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Irish whiskey. The stick. A good hard case. And women. These are some affinities in the life of officer Jimmy McNulty. A failed marriage, drunkenness, philandering, disturbing co-workers in the middle of the night, insubordination and backdooring aside, McNulty is good police - both in skill and heart - driven by a propensity for solving cases.

Whether working back on a mope or a moldering John Doe, The Bunk is a skillful, cigar-toting veteran of the homicide detective. As partner, Bunk and McNulty worked in tandem both on and off the job, doing as much damage in bars and, with luck, bedrooms, as they ever manage in the way of police work. Loyal, dry and hilariously profane, The Bunk is married with three kids, and is a student of psychology and manipulation - a good interrogator and a cop for whom a glance or a stray word can tell whole stories. He has a low threshold for bullshit, excepting his own, of course

The number two in the Barksdale organization, Bell grew up in the projects alongside Avon Barksdale and his chief enforcer, Wee-Bey Brice. He's a master of organization with a penchant for economic theory.

As one of Baltimore's most notorious stick-up artists, Omar Little brings another element to the game: the hunt. With his long duster, battle armor and the sweep of his shotgun, he adds an additional element of risk for Baltimore's dealers. Uncomfortable with profanity and careful to rob only dealers and others in the game who can have no complaint to police, Omar shows particular pride when taking off the stronger organizations .

With a law degree under his belt, the career-conscious Lt. Daniels has been on and off the fast track. Hamstrung by his superiors, he’ll still do what it takes to crack the case, even if it means jeopardizing his career. 

Leader of the drug organization that bears his name, Barksdale grew up in the Terrace high-rises and has managed to avoid arrest, remaining a furtive but increasingly powerful force in the Westside drug trade. 

A ruthless and cunning young player, Marlo Stanfield caught everyone off guard with his insurgent campaign against the larger Barksdale crew. Although Stringer Bell was inclined to grant generous terms to the upstart, Avon Barksdale, newly returned from prison, was disgusted to learn that a young, spirited gangster had run his boys off some prime real estate. 

"Your turn, girl." That's all Snoop needed to hear from Marlo. She took the opportunity to go at a Barksdale corner - on the back of a motorbike - and landed a headshot that took a Barksdale hitter, Rico, out of the game. That was her first, but not her last. As Chris Partlow's second, she is a hardcore hitter whose size and demeanor belies her lethal abilities.

He's tried in earnest to clean himself up, but for Bubbles, drug-free living has always been problematic. Living in vacant houses and abandoned garages, selling second-hand items out of a shopping cart, Bubbles scratches and claws his way through West Baltimore, trying for a little dignity in a life that offers little of the sort. 

As the I.B.S union's secretary treasurer, Frank Sobotka is the pater familia for an extended family. He's the guy everyone turns to — when they need work, when they get hurt on the job, when they are desperate for money. But work on the docks is disappearing, the port is being taken over by development, and union membership is dwindling fast. Sobotka's dream is to return the port to some of its past glory for workers. To do this he has decided to take an all-or-nothing shot, lobbying lawmakers to dredge the canal, which would make Baltimore competitive as a port.   But taking care of everyone in the sinking union and feeding lobbyists secret $50,000 chunks of cash is expensive business, and although his intentions are good, his means are coming crashing in on him. To finance his efforts, he is being paid to let The Greek's shipping containers slip into the port undetected by authorities. Now, his feud with police Major Valchek (caused by Sobotka's one-upping of the Major with his church window) combined with the discovery of 13 dead girls in a shipping can has brought on a major investigation of the port. 

A veteran Baltimore Sun reporter, the acerbic Bill Zorzi has been covering the federal courthouse and working early rewrite on Sundays since the paper's buyouts of two years ago. Given to swearing, especially under deadline pressure, when Zorzi takes a hit for not catching a city courthouse story (not his beat), he isn't thrilled with the order to pick up the slack.

A low-level Barksdale dealer and sidekick to Bodie Broadus, Poot is, as they say, for the ladies. Frequently derided for his constant pursuit of corner girls, Poot is just as frequently a visitor to the University Hospital clinic for sexual transmitted diseases. He grew up in the towers and works selling heroin and cocaine in the low-rises alongside Bodie and Wallace. 

The disciplinarian at Tilghman Middle, Assistant Principal Donnelly has seen it all and maintains a perspective that allows her to get from one day to the next. She does what she can to maintain a modicum of order in the school, utilizing techniques - from informants to plea bargaining to a flying "warrant squad" for truants - that any law enforcement professional would recognize and admire.

When Councilman Carcetti wanted to leak a story about then-Mayor Royce's plan to defer the Police Academy class, he called City Hall reporter Jeff Price. Price has been around long enough to get the job done — and also long enough to get a little complacent. When he misses a story, he's quick to jump in and run with it when his editor Gus Haynes points it out.

The youngest member of the crew, his angelic looks belie a tongue that could pace itself in a room of longshoreman. Unparented and packed up on the street, Kenard is essentially raising himself.  

"We tune 'em up, beat 'em down, lock 'em up. The Western District way." Herc is at home on the streets, knocking heads, conducting street sweeps and slapping bracelets on young hoppers. Dedicated and well-meaning on the one hand, Herc finds temptation challenging on the other - especially when there's a payday involved... whether it lines its own pockets or furthers a case through improper means. 

Bubbles' scruffy N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous) sponsor Walon leverages his own painful past to help others clean up their lives. His gentle hand with Bubs has firmed up over the past year, though, and Walon is losing patience with his friend's treading water in the program.

Vondas manages all aspects of The Greek's illicit shipping business, but kept a low profile, working discreetly out of Little Johnny's Diner. He supervises Sergei in shipment pickups, deliveries and other special duties as directed by The Greek. He also serves as the negotiator between The Greek and various associates, including the union leader Sobotka, who allowed their shipments to pass through the docks. 

Raised by Lt. Daniels as a pup in the Eastern District drug unit, she’s the smartest narcotics detective he’s got. Her ability and willingness to do the job challenges McNulty's unfavorable view of female police.

Sergei Malatov is a trusted lieutenant in The Greek's nefarious import business. When fresh supplies of Russian vodka, appliances, electronics — and even Eastern Bloc women to serve as strippers — arrive in Baltimore, Sergei is there to ensure the cargo is delivered to their associates in the city. 

An old school journalist with an old-boy network (he worked in Philadelphia with University of Maryland journalism dean Gene Robbins), Executive Editor Whiting hasn't let his silver hair slow his ambition. He's determined to snag a Pulitzer for The Baltimore Sun. He likes order, and prefers a series that tugs at the heartstrings to a story bogged down with a lot of social context.

A blind barkeep, Butchie serves as Omar's banker and advisor — one of the few people the stick-up artist can trust. Quick to arrange for cash or muscle as the need arises, Butchie also stands as the lone point of contact for reaching out to Omar. Though Butchie still moves some drugs through his store — including the lethal "hot shots" that Avon Barksdale served at Jessup — he manages to stay out of the sights and off the minds of Baltimore's major players.

Wee-Bey's enduring fidelity and fearless disposition makes him a consummate soldier. Brawny and brutal, Barksdale's lieutenant leads by example: he exacts discipline on the ranks and murders without conscience. 

Major Valchek's son-in-law, Prez is an impulsive, frightened officer with terrible street instincts and no clue how to handle police work. But marrying a politically-connected major's daughter has its privileges.

When the department brass issued an ultimatum to commanders demanding that they effectively manage the crime rate in their districts, Western District's Major Colvin isn't re-classifying felonies or juking the stats like other district supervisors. 

Carcetti's deputy campaign manager, Norman's practical approach to managing a white councilman's bid for mayor in the City of Baltimore is that of a professional political operative. A former Baltimore Sun night editor, much beloved by his reporters, Wilson is an effective manager, an honest voice and a disciplined teammate who knows the players, angles and strategies to give Carcetti his best chance of winning City Hall.  

As James "Jimmy" McNulty's go-to city judge, Phelan's signature has caused more headaches for police, politicians and drug dealers alike than any other name in Baltimore. His soft spot for Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman has lured him out on a limb in the past, and McNulty's ever-increasing expectations continue to push the limits of Phelan's good sense.

A stevedore in Local 47, Nick is Sobotka's nephew. He lives in the basement of his mother's house, so overnight visits from his girlfriend Aimee have to be kept secret — even though they have a daughter, Ashley, together. He wants to move out, get a nice home and set up a good life for his family — but money is tight and "hours" on the dock are few and far between. 

Michael Steintorf manages Mayor Tommy Carcetti's administration by the numbers. With money for schools, police and social services leaking from ever-shrinking coffers, Steintorf knows how to invest city funds for the highest margin of political gain. But the chief of staff's gaming the system — like turning down state money for schools to protect Carcetti's gubernatorial run — looks a lot like selling out Baltimore's citizens in favor of advancing his career.

A young, eager reporter, Gutierrez has been at The Baltimore Sun for just five months, fresh from a stint at the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. As she gets a taste of success, she goes from being satisfied with a contributed line, to waking up at dawn to get an early copy of her first front-page byline. Her natural instincts and dedication don't escape the notice of City Editor Gus Haynes.

With his trademark suit and bowtie, rimmed glasses, well-spoken demeanor and penchant for highbrow literature, public commentary and journalistic essay, Mouzone seems more like a banker or entrepreneur or scholar. Given Mouzone's Muslim faith, many have concluded that the New York-based hit man has some history with the Nation of Islam, though this in no way jibes with that group's anti-drug stance. Some say Mouzone spent years with the sect but is now an apostate. Others say his appearance is a calculated act of intimidation, but that he is in no way connected with NOI.  

Avon Barksdale's lawyer, Maurice Levy is an important counsel to the gangsters that can afford his services.

A gambling man with an affinity for the dogfights, eastside lieutenant Cheese - a nephew to Proposition Joe - is among his trusted lieutenants, a bit more hot-headed and ready for action than Proposition Joe normally requires, given Joe's reluctance to show muscle or profile. 

A preppy mother of two, Jennifer Carcetti has supported her husband, Thomas "Tommy" Carcetti, throughout his career and is endlessly understanding of her husband's long hours and erratic schedule.

With her eye on Mayor Tommy Carcetti's office, Nerese Campbell offers her clout with the ministers and influence on the council as a down payment toward her ambition. Carcetti assures her that his imminent run at the state house will free up the big chair, but Nerese, far too crafty to take anyone's word on a promise like that, continues to position herself as an indispensable liaison.

The sounding board for her husband Cedric's career frustrations, the ambitious Ms. Daniels has long urged him to leave police work, use his law degree and join an influential firm.  

Barksdale's nephew - the son of his sister - rose through the ranks of the organization and was eventually given the high-rise tower at 221 West Fremont, lucrative territory. 

As the commander of C.I.D. Homicide, Major Rawls is a career officer and a lethal bureaucrat, not to be crossed.  

Broken and neglected, living in a house given over to addiction and alcoholism, Dukie has nothing. Anything he brings home is devoured and exploited by the same people who are supposed to caring for him. Intelligent and open to new experiences, he nonetheless clings to the remnants of a childhood through his friends on the street, on whom he often relies for loyalty, support and a few dollars here and there. 

In Baltimore's Western District, Dennis Mello is the administrative lieutenant and the Baltimore-accented voice of the roll call room. 

Ziggy is Frank Sobotka's son, which also makes him Nick's cousin. He fancies himself a big man who gets the girls and flashes the cash. Zig is on a constant quest to prove his manhood to others, but his efforts always seem to come up short. The dockworkers and bar locals take advantage of this vulnerability by playing tricks on him. Ziggy acts like it doesn't matter, but he deep down feels the pain. 

Another soldier in Barksdale's line-up, Preston "Bodie" Broadus, grew up the hard way in Baltimore with an economy that couldn't support him. Neither could his mother, so his grandmother took him in. Bodie is coming up in The Pit under D'Angelo Barksdale's soft supervision, which was at odds with his own style. He is loyal, stoic and willing to do whatever his superiors regard as necessary.

Another foot soldier on the homicide squad, Crutchfield doesn't mind putting in the overtime necessary to drop red names off the board. But if the OT slips come back unpaid, he's realistic enough to spend his off-time making rent rather than cases.

A nimble and resourceful politician, the two-term mayor of Baltimore Clarence Royce has a strong grip on municipal power.  

As Marlo Stanfield's most trusted and valued lieutenant and enforcer, Chris is a tactician, a voice of assurance and in the last, fleeting glances of his victims, the angel of death. 

Leading the charge against corrupt State Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis, the grand jury prosecutor doesn't have much patience for the egos and entitlements of those called to testify. He's at the point in his career, however, where he doesn't really have to.

As Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Burrell had long served as the No. 2 man in the Baltimore department, surviving by protecting the department's reputation as well as his own. Police work is a secondary consideration. 

A veteran of the homicide unit, Norris prides himself on his New York origins, secretly maintaining a love of the New York Yankees that would see him ostracized in the Baltimore unit were it common knowledge. His brother, a deputy commissioner in the NYPD, was a rising star until taking a position with a police department in a southern state and running afoul of local customs and politics. Norris spends his evenings listening to a great deal of talk radio.

As a leading Assistant State's Attorney in the narcotics division, Pearlman is a guiding legal presence. But like everyone else with her eye on office politics and the next promotion, Pearlman is often worried about the political implications of the casework. 

Moderately vain, mostly nebbish, Klebanow is the Managing Editor of The Baltimore Sun. Having worked in Philadelphia with Executive Editor James C. Whiting III, he ends up doing most of Whiting's dirty work. With belt-tightening and cutbacks at the paper, this means Klebanow is charged with offering buy-outs and making his team do more with less. He has a weakness for attractive young female reporters with questionable writing skills.

The strongest member of C.I.D. auto theft squad, Sydnor has proven himself to be fearless, patient and competent - attributes that might have marked him for promotion in a healthier institution than the Baltimore City Police Department.  

A savvy and charismatic hustler, the state legislator seemingly has no other agenda than raising money for himself and his political allies. He is a master of the con, bureaucratically protected and willing to take money from whoever happens to offering it. Shameless as he is personable, Senator Davis is not without his charm.

Demoted to desk work in the pawnshop unit for refusing to be less than entirely aggressive in a politically-connected case, Lester Freamon has languished for 13 years in oblivion and developed a sideline making dollhouse miniatures to bide the time. 

City Editor Gus Haynes is an old-school reporter's editor who loves to chase down stories and burn corrupt politicians. Claiming he flunked out of journalism school, he has a deep institutional knowledge of Baltimore having worked his way up from district police reporting (where he met Major Dennis Mello) and a stint on the labor beat. He can read between the lines of any press conference or canned statement, and calls it like he sees it. Vulgar and unrefined, he chafes against the new management types at the Sun. He's quick to compliment deserving young reporters — but not so much that it makes them lazy; he likes to keep his reporters hungry. Dedicated to getting it right, he wakes up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat if he thinks he missed a detail.

Horseface works the docks as a "checker" and, as one of the oldest members of the I.B.S union, is a loyal confidant of Frank Sobotka. Horseface's special duty is to check all cans laden with illicit shipments destined for The Greek and ensure they arrive undetected by the port authorities.  

Out of respect and courtesy - and a growing need for fresh muscle in their organization - fellow inmates Avon Barksdale and Wee-Bey Brice reached out to this old school soldier before his parole. 

Vernon Holley, a veteran homicide detective, knows how to put together a case on solid police work, but he also adheres staunchly to the unspoken rules of the homicide department: Catch a body when you're up, and don't go looking for murders to solve.

Officer Anthony Colicchio is driven by a strong sense of right and wrong, which doesn't always match that of his colleagues' on the police force.  

Russell is a cop without much real policing experience — as a port police she's spent most of her time directing traffic and checking shipping manifests. A single mother who isn't looking to complicate her life, it is Russell who discovers a container with its seal broken and finds the bodies of 13 women inside. 

The commander of the Southeastern District, home to the remaining white ethnic neighborhoods in Baltimore, is a political survivor and bureaucratic player of the first order. 

The politically astute Valchek once said of Councilman Carcetti: "He's an asspain when he wants something, but mostly good people." Having aspirations besides warming the backbench, this self-described proud son of the Fighting First District harbors a genuine idealism and a desire to improve the life of the city's diverse population. But those ideals are harnessed to naked political ambitions. 

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Russell "Stringer" Bell

Played by Idris Elba

The number two in the Barksdale organization, Bell grew up in the projects alongside Avon Barksdale and his chief enforcer, Wee-Bey Brice. He's a master of organization with a penchant for economic theory.

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