Ambition is more than a trait—it’s a drive that can move mountains, break barriers, and change lives.
We’re always fascinated by ambitious characters on television, whether they’re climbing to the top or doing whatever it takes to get there.
These are people who not only dream big, but also act on those dreams, often pushing boundaries and making decisions that make us sit on edge.
From ruthless professionals to ruthless dreamers, these characters know what they want and won’t stop until they get it.
But ambition isn’t all glitz and glamor—it often comes with a price.
These 11 TV characters show us how far ambition can take you, and how much it ultimately costs.
Selina Meyer – “Veep”
Selina Meyer is the epitome of ambition—ruthless, determined, and willing to leave anyone behind to achieve success.
As vice president, and then president, she maintained her power at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing relationships, principles, or her own dignity.
In “Veep,” Selina’s political career is a constant struggle for survival in a world where alliances are fleeting and betrayals are inevitable.
Her obsession with climbing the ladder is matched by her ability to manipulate, making her one of the most ambitious and interesting characters on television.
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Ehrlich Bachmann—Silicon Valley
Erlich Bachman was the definition of ambition mixed with arrogance and selfishness.
As Silicon Valley’s future technology tycoon, Ehrlich always believed he was on the verge of a breakthrough, even if his big ideas were often just smoke and mirrors.
Passionate about self-promotion and a knack for convincing others that he’s the genius behind the next big thing, he’ll do whatever it takes to stay relevant – even if it means betraying those closest to him.
His ambition may have been misguided, but it was undeniably ruthless.
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Patty Hughes – Damages
Patty Hewes is an ambitious master who uses her sharp mind and relentless drive to reach the top – no matter who or what stands in her way.
As a high-powered damages lawyer, she manipulates the legal system, her colleagues, and even her own protégés to ensure her victory.
Patty’s ambition isn’t just to win the case; it’s to maintain power and control regardless of collateral damage.
Her willingness to go to any lengths to protect her empire makes her one of the most formidable and dangerous characters on television.
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Maddie Perez – Euphoria
Madi Perez’s ambitions stem from a desire for attention and recognition, and a desire for a high quality of life – at any cost.
In Euphoria , Maddie constantly strives to prove her worth, navigate toxic relationships, and use her charm to maneuver herself through the chaos of adolescence.
While her ambitions seem more personal than professional, her desire to rise above her circumstances drives her every move.
Maddie’s journey reminds us that ambition isn’t just about power or success—sometimes—it’s about surviving in a world that constantly challenges you.
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Martha Scott – Little Reindeer
Martha Scott’s ambition in “Baby Reindeer” is to control, manipulate, and exploit others to achieve her own twisted version of success.
While a successful businesswoman, she also has a dark, compulsive side who has no qualms about bending people to her will.
Her ambition is not just to climb the social ladder, but to dominate the lives of those around her, especially the disadvantaged.
Martha’s ability to hide her true motives behind a facade of charm makes her one of the most shrewd and dangerous characters on television.
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Cassie Dowell – “Big Sky”
Cassie Dewell is the embodiment of ambition fueled by justice and survival.
As Big Sky’s private eye, Cassie’s relentless pursuit of uncovering the truth leads her to navigate dark, dangerous waters where others would hesitate.
She doesn’t just solve crimes; She is finding her place in a world that constantly challenges her.
Cassie’s ambition is fueled by a strong moral compass and an unwavering determination to right the wrongs that come her way – no matter how far she has to go.
She’s strong, smart, and always one step ahead of those who try to stop her.
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Morgan Guillory – High Potential
Morgan Guillory is a single mother with a genius-level IQ and an uncanny ability to solve problems that others can’t even understand.
In “High Potential,” she goes from being a janitor with the LAPD to a full-fledged consultant, helping solve some of the department’s toughest cases.
Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and her extraordinary brain, Morgan’s ambition drives her to prove that she’s more than just a brilliant mind, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Every case she solves paves the way to success, one crime at a time.
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Olivia Benson – Law & Order: SVU
Olivia Benson is the embodiment of unwavering ambition and dedication on Law & Order: SVU.
As a seasoned detective, she works tirelessly to bring justice to victims who often have no voice.
Olivia’s ambition is not about career advancement or personal gain, but about making the world a safer place, one case at a time.
Her tenacity and emotional intelligence allow her to tackle the toughest crimes with strength and compassion, proving that ambition doesn’t just mean success but can lead to real change.
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Rick Grimes – “The Walking Dead”
Rick Grimes’ ambition in “The Walking Dead” is not just to survive the apocalypse, but to lead others through it.
As the Sheriff becomes a reluctant leader, Rick’s drive to protect his team and maintain a sense of morality in a broken world drives every decision he makes.
His ambition evolved from a desire for security to a fierce determination to build a new society.
Throughout the chaos, Rick continues to grapple with the costs of his leadership, proving that ambition is a dangerous but necessary force in a post-apocalyptic world.
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Miranda Bailey – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Miranda Bailey is an ambitious character on Grey’s Anatomy who balances the demands of being a top surgeon with the responsibility of mentoring the next generation.
Her motivation stems from her desire to prove herself in a male-dominated field. She constantly strives for excellence and pushes her colleagues to do the same.
Whether dealing with the complexities of the hospital or managing his personal life, Bailey’s ambition is unwavering.
She is strong, determined and remains committed to creating a legacy of professional success and personal growth.
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Jane Villanueva – Jane the Virgin
Jane Villanueva is the perfect combination of ambition, heart and determination.
In “Jane the Virgin,” her dream of becoming a writer is constantly tested by unexpected twists and turns—such as unexpected artificial insemination—but she never lets the circumstances derail her.
Jane’s ambition is not fame or fortune; It’s about building a life that honors her values, her family, and her creative dreams.
Her journey through love, career, and motherhood shows that ambition can be messy, unpredictable, and passionate, but it’s always worth fighting for.
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The TV character who never stopped climbing
Ambition is what keeps these characters moving forward no matter what obstacles they encounter.
From overcoming personal difficulties to conquering the world, they prove that nothing worth having comes easy.
Whether fighting for success, survival or power, these TV icons show us that ambition is not just a trait, but a way of life.
So, who is your favorite ambitious character? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation!
