Audiences know best movies. Its small memorable ensemble brings together a story about relationships, youth, and the fleeting nature of life.
American Beauty presents iconic scenes, bringing fans visions of rose pedals and floating plastic bags. However, its characters drive the script. Many of these personalities are funny and entertaining. However, some are more likable than others. Thanks to their actions and attitudes throughout the film, their more and less pleasant qualities are put on display.
Col. Frank Fitts
Chris Cooper's Frank is the main antagonist. Many fans call one of Chris Cooper's best movies. He is a former army man and a stern disciplinary father to Ricky. He is cold toward his wife and violent toward his son. He is an outwardly hateful man, shown spouting out homophobic slurs after he meets his new gay neighbors who welcome him to their community.
Frank beats his son and is unable to accept him. His hateful behavior leads to the most shocking death of the story. Aside from his heinous actions, his demeanor is unlikable. He is grumpy, and rarely seen with anything but a frown on his face. He doesn't do anything kind for others. He is miserable and no one seems to enjoy being around him.
Angela Hayes
Mena Suvari plays Angela. She is Jane Burnham's friend and often brags to her about her several romantic relationships with men. Angela can be friendly and cheerful. However, her negative qualities overshadow her good ones.
Angela is conceited and often talks about herself. She is revealed as a liar when she tells Lester she is a virgin. She isn't a good friend to Jane. When Jane is happy with her budding relationship with Ricky Fitts, she isn't ive and mocks them. She shows her selfishness in her flirtation with Lester, which makes Jane outwardly uncomfortable.
Carolyn Burnham
Carolyn, played by Annette Bening, is Lester Burnham's wife and Jane's mother. She is a driven real estate agent. She does her best to be cheerful and "project an image of success." However, her focus on this success brings out some of her worst qualities.
She is materialistic, as presented in Lester's outburst about getting a stain on their couch. She is selfish and duplicitous, as shown in her affair with Buddy Kane. She isn't a good mother to Jane and even slaps her during one of their arguments. She is troubled and unhappy but takes her pain out on others.
Lester Burnham
Lester Burnham is the protagonist of the film. Kevin Spacey plays the character in one of his most famous roles. He is the hero of the story, and many fans revere his enthusiasm in quitting his dead-end job, shirking his responsibilities, and buying his dream sports car. However, Lester shows several unaffable qualities.
He is selfish. He goes after his daughter's underage friend, despite how uncomfortable it makes her. He is cold and aggressive to both Jane and Carolyn. He is focused on himself and doesn't perform many altruistic acts. Some audiences might argue that he redeems himself in moments like when he comforts Frank and doesn't go through with sleeping with Angela. However, his unlikable behavior is hard to ignore.
Jane Burnham
Jane is played by Thora Birch. She is Carolyn and Lester's neglected daughter. Her performance helps make American Beauty one of Sam Mendes' highest-rated films. She shows her likable qualities in her relationship with Ricky. Ricky begins his relationship with Jane by filming her and leaving messages outside her window.
At first, Jane is turned off by his actions. However, even though Angela advises against it, she gives him a chance. She defends him against Angela's insults. Her personality also comes out in her relationship with her parents. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself in front of them.
Buddy Kane
Buddy, played by Peter Gallagher, is Carolyn's real estate competition. He is one of the less developed main characters. However, he shows his likable qualities on screen. He is almost always shown with a smile on his face. He is cheerful. However, his less likable qualities come out in his relationship with Carolyn.
He proves to be self-centered when he doesn't Lester when Carolyn introduces them after they've already met. Furthermore, he hurts Carolyn in breaking off their affair, citing his finances and career as the reasons.
Ricky Fitts
Ricky is the Burnhams' neighbor and Frank's son. Some fans say Rick is one of actor Wes Bentley's best roles. He is an outcast at school and puts some students like Angela off with his quiet observant behavior. However, he is kind. Some audiences might say his stoic attitude has a cheerful tone.
Ricky is outgoing. He strikes up a friendship with both Lester and Jane. He shows Jane his father's antiques. He offers to provide Lester with marijuana. He stands up for Jane when Angela berates her. He shows his less affable qualities in the harsh words he uses toward Angela. However, his unpleasant actions are seldom. He is even kind to his father who beats him and invades his privacy.
