Mike Wheeler

Mike Wheeler, a central protagonist in the Stranger Things series, is the empathetic and strategic leader of "The Party". Portrayed by Finn Wolfhard, he is often described as the "heart" of the group for his unwavering loyalty and determination to protect those he cares about. The Paladin: In their Dungeons & Dragons games, Mike takes on the role of the Dungeon Master or the Paladin, a holy warrior who acts in the name of good and order. Family: He is the middle child of Ted and Karen Wheeler, with an older sister, Nancy, and a younger sister, Holly. Best Friends: His inner circle includes Will Byers, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, and Max Mayfield. He famously befriended Will on their first day of kindergarten, an act he calls the "best thing [he's] ever done". Relationship with Eleven: Mike is Eleven's boyfriend. Their bond began in 1983 when he hid her in his basement and taught her the mantra "friends don't lie". Leadership & Intellect: Known for his high intelligence and strategic mind, Mike often coordinates the group's efforts against supernatural threats like the Mind Flayer and Vecna. Character Evolution & Trivia Progression: While initially a brave and compassionate pre-teen (jumping off a cliff to save Dustin in Season 1), Mike faces emotional struggles in later seasons as he navigates the complexities of growing up and his evolving feelings for Eleven. Original Name: In the early development stages of the show, his character was named "Elliot". "Upside Down": Mike was the first character to coin the term "Upside Down" for the series' alternate dimension. Inspiration: His character was originally based on Michael "Mikey" Walsh from the 1985 film The Goonies. Mike Wheeler is a main protagonist in Stranger Things, leader of "The Party," and Eleven's (El's) love interest, known for his loyalty, strategic mind, and role as a Dungeons & Dragons. Enjoy!🤍✨️🐺