Peaky Blinders: Each Main Character Ranked From Worst To Best

The irresponsible younger brother of Arthur and Tommy, John is a composite of both the older Shelbys. He has Tommy's common sense but Arthur's temper. John idolises the Peaky Blinders of which he is a part. Fiercely loyal to his family and their way of life, John is often resistant to newcomers and change in the family business.

At the start of the show, John is the most aspiring of his brothers, falling in love easily and giving into his own naivety often. As the seasons go on, John along with his wife Esme, became more level-headed and calmer. They long desired to live in the countryside and raise chickens together.

He got his wish, albeit it briefly, as he was shot to death at his home by Luca Changretta's mobsters in the Season Four premiere in the show's most shocking moment. In hindsight, it is a shame John went out the way he did and didn't get the chance to see the whole series through. The relationship between the three brothers was always integral to Peaky Blinders and that only amplified the sadness of his demise.