Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 9 isn’t just a finale—it’s a masterclass in character payoff that had fans sobbing, cheering, and screaming “FINALLY!” at their screens 
. After five seasons of Demogorgons, mind flays, and Hawkins chaos, our favorite crew stepped up in ways we never saw coming. Let’s break down the standout characters who made this episode iconic.
Joyce Byers: The Ax-Wielding Mom of Justice 
Joyce has always been Hawkins’ most determined mom, but Episode 9 turned her into a legend. She delivered the final blow to Vecna with that iconic ax, and get this—Winona Ryder nailed the scene in just two takes 
. No rehearsals, just raw, pent-up rage over every loved one Vecna stole (RIP Bob!).
It’s not just about the ax, though. Joyce’s arc comes full circle here: from a frantic mom searching for Will in Season 1 to the group’s moral anchor, chopping down the source of all their trauma. Her moment with flashbacks to past losses? Pure catharsis—proof that anger rooted in love hits harder than any superpower.
Will Byers: The Gold Medal (MVP Sidekick) 
Let’s hear it for Will—no longer the “missing kid” but the hero who turned the tide against Vecna. His ability to “see” through Vecna’s mind (thanks to their shared history) gave the crew the upper hand, and his last-minute intervention to stop Vecna’s killing blow? Chef’s kiss 
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And let’s not forget his Season 5 character growth—coming to terms with his identity wasn’t just a side plot. It gave him the courage to stand up to Vecna, reminding us that embracing who you are is the ultimate strength. Will went from hiding in closets to saving the world, and we’re all here for it.
Eleven: The Sacrificing Superhero with a Heart 
El’s journey has always been about choosing family over power, and Episode 9 takes that to the next level. She didn’t just fight Vecna—she stayed behind in the Upside Down to ensure it was destroyed, saying goodbye to Mike in a scene that broke every fan’s heart 
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Her teamwork with Kali (before Kali’s tragic sacrifice) showed how far she’s come from the lonely lab kid. El’s power isn’t just telekinesis—it’s her ability to bring people together, even when facing impossible odds. And while her fate left us clutching our tissues, Mike’s hopeful theory about her survival has us crossing our fingers for a spin-off cameo.
Vecna: The Villain Who Stayed True to His Evil Roots 
Let’s give credit where it’s due—Vecna is one consistent bad guy. Even when Will tried to appeal to his inner scared kid, he doubled down on merging worlds and spreading chaos. No last-minute redemption here—just pure, unapologetic villainy, and honestly? We respect the commitment 
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His backstory reveal (that he was once a manipulated teen infected by an Upside Down stone) added depth, but didn’t soften him. Vecna’s arc proves that some villains don’t need sympathy—they just need to be taken down by a mom with an ax.
The Unsung Heroes: Kali, Dustin & the Gang 
No finale works without the supporting crew. Kali’s sacrifice (the only major casualty of the final battle) was gut-wrenching but necessary, showing that heroism comes in all forms. Dustin and Steve’s chaotic melee with the Mind Flayer? Classic “boys with bats” energy, but with way more fire 
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Even secondary characters like Erica and Clark 老师 (Mr. Clark) got their moments, proving Stranger Things does “ensemble” better than any other show. Every character, big or small, played a part—because in Hawkins, no one saves the world alone.
Episode 9 wasn’t just an ending—it was a love letter to these characters we’ve grown with. From Joyce’s ax to Will’s courage, El’s sacrifice to Vecna’s downfall, every moment felt earned.
Who was your favorite character in the finale? Did Joyce’s ax moment give you chills, or were you sobbing over El and Mike’s goodbye? Drop a comment—I need to gush with someone about Will’s glow-up. Here’s to Hawkins’ finest—they’ll never be replaced 
!