American Horror Story: The Best Character Of Each Season So Far

2. AHS: Asylum - Lana Winters

"I am tough, but I'm no cookie."

Lana Winters remains Sarah Paulson's most accomplished character, a passionate journalist who investigates a mental institution for the identity of the mysterious murderer Bloody Face, but soon finds herself trapped as an inmate of Briarcliff Manor because of her sexuality.

Lana goes from intelligent but naïve writer to a survivor of torture and violence, and despite being beaten down overcomes the obstacles in her path, ends the reign of Bloody Face, and has Briarcliff shut down, becoming a superstar overnight.

Fearless, resilient, strong-willed and slightly cold (she refuses to save her former oppressor Sister Jude, and kills her own son), Lana is possibly the show's greatest figure, featuring an arc no other character has come close to matching. Watching her, it's clear why Paulson remains the show's go-to leading lady.