Which “West Wing” Character Are You?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 2, 2024

Ever wondered which corridors of power you'd stride through in "The West Wing"? Oh, we know you have! It's the show that brought the inner workings of the Oval Office into our living rooms and made us all feel a tad more presidential. From the whip-smart banter to the heart-tug moments, the beloved series created by the indomitable Aaron Sorkin has left an indelible mark on television history. Thankfully, unlike the real West Wing, you don't need security clearance to figure out which character from the series mirrors your own brand of savvy.

Whether you're a fan who's watched every episode since Season 1 or a newcomer eager to be part of the Bartlet administration, we have a hunch about which resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue you're most like. Are you the fiercely intelligent CJ Cregg, handling the press with an iron fist in a velvet glove? Or maybe you're Josh Lyman, the wunderkind political machinist who's always three steps ahead. Or could it be you're President Josiah Bartlet himself, with wisdom and wit in equal measure?

Don't just sit there speculating; let's find out together! Strap in and join us on a ride through the West Wing—our quiz is the next best thing to an episode director's chair, and we bet it'll be as exciting as any ED-1 lockdown. Alright, friends, it's time to play chief of staff for your own character arc.

Getting to Know the Staff

Gear up! We're going on an exclusive tour of the West Wing to meet the eclectic staff that navigates the political seas alongside President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet. These are the characters we love, admire, and sometimes aspire to be when we're playing armchair president from our living room sofas.

President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet

Our main man, President Bartlet, is brilliantly portrayed by Martin Sheen—he’s the President of the United States we wish we could vote for every election. Bartlet combines wisdom with wit and holds the nation's highest office with a mix of integrity and intelligence that's tougher to find than a pen in a haystack.

Josh Lyman: The Deputy Dynamo

Josh Lyman, played by Bradley Whitford, is the Deputy Chief of Staff—as loyal as they come, and with a sense of humor as sharp as his political acumen. Whether he's sparring with colleagues or steering the ship through choppy legislative waters, Josh's charm and wit never skip a beat.

C.J. Cregg: Pressing Matters

Next up, we have the ever powerful and eloquent C.J. Cregg, the White House’s Press Secretary. Allison Janney steps into C.J.'s shoes and walks the tightrope of press relations with the grace of a seasoned pro, one who knows how to turn a phrase green with envy.

Toby Ziegler: The Communications King

The man behind the messages, Toby Ziegler, plays the White House Communications Director. Richard Schiff brings to life this king of communications with a gruff exterior and a heart gold enough to buy out Fort Knox.

Sam Seaborn: The Idealist

Sam Seaborn, portrayed by Rob Lowe, is the Deputy Communications Director whose idealism shines brighter than the National Christmas Tree. He’s got a vision for America that is as lofty as his expectations from his barista.

Donnatella 'Donna' Moss: More Than An Assistant

The indispensable Donnatella 'Donna' Moss, played by Janel Moloney, shows us what a true assistant looks like—not just Josh Lyman’s right hand, but also the beating heart behind the operations. And let’s be honest, who wouldn't want a Donna in their life?

Leo McGarry: The Backbone of Bartlet's Administration

Last, but certainly not least, Leo McGarry, the Chief of Staff. John Spencer embodies Leo as the backbone of the Bartlet administration, the boss everyone respects, and the mentor everyone seeks. His strategic mind would give even chess grandmasters a run for their money.

Beyond the Oval Office: Dynamics and Relationships

We're diving into the tangled web where personal lives and politics collide. From brewing bromances to West-Wing whirlwind romances, it's all the juicy bits that make us root for our favorite characters—or passionately debate which ones we love to hate.

Friendships and Rivalries

The corridors of power aren't just a battleground for policies; they're ripe with budding friendships and fierce rivalries. Take the bromance between Josh Lyman and Sam Seaborn; it's a classic blend of wit and loyalty, with a dash of competition. But let's not forget Josh's hand-to-hand rivalry with Toby Ziegler, marked by snappy banter and a race for President Bartlet's approval. We'd all love to grab a drink and watch these dynamics unfold... or maybe just join their witty back-and-forth.

• Josh & Sam - The Bromance
• Josh vs. Toby - The Rivalry
• President Bartlet & His Staff - The Brain Trust

Romantic Entanglements

Oh, the drama! C.J. Cregg, with her razor-sharp tongue, has us all guessing who'll be the lucky one to dance away with her heart. And then there's Sam and the call girl, a risky dance on the edges of scandal. But let's not overlook Donna Moss—we all know her heart beats for Josh, even if it takes them as long as it'd take to pass a bill to admit it. Sparks fly faster than executive orders in the White House, forcing us to swoon and facepalm at the same time.

• Sam’s Risqué Romance - A Call Girl Conundrum
• C.J.'s Admirers - The Love Line
• Josh & Donna - The Long Game

Life Outside the West Wing

Could you imagine Leo married to his job? Well, for this chief of staff, the White House is his first lady—talk about commitment! And while Toby might look like he's lost in the inner workings of his mind, his thoughts often stray to his ex-wife and his children. Remember those rare peeks at their college days? It's a miracle they ever graduated and didn't remain caught up in a permanent state of collegiate shenanigans!

• Leo - Married to the Job
• Toby’s Personal Struggles - Beyond the Briefings
• Staff Flashbacks - The College Days