Rick Sanchez's personality is a complex mix of genius, nihilism, and deep-seated trauma, characterized by misanthropy, alcoholism, and an arrogant, cynical exterior that masks profound depression and buried love for his family, especially Morty, whom he protects despite his self-destructive, selfish behavior. He's a brilliant, sociopathic scientist who sees life as meaningless, but his actions often reveal a subconscious need for connection, stemming from the tragic loss of his original family. Rick is also pansexual.

Morty Smith is an anxious and insecure teenager, often depicted as a timid and submissive sidekick to his grandfather, Rick. While initially portrayed as intellectually challenged and naive, he evolves into a more confident, courageous, and capable, albeit deeply traumatized individual. He often acts as the moral compass of the duo, displaying empathy, though he is capable of extreme violence when pushed. Morty is bisexual.