American Horror Story: Sarah Paulson's Characters Ranked WORST To BEST

In the end, it could be no one else. Paulson's second-ever character (and her first protagonist) is unquestionably her most iconic, well-crafted and compelling. A budding and passionate journalist attempting to write a story on Briarcliff Manor and a patient called Kit Walker, who she believes to be serial killer Bloody Face, she is eventually confined to that very installation due to her sexuality.

Put through electroshock therapy by the malevolent Sister Jude, she begins to question her sanity and the story of Bloody Face, eventually uncovering some shocking truths about the installation and the killer's true identity.

Lana has what is arguably AHS's most striking and fully-formed character arc, going from intelligent but naive writer to a survivor of torture and violence. Despite being beaten down, she overcomes the obstacles in her path, ends the reign of Bloody Face, and has Briarcliff shut down, becoming a superstar overnight and one of the world's most respected journalists.

No character Paulson has portrayed is as amazing as Lana Winters. She's not just the actress's best character, but perhaps the best in the entire show, and watching her in Asylum it's pretty clear why Paulson still holds rank as AHS's unstoppable leading lady.