Ambition isn’t just a trait — it’s a driving force that can move mountains, break barriers, and change lives.
On TV, characters with ambition are the ones who keep us hooked, whether they’re climbing to the top or doing whatever it takes to get there.
These are the people who don’t just dream big — they act on those dreams, often pushing boundaries and making decisions that leave us on the edge of our seats.
From ruthless professionals to relentless dreamers, these characters know what they want and won’t stop until they have it.
But ambition isn’t all glitz and glamour — often, it comes with a cost.
These 11 TV characters show us just how far ambition can take you — and how much it can cost in the end.
Selina Meyer – Veep
Selina Meyer is the epitome of ambition — ruthless, determined, and willing to throw anyone under the bus to get ahead.
As Vice President, then President, she stops at nothing to maintain her power, even if it means sacrificing relationships, principles, or her own dignity.
On Veep, Selina’s political career is a constant battle for survival in a world where alliances are fleeting and betrayal is inevitable.
Her obsession with climbing the ladder is matched only by her ability to manipulate, making her one of TV’s most ambitious — and funniest — characters.
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Erlich Bachman – Silicon Valley
Erlich Bachman is the definition of ambition wrapped in a cocktail of arrogance and self-absorption.
As a would-be tech mogul in Silicon Valley, Erlich constantly believes he’s on the verge of a breakthrough, even when his big ideas are, more often than not, just smoke and mirrors.
With a penchant for self-promotion and a knack for convincing others he’s the genius behind the next big thing, he’ll do whatever it takes to remain relevant — even if it means betraying those closest to him.
His ambition may be misguided, but it’s undeniably relentless.
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Patty Hewes – Damages
Patty Hewes is a master of ruthless ambition, using her sharp mind and unyielding drive to climb to the top — no matter who or what gets in her way.
As a high-powered attorney on Damages, she manipulates the legal system, her colleagues, and even her own protégés to secure her victories.
Patty’s ambition is not just about winning cases; it’s about maintaining power and control, with no regard for the collateral damage.
Her willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect her empire makes her one of TV’s most formidable — and dangerous — characters.
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Maddy Perez – Euphoria
Maddy Perez’s ambition is driven by a thirst for attention and validation and a craving for the high life—no matter the cost.
On Euphoria, Maddy constantly strives to prove her worth, navigating toxic relationships and using her charm to manipulate her way through the chaos of adolescence.
While her ambition might seem more personal than professional, her desire to rise above her circumstances fuels her every move.
Maddy’s journey is a reminder that ambition isn’t just about power or success—sometimes — it’s about survival in a world that constantly challenges you.
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Martha Scott – Baby Reindeer
Martha Scott’s ambitions in Baby Reindeer are all about control, manipulation, and using others to achieve her own twisted version of success.
As a successful businesswoman with a dark, obsessive side, she has no qualms about bending people to her will.
Her ambition isn’t just about climbing the social ladder — it’s about dominating the lives of those around her, especially the vulnerable.
Martha’s ability to disguise her true motives behind a veneer of charm makes her one of the most calculating, quietly dangerous characters on TV.
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Cassie Dewell – Big Sky
Cassie Dewell is the embodiment of ambition fueled by justice and survival.
As a private investigator on Big Sky, Cassie’s relentless drive to uncover the truth pushes her to navigate dark, dangerous waters where others would hesitate.
She’s not just solving crimes; she’s carving out her place in a world that constantly challenges her.
Cassie’s ambition is marked by a strong moral compass and an unwavering determination to right the wrongs she encounters — no matter how far she has to go to do it.
She’s tough, smart, and always one step ahead of those who try to stop her.
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Morgan Gillory – High Potential
Morgan Gillory is a single mom with a genius-level IQ and an uncanny ability to solve problems others can’t even begin to understand.
On High Potential, she goes from a janitor at the LAPD to a full-fledged consultant, helping the department crack some of its 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.
With every case she solves, she’s building her path 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’s driven by a relentless pursuit of justice for victims who often have no voice.
Olivia’s ambition isn’t about career advancement or personal gain — it’s about making the world a safer place, one case at a time.
Her tenacity and emotional intelligence allow her to navigate the toughest crimes with a mix of strength and compassion, proving that ambition can be about more than just success — it can be about making a real difference.
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Rick Grimes – The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes’ ambition on The Walking Dead isn’t just about surviving the apocalypse — it’s about leading others through it.
As the sheriff turned reluctant leader, Rick’s drive to protect his group and maintain a sense of morality in a broken world fuels every decision he makes.
His ambition evolves from a desire for safety to a fierce determination to build a new society.
Throughout the chaos, Rick constantly battles with the cost of his leadership, proving that ambition is a dangerous yet necessary force in a post-apocalyptic world.
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Miranda Bailey – Grey’s Anatomy
Miranda Bailey is a powerhouse of ambition on Grey’s Anatomy, balancing the demands of being a top surgeon with the responsibility of mentoring the next generation.
Her drive is rooted in her desire to prove herself in a male-dominated field. She constantly strives for excellence and pushes her colleagues to do the same.
Whether navigating the hospital’s complexities or managing her personal life, Bailey’s ambition is unwavering.
She’s tough, determined, and always working toward creating a legacy of professional success and personal growth.
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Jane Villanueva – Jane the Virgin
Jane Villanueva is the perfect blend of ambition, heart, and determination.
On Jane the Virgin, her dream of becoming a writer is constantly tested by unexpected twists — like being accidentally artificially inseminated — but she never lets that derail her.
Jane’s ambition isn’t about 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 full of heart, but it’s always worth fighting for.
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The TV Characters Who Never Stop Climbing
Ambition is what keeps these characters pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
From overcoming personal struggles to taking on the world, they prove that nothing worth having comes easy.
Whether it’s the fight for success, survival, or power, these TV icons show us that ambition isn’t just a trait — it’s a way of life.
So, who’s your favorite ambitious character? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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