Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Main Characters, Ranked By Power
Since the NYPD is strictly organized within a hierarchy, it might sound like a simple job to classify the major Brooklyn Nine-Nine characters according to the "power" of their uniform. However, as any viewer would soon realize, the number of insignias present on one's coat has nothing to do with the impact any one of them has on the others.
In fact, when considering factors such as social standing, wealth, emotional intelligence, and personal motivations, the order of characters undergoes a drastic shift away from their job titles. At the end of the day, though, which one of them rules the roost, metaphorically speaking?
10 Charles Boyle
Charles is not just a doormat for everyone to wipe their feet on, he's also happy to be one (by his own admission, half the time). He's instantly jealous of the slightest hint that Jake might have another pal, which leaves him open to being exploited by his best friend.
Charles proudly states that the Boyle family sign is a white flag and that surrendering at the first sign of conflict is encoded in their genes. He should try standing up for himself more often; as he almost never does.
9 Scully & Hitchcock
Norm Scully and Michael Hitchcock are, for all practical purposes, powerless (and incompetent), except when it comes to food, dining areas, chairs, toilets, and napping.
In these highly specific domains, they cannot be conquered, like when Rosa learns how difficult it is to be constantly sitting. and consequently develops an uncharacteristic respect for them. Further, the fact that they were once incredible detectives, as well as unbelievably cool, adds just a smidge of reverence towards Scully and Hitchcock.
8 Doug Judy
Doug Judy is Jake's arch-nemesis for a reason — nearly every time they have an encounter, he manages to trick his best friend/worst enemy into letting his guard down and promptly vanishes, leaving the detective distraught once again.
He is certainly smart enough to avoid being captured, part of which can be attributed to his uncanny lack of anxiety. However, Doug Judy appears too rarely to make enough of an impact on the show's pecking order.
7 Adrian Pimento
Adrian Pimento is overwhelming, to say the least, and often resorts to threats of violence (apparent or otherwise), to get his way. This can be seen in his manipulative behavior towards Charles, only backing off once Gina enters the fray.
While he doesn't exert noticeable amounts of control over the narrative, his relationship with Rosa indicates that he isn't afraid of getting a little rough. Or a lot, for that matter.
6 Jake Peralta
Jake is excellent at his job, except, as Terry states, at knowing "how to grow up." He's capable when he needs to be, but his constant asides and refusal to take even macabre cases with the required solemnity suggests that he cannot be trusted with too much authority.
In fact, Captain Holt makes it a point to ask Amy and Charles to manage the precinct when he and Terry are away, only turning to Jake when his first choices are unavailable. Jake then proceeds to start a minor riot, which is resolved through Amy's encouragement.
5 Amy Santiago
Considering her global calendar for everything she has decided will happen in her life, Amy is a superb detective, rising to the position of sergeant in a few short years. Although she can be bossy and demanding, she is adept in every field of organizing, whether it's a ream of loose papers waiting for the right binder, or a police precinct struggling under the effects of a massive blackout.
Amy's major problem, though, is that she is too meticulous for her own good, not to mention how she lapses into her fangirl personality whenever Captain Holt walks by.
4 Terry Jeffords
Terry Jeffords is, by his own admission, a "proud, mama hen," and he regularly shows it. His treatment of his subordinates endears him to the squad and the audience enormously, especially how he's willing to take a literal bullet for those he cares about.
Terry is one of the few people with the courage to confront and challenge the Vulture when his beloved friends are in peril, but nothing is braver than the time he takes a stand against the institutional racism rampant within the NYPD. And then there is his unbelievable physical strength.
3 Rosa Diaz
Absolutely everybody at the nine-nine is terrified of Rosa, and they make it clear at several points in the story. Part of her power lies in her personal secrecy, as none of the squad has any clear information about her.
In other words, there is nothing anyone can hold against her if all they know is her name (which, as it turns out, might be false). Rosa also possesses an array of weapons, from blades to guns, and presumably knows how to use all of them.
2 Raymond Holt
It's impossible to ruffle Captain Holt, or at least to perceive any change in expression taking place on his face when he receives great or terrible news. Or when he's talking. Or in most situations, really. Madeline Wuntch is the only person who knows which strings to tug so as to get him all worked up, but the squad is mostly clueless.
Most importantly, though, Holt has achieved his dream of becoming an NYPD captain against staggering odds and has even been shortlisted for the Commissioner position, which is extraordinary, indeed.
1 Gina Linetti
It can be stated with certainty that Gina Linetti is the most powerful (or, given the scenario, overpowering). Forcing her to do anything she does not want is futile, and has led several people into spirals.
Two impressive moments in which Gina wields her authority are when she blackmails Cyber Security into allowing a greater internet bandwidth for the precinct, and when she would rather burn alive with Jacinta, her space heater, than accede to Terry's demands. Nobody else can be this devious and this calm at the same time.