played by Kimmy Robertson) was a much needed anchor in reality when the show got too crazy. She served as comic relief, and provided a touching love interest for the loveable Andy Brennan.
Deputy Tommy "Hawk" Hill
Possibly the most badass character in the series, Deputy Hill (Michael Horse) is one of the only people who know how to navigate the supernatural aspects of the town's mysteries. Given the nature of the show, that's a valuable asset.
Catherine Martell
Another character many viewers love to hate, Catherine Martell (Piper Laurie) is a lot to handle. Some hate her too much to find her entertaining, but nonetheless Catherine is an important part of Twin Peaks' confusing narrative.
Deputy Andy Brennan
Deputy Brennan (Harry Goaz) is the sweetest, dumbest and (sometimes unintentionally) funniest character in the show. He also has one of the biggest hearts, and the show wouldn't have been what it was without him, especially through his storyline with Lucy.
Maddy Ferguson
As the identical cousin of Laura Palmer, Maddy allows Sheryl Lee to properly take part in the series. She also becomes crucial to the Donna and James investigation storyline, and adds that extra bit of confusion and absurdity as Laura's exact double.
Dr. Lawrence Jacoby
Another of Twin Peaks' goofy personas, Dr. Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn) was Laura's unorthodox psychiatrist prior to her death. His character constantly negotiated between good and evil, and helped introduce the more absurd elements of the series.
The Log Lady
Despite appearing to be some sort of comical character, The Log Lady (Catherine E. Coulson) is anything but. She becomes the conduit for the supernatural elements of the show, and acts as a messenger between worlds with cryptic clues and ominous appearances.
The Giant
A staple in the supernatural realm of Twin Peaks, The Giant (Carel Struycken) plays a crucial role in solving the mystery of Laura's murder while appearing in the visions of Agent Cooper.
The Man From Another Place
This enigmatic resident of The Black Lodge (played by Michael J. Anderson) is another supernatural being who danced his way into the hearts of all Twin Peaks fans, and is one of the show's most iconic characters. The less known about this character before watching the series, the better. Just know, he's crucial.
Philip Gerard/MIKE
MIKE is a spirit who inhabits a host called Philip Gerard (Al Strobel), and serves as another piece of the supernatural puzzle. The character is terrifying, and works in tandem with BOB.
Maj. Garland Briggs
Initially presented as just Bobby's militant father, Major Briggs (Don S. Davis) soon becomes an integral part of the show. His emotional depth and complexity surprised audiences as his character defied common television authority tropes.
Agent Denise Bryson
As a relatively small and late addition to the Twin Peaks story, Agent Bryson (David Duchovny) quickly became a fan favourite. A well respected transgendered character in the early '90s proved how ahead of its time Twin Peaks really was. Not to mention, her introduction to characters who previously knew her when she presented as a male was heart-warmingly supportive and wholesome.
Agent Phillip Jefferies
The character appears in only one scene during the traditional Twin Peaks series (not including the prequel, or subsequent appendices) but any cameo by David Bowie is certainly worth mentioning. Philip Jefferies is a strange and powerful character that manages to turn the world of the series on its head, despite such a brief encounter.