One of the most fascinating aspects of Mad Men is how it examines society during a bygone era. Taking place in the 1960s and focusing on those who work at an NYC advertising firm, the series is an engrossing look at what kind of people were given power for no reason and who had to fight for their positions.
Power in the series seems to come from wealth, professional positions, and social standings. Some of these characters fit nicely into their power ranking positions while others were examples of the unfairness of the society at the time. Have a look at Mad Men's least and most powerful characters.
10 Sally Draper
As the main child character on the show, it makes sense that Sally Draper would have the lowest power ranking out of everyone. She is a bright kid who proves herself to be pretty independent by the end of the series, but she is still confined.
If Mad Men were to follow Sally into adulthood, it might show that she was able to move up in the power rankings. But as it stands, Sally does what is needed of her by the family and doesn't have much influence of her own.
9 Lane Pryce
Lane Pryce was introduced to the show in its third season and became a very compelling character. While he presents himself as a man of sophistication and authority, it soon becomes clear that Lane doesn't have things as together as he likes to pretend.
Lane is used by his original employers, being shipped from one business to another to make them financially viable. While he eventually gets up the courage to leave them, he is still someone who tries desperately to gain respect but can't quite do it. In the end, his reputation is disgraced and he takes his own life.
8 Betty Draper
Mad Men makes it very clear that women are not as respected as men in this society. Betty Draper is an excellent example of this as she is expected to be a housewife and nothing more. At the beginning of the series, Betty takes on this role dutifully, but it's clear she is growing very unhappy.
As the series continues, Betty is able to gain a little more agency for herself, but she still finds herself being used by the men in her life and unable to shape her own path.
7 Harry Crane
Harry Crane begins the show as one of the nicer ad men at Sterling Cooper but grows sleazier as time goes on. In the early days, he is a pushover who fails to fight for what he is owed and avoids confrontation at all costs. However, his work in the television branch of the company gains him more success.
Over time, Harry's success continues to grow and he becomes more arrogant. However, he is disliked by most of the top executives in the company, and when he demands a partnership in the firm he is denied.
6 Pete Campbell
Pete Campbell might be one of the most unlikable characters in the show who has done some truly awful things. He is also someone who thinks he is owed respect without actually trying to earn it for himself.
He often butts heads with Don and even tries to go over his head at times, before being put in his place. However, Pete's family connections gain him power if not respect from others. For the most part, his colleagues put up with him for his professional skills, but they don't like him much.
5 Joan Holloway
As soon as Joan is introduced in the show, she is in a strange middle ground in terms of her power ranking in the office. She is the head secretary and therefore she is the authority figure for all of the female employees. At the same time, she is objective and disrespected by the male employees.
However, Joan also proves herself to be an asset to the company, ensuring that the office is running smoothly at all times. Though her gender still puts her at a disadvantage on the team, she is able to earn herself a partnership and eventually starts her own production company.
4 Bert Cooper
Among the firm's most important figures, Bert Cooper is right at the top, though he doesn't often involve himself in the day-to-day business. Bert is mostly seen as the older authority figure the others go to when they need something.
Though he is greatly respected by the others, there is the sense that the other partners don't necessarily view him as an integral part of the future of the company, yet his persona and the way he carries himself signifies importance.
3 Roger Sterling
Roger Sterling is the other big name at the company in the beginning though, like Cooper, there is always the lurking question of what he actually contributes apart from his name. Roger is a bit of a goofball who is more preoccupied with drinking and womanizing than doing actual work.
However, when needed, Roger eventually shows strong professional energy that makes him a success. He has always been wealthy and part of high society, which gives him confidence in any situation. He is a well-liked man who always gets what he wants.
2 Peggy Olsen
Peggy is a great example of the societal change women were working on at this time. She begins the series as the shy new secretary in the office who is disrespected and ignored, but she gradually proves her talent and ability beyond her pigeonholed position and she keeps defying what is expected of her.
Peggy is met with countless obstacles throughout her career and she has to always work extra hard to overcome them. Her success brings her the respect and power she always knew she deserved.
1 Don Draper
While Peggy is an example of the women who worked hard to get respect in this era, Don Draper is an example of the men who were given everything they want despite their glaring flaws. He is a handsome and successful businessman and that opens all the doors in the world for him.
Like Peggy, Don is naturally talented at his job, which allows him to rise to heights of success. But his erratic behavior inside and outside of the office is somehow overlooked and he is given countless second chances to continue living a privileged life.
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