Maverick
Pete Mitchell, aka "Maverick" is a cocky, brave, and likable young naval aviator. He is often reckless and foolhardy in his approach to flying, making risky decisions and disobeying commands. His risky decisions pay off often, however, and he ends up saving the day in many instances. When he gets to Top Gun, he arrogantly assumes that he is the best naval aviator in the program, which earns him the enmity of some of his fellow students, but the admiration of his instructor Viper, who flew with Maverick's father in Vietnam.
Despite Maverick's cockiness, he has some things to learn about cooperation and teamwork. The death of his best friend, Goose, teaches him to be more careful in the air and to take things more seriously. He is tormented by the death of his friend, and also by the mysterious disappearance of his father. Once he learns that his father died courageously helping his fellow pilots, and once he accepts the death of Goose and harnesses his bravery, he becomes an exceptional fighter pilot.
Goose
Nick Bradshaw, aka "Goose," is Maverick's best friend. He is goofy, affable, loyal, and easy to get along with. Where Maverick is serious and arrogant, Goose is humble and easygoing, and the two complement one another as friends. When Maverick's flying is deemed too reckless by the instructors at Top Gun, Goose confronts him, urging him not to screw up the opportunity for both of them. He remains loyal to Maverick, however, and sees Maverick's potential to grow. He is a loving husband and good father.
Viper
Mike Metcalf, aka "Viper," is a no-nonsense instructor at Top Gun. He admires Maverick's confidence, even if he knows it needs to be harnessed and integrated with the other pilots. He flew with Maverick's father in Vietnam, and so feels a special connection to the young upstart, often giving him second chances where other instructors might not. Ultimately, when Maverick comes to him for advice about whether or not to retire, Viper empowers him by insisting that Maverick has to make that decision on his own. In many ways, Viper is a stand-in father figure for Maverick.
Iceman
Tom Kazansky, aka "Iceman," is Maverick's arch nemesis at Top Gun. He is the best naval aviator in the program, and is known for his crisp, practical, and competent flying. In some ways, he is everything that Maverick is not. Where Maverick is dangerous and brave, but sometimes sloppy, Iceman is never sloppy, and is a markedly competent pilot. He has his own arrogance, often baiting Maverick and scoffing at Maverick's disregard for playing by the rules.
Charlotte Blackwood
Charlotte Blackwood is a civilian correspondent at Top Gun and an astrophysicist who works closely with the Pentagon to aid military intelligence. She is immediately charmed by the cocky Maverick, but she is also not easily led. She wants to remain professional and not show too much of her feelings for Maverick at Top Gun, but she admires his flying and wants to learn more about his run-in with the MiG-28s. When Maverick becomes unresponsive and depressive after the death of Goose, Charlotte feels abandoned and leaves their romantic relationship to take a job at the Pentagon.
Stinger
Stinger is a commander on the aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. He is the one who sends Maverick to Top Gun after his impressive display with the MiG-28s. His attitude towards Maverick is contradictory, in that he admires his flying and competence, but resents his rule-breaking.
Slider
Slider is Iceman's best friend.
Carole
Carole is Goose's wife. She is high-spirited and she loves her husband and knows Maverick well, signing off on his relationship with Charlotte and mourning the loss of Goose with him.
