6. Lisa Mattson (Lakeview Terrace)
Lisa is an example of three-dimensional characterization at its best, especially in terms of women characters in Hollywood films. She with every other character in Lakeview Terrace not only brings contemporary issues to the forefront (in this case, questions about the power held by law enforcement as well as race in a supposedly equal world) but she has moments to shine across the emotional spectrum in incredibly layered ways while telling the story of a very real marriage. She can be hurt without going berserk or angry without being badass. Her motivations, points of view, and actions are very moving. She is not an object, not a savior, and not a shoulder to cry onLisa is just a character. She comes off as complex as any real person, and can inspire a great deal for any writer. There is so much to her that cant possibly be fully explored in the movie, but every moment with her nevertheless touches on something new that is either interesting to watch on its own or the beginnings of something to learn more about. We dont just need more layers like this in black characters in the mainstream, we need more characters like this in general.