9 Squid Game Characters Ranked by Moral Compass

From Noble to Ruthless

Squid Game captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling premise and complex characters. The Korean survival drama series explores the depths of human nature when desperate individuals compete in deadly children's games for a massive cash prize.

The show's characters span a wide spectrum of moral attitudes, from selfless heroes to ruthless villains. Their choices and actions throughout the intense competition reveal much about their ethical compasses. This ranking examines nine key Squid Game characters, considering how their decisions and behaviors reflect their underlying morality.

1) Oh Il-nam

Oh Il-nam, also known as Player 001, initially appears as a frail elderly man participating in the deadly games. His seemingly gentle demeanor and vulnerability make him a sympathetic figure among the contestants.

Il-nam's actions during the games often seem altruistic, as he helps other players and forms a bond with the protagonist, Gi-hun. His apparent kindness and wisdom provide a stark contrast to the brutal nature of the competition.

However, the shocking revelation in the final episode completely upends viewers' perceptions of Il-nam. It is unveiled that he is actually the mastermind behind the entire operation, having created the games out of boredom and a twisted desire for entertainment.

This revelation casts all of Il-nam's previous actions in a new light. His participation in the games becomes a cruel form of voyeurism, as he experiences the thrill of danger without true risk to himself.

Il-nam's character ultimately embodies the series' themes of inequality and the corrupting influence of extreme wealth. His actions highlight the vast moral divide between the ultra-rich and the desperate contestants, making him one of the most morally bankrupt characters in the show.

2) Kang Sae-byeok

Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector, stands out as one of the more morally complex characters in Squid Game. Her actions are primarily driven by a desire to reunite her family, demonstrating a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility.

Sae-byeok's moral compass is evident in her reluctance to form alliances or betray others during the games. She maintains a reserved demeanor, avoiding unnecessary conflicts or manipulation of fellow contestants.

Despite her initial theft from the main character, Sae-byeok's subsequent actions reveal a deep-seated compassion. She forms a genuine bond with her teammates, particularly Ji-yeong, showcasing her capacity for empathy and friendship.

Sae-byeok's survival skills and adaptability are notable, but she never resorts to cruel or underhanded tactics. Her approach to the games is pragmatic yet principled, aiming to win without compromising her core values.

Throughout the series, Sae-byeok's actions consistently reflect a balance between self-preservation and consideration for others. Her character arc demonstrates growth and a strengthening moral resolve as the games progress.

3) Seong Gi-hun

Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist of Squid Game, possesses a complex moral compass that evolves throughout the series. Initially, he struggles with a gambling addiction and financial irresponsibility, demonstrating poor judgment in his personal life.

Despite these flaws, Gi-hun exhibits a strong sense of empathy and concern for others. He consistently tries to help fellow contestants during the deadly games, even at the risk of his own survival.

Gi-hun's moral strength is particularly evident in his refusal to betray his childhood friend Sang-woo, showcasing loyalty in the face of extreme circumstances. He also forms a protective bond with player 001, illustrating his compassionate nature.

As the games progress, Gi-hun's moral resolve is tested repeatedly. He grapples with difficult ethical decisions, often choosing to prioritize his humanity over self-preservation.

By the end of the series, Gi-hun emerges as a changed man. His experiences in the game strengthen his moral convictions, leading him to reject the organizers' twisted ideology and seek justice for the victims.

4) Cho Sang-woo

Cho Sang-woo, portrayed by Park Hae-soo, is a complex character in Squid Game. As Gi-hun's childhood friend and a gifted intellectual, he initially appears to be a promising contestant.

Sang-woo's strategic mind and calculated approach to the games make him a formidable player. However, his moral compass becomes increasingly questionable as the series progresses.

Despite his initial facade of loyalty, Sang-woo betrays his friends when his own survival is at stake. His actions reveal a willingness to prioritize self-preservation over ethical considerations.

Sang-woo's descent into morally ambiguous territory is driven by his desperation to escape crushing debt. He sees the deadly contest as his only way out, leading him to make increasingly ruthless choices.

As the games progress, Sang-woo's moral decline becomes more apparent. He manipulates and deceives other players, showing little remorse for his actions.

Ultimately, Sang-woo's character arc demonstrates how extreme circumstances can erode one's moral principles. His journey from respected hometown hero to ruthless competitor illustrates the psychological toll of the game.

5) Hwang Jun-ho

Hwang Jun-ho stands out as a character driven by a strong sense of justice and familial duty. As a police officer, he demonstrates unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth behind the mysterious Squid Game.

Jun-ho's moral compass leads him to infiltrate the game's organization, risking his life to investigate his brother's disappearance. His actions reveal a deep-seated belief in upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable.

Throughout his covert mission, Jun-ho maintains his ethical standards, avoiding unnecessary violence and prioritizing gathering evidence. His determination to expose the game's dark underpinnings showcases his dedication to justice.

Jun-ho's loyalty to his missing brother adds a layer of complexity to his character. This personal motivation drives him to push beyond his professional duties, demonstrating the strength of his familial bonds.

Despite the dangers he faces, Jun-ho remains focused on his goal. His ability to adapt and think quickly under pressure highlights his intelligence and resourcefulness, traits that serve him well in his perilous quest for answers.

6) Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong emerges as a character with a complex moral compass in Squid Game. Her backstory reveals a traumatic past, having killed her abusive father to protect herself.

Despite this act of violence, Ji-yeong displays a strong sense of empathy and selflessness during the games. She forms a genuine connection with Sae-byeok and ultimately sacrifices herself to give her new friend a chance at survival.

Ji-yeong's actions demonstrate a nuanced understanding of right and wrong. She values human connection and is willing to put others before herself, even in life-or-death situations.

Her brief time on screen leaves a lasting impact on viewers. Ji-yeong's moral choices, shaped by her difficult past, highlight the complexity of ethical decision-making under extreme circumstances.

7) Ali Abdul

Ali Abdul stands out as one of the most morally upright characters in Squid Game. His inherent kindness and selflessness are evident from the moment he's introduced.

Ali's compassionate nature shines through when he risks his own life to save Gi-hun during the first game. This act of bravery immediately endears him to viewers and fellow contestants alike.

Throughout the series, Ali consistently displays empathy and a strong moral compass. He forms genuine friendships with other players, particularly Sang-woo, whom he trusts implicitly.

Ali's naivety and trusting nature, while admirable, ultimately lead to his downfall. He falls victim to Sang-woo's manipulation, highlighting the tragic consequences of his unwavering faith in others.

Despite the brutal nature of the games, Ali maintains his integrity and refuses to compromise his values. His character serves as a stark contrast to the more morally ambiguous contestants.

Ali's story arc in Squid Game underscores the vulnerability of good-hearted individuals in a ruthless environment. His moral purity makes his eventual fate all the more heartbreaking for viewers.

8) Han Mi-nyeo

Han Mi-nyeo stands out as one of the most morally ambiguous characters in Squid Game. Her primary motivation throughout the deadly contest is survival at any cost.

Mi-nyeo's actions are driven by a ruthless determination to win, leading her to form and break alliances without hesitation. She displays a cunning nature, using manipulation and deceit to advance her position in the games.

Despite her often selfish behavior, Mi-nyeo occasionally shows glimpses of vulnerability. Her backstory reveals she entered the game to pay off debts and care for her child, adding complexity to her character.

Mi-nyeo's moral compass seems to fluctuate based on her immediate needs and circumstances. She is willing to betray others but also capable of unexpected acts of loyalty when it serves her interests.

Her brash personality and unpredictable actions make her a polarizing figure among both fellow contestants and viewers. Mi-nyeo's role in the series highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by participants in the brutal competition.

9) Jang Deok-su

Jang Deok-su stands out as one of the most morally corrupt characters in Squid Game. As a notorious gangster boss, he enters the deadly competition to clear his substantial debts to both the mafia and a casino.

Deok-su's moral compass consistently points toward self-preservation at any cost. He exhibits no qualms about using violence, manipulation, or betrayal to advance his own interests within the game.

His character represents the darkest aspects of human nature when faced with extreme circumstances. Deok-su forms alliances only to break them when convenient, and he readily sacrifices others to ensure his own survival.

Throughout the series, Deok-su's actions demonstrate a complete lack of empathy or concern for his fellow contestants. He embodies the ruthless mentality that the game's organizers seek to exploit.

Deok-su's character serves as a stark contrast to the more sympathetic participants, highlighting the diverse moral spectrum present among the players. His presence in the game intensifies the overall tension and conflict.

Understanding Moral Compass In Squid Game

Squid Game presents characters with complex moral dilemmas that test their values and ethics. The extreme circumstances of the deadly games force participants to make difficult choices that reveal their true nature.

Moral Dilemmas Faced By Characters

Players confront life-or-death decisions that pit self-preservation against empathy. Seong Gi-hun struggles with whether to betray his childhood friend Sang-woo to survive. Ali must choose between trusting his teammate or looking out for himself.

The games create impossible situations where helping others often means risking one's own life. Characters grapple with sacrificing their humanity to stay alive. Some, like Deok-su, embrace ruthlessness. Others, like Sae-byeok, try to maintain their principles.

Influences On Character Decisions

Past experiences shape how players approach moral choices. Gi-hun's gambling addiction and desperation to provide for his daughter drive his actions. Sang-woo's pressure to succeed and cover up fraud influences his willingness to deceive.

The oppressive game environment also impacts decision-making. Sleep deprivation, constant fear, and the lure of the prize money push characters to their limits. Social bonds formed during the games affect loyalties and alliances.

Players must weigh short-term survival against long-term consequences. The psychological toll of their choices becomes evident as the games progress.

Character Arcs And Moral Development

The characters in Squid Game undergo significant transformations as they face increasingly difficult choices. Their moral compasses are tested and reshaped by the extreme circumstances of the deadly competition.

Growth Through The Game

Seong Gi-hun's journey exemplifies moral growth amidst adversity. He starts as a gambling addict who steals from his mother but evolves into a compassionate leader. Gi-hun's choices to help others, even at personal risk, showcase his developing ethical stance.

Kang Sae-byeok also experiences profound change. Initially distrustful and solely focused on survival, she forms meaningful connections with other players. Her partnership with Ji-yeong reveals a softer side and willingness to sacrifice for others.

Cho Sang-woo's arc presents a stark contrast. A once-successful businessman, he becomes increasingly ruthless as the games progress. His intelligence and strategic thinking are corrupted by desperation, leading to betrayal of allies.

Contrasts In Moral Choices

The series highlights stark differences in how characters respond to moral dilemmas. Ali Abdul consistently chooses kindness and fairness, even in life-threatening situations. His trust in others ultimately leads to his downfall, serving as a tragic commentary on morality in extreme circumstances.

On the opposite end, Jang Deok-su embraces brutality from the start. He forms alliances only to exploit them, showing no remorse for his actions. His unwavering selfishness provides a foil to characters struggling with ethical decisions.

Oh Il-nam's reveal as the mastermind adds complexity to earlier perceptions of his morality. His outward kindness masks a deeply disturbing worldview, challenging viewers' initial judgments of characters' ethics.