Riverdale: 20 most important characters on the show

Riverdale — “Chapter Forty-Eight: Requiem for a Welterweight” — Image Number: RVD313b_0187.jpg — Pictured: Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl — Photo: Shane Harvey/The CW — © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

5. Cheryl Blossom

Once again, there’s an argument to be made that Cheryl Blossom could rightfully top this list. She’s an instant icon, the baddest boss b–ch in Riverdale, the oft-problematic fave we have waited for and deserve.

Madelaine Petsch doesn’t receive nearly enough attention or praise for her honestly Emmy-worthy comedic performances as Cheryl. The former head River Vixen, one-time honorary Serpent and current Pretty Poison is hands down the funniest character on the show.

Aside from being hilarious and the unabashed update on the mean girl with an icy — albeit sometimes golden — heart, Cheryl constantly winds up a pivotal piece of any given mystery.

Whether she’s wielding her bow and arrow like a more fired-up Katniss Everdeen or challenging her enemies to fierce dance battles, she’s an invaluable member of the gang(s), in spite of her unfiltered acid tongue and generally fearless demeanor.

Cheryl also represents a coming out story that’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as far too many coming out experiences can unfortunately be for LGBTQ+ youth. Nevertheless, she’s a shining example of living her truth and rising above oppressive systems.

More than anything, Cheryl Blossom is a breath of fresh air of a character and a veritable scene stealer with her fast-paced dialogue. Petsch will have a long career in character acting outside of Riverdale.