10 Positively Influential Characters Created by ABC’s Shonda Rhimes

If you are or have ever been a Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, or How to Get Away With Murder fan, then you know and respect the heck out of the name Shonda Rhimes. She’s the wonderful woman responsible for creating, writing, and producing the aforementioned hits that so many have come to love and obsess over. The nail-biting operations performed at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital? The genius that is Shonda Rhimes. The powerful monologues spoken by Olivia Pope? And the amazingly clever, twisted premise for How to Get Away With Murder? Yep, you can thank Shonda Rhimes for those too. She’s also created some of America’s all-time favorite characters…who will be gracing our screens again this coming week and next! I know, I can’t contain my excitement either. These characters have taught us how to be better, how to do better, and how to get through some of the toughest days of our lives—which is why I’m so excited to be reunited with them this Thursday and next.

As a writer, I truly admire Shonda for her hard work and her ability to create such real and inspirational characters, which is why I wanted to write this article as a dedication to her amazing work over the years. I can only hope and strive to one day motivate others on this same level through my own writing. So, here’s to Shonda Rhimes and all that we can learn from her fictitious characters who feel like family. Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate these legends who have taught us about strength, perseverance, compassion, and more:

1) Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

The ‘dark and twisty’ Meredith Grey. We’ve cried with her, we’ve grown with her, and most importantly, we’ve learned from her. Meredith teaches us episode after episode to put others first, to love thyself, and to make the best out of even the most unfortunate situations.

2) Annalise Keating from HTGAWM

Annalise Keating packs a punch—she first presented herself as a strong, confident lawyer and professor who was both admired and feared by her students. But as the show has progressed, she’s revealed a more vulnerable, weak side as well. Annalise shows us that it’s not only normal but okay to have weaknesses—and it doesn’t make you less of a person.

3) Quinn Perkins from Scandal

I’ll admit it—I never expected to like Quinn much. I just didn’t think she had what it takes to be a true gladiator for Olivia. But boy, did Quinn prove me wrong. She’s now one of my favorite characters, being the loyal, determined, smart friend that she is. Quinn demonstrates the importance of devotion and perseverance and we could all take a note from her book.

4) Jackson Avery from Grey’s Anatomy

The pretty, the successful, the beloved: Jackson Avery. Jackson was introduced as a minor character in season 5 of Grey’s Anatomy, but has since become a series regular and stolen the spotlight (as well as hearts). He refuses to be defined by his family’s success and is defined by his determination to make his own path. Jackson teaches us to stand up for our beliefs and shows us that we can accomplish whatever we put our minds too.

5) Michaela Pratt from HTGAWM

Michaela Pratt is an intelligent young woman who wanted nothing more than to gain Annalise’s attention at the start of How to Get Away With Murder. But she’s on the road to becoming her own person and is beginning to impress fans with her smart decisions. Michaela always carries herself with grace and does everything she can to protect herself—she reminds us that sometimes our own wellbeing needs to be prioritized.

6) Eli (or Rowan) Pope from Scandal

Rowan is one of those characters that you just love to hate. He’s conniving, he’s frightening, and like Olivia, he does whatever it takes to have the power—except for putting his daughter’s life in jeopardy. While Rowan is certainly a scary and mostly evil character, he also teaches us the importance of family: nothing should ever trump this bond and this love.

7) Alex Karev from Grey’s Anatomy

Oh, Alex—where to begin with you? In season one, Alex came off as arrogant and rude. But he has since transformed into a loving, selfless, and very real human who we just love to watch grow. We could learn a thing or two about loyalty and compassion from this seemingly detached character who actually cares greatly for those around him.

8) Olivia Pope from Scandal

Olivia Pope: an iconic name and woman who demands control and respect. Olivia shows her weaknesses, but never fails to take control of her own destiny again, sacrificing whatever it takes a long the way. She is a strong, independent female who teaches us the value of standing up for what you believe in.

9) Asher Millstone from HTGAWM

No other TGIT character makes me laugh quite like Asher does. He’s a goofy guy who’s always providing some comic relief among all of the craziness. Asher reminds us that laughing is important—even during the most trying times of our lives.

10) Mellie Grant from Scandal

Mellie used to just be President Grant’s annoying, bitter wife. But now, she’s an independent woman with an agenda of her own. And at the top of this list? Becoming the first female president, which she accomplished in no-time. Mellie is a go-getter that shows us the sky is truly the limit.

*Didn’t want this article to end? You can continue to bask in the Shonda Rhimes Fandom here and get even more excited for the return of Grey’s Anatomy*

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