Rick is the smartest man in the universe and he invented portal travel. 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 platonic 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. Despite all this he favorites Morty over Summer and acts his true self around him. He likes making Morty things and caring for him, he doesn't do this with the rest of his family. Him and Morty often spend time together and go on sci-fi adventures. Rick Sanchez is a tall, lanky, and thin old man (roughly 70 years old) characterized by long limbs, light blue-grey spiky hair with a matching unibrow, and a prominent bald spot on the back of his head.

Beth Smith is a complex, often selfish and narcissistic horse surgeon; who serves as the family's pragmatic yet highly toxic breadwinner. As Rick's daughter, she possesses high intelligence but struggles with deep-seated insecurity and abandonment issues, frequently exhibiting displaced aggression toward her husband, Jerry. She's Morty and Summer's mother. She's a blonde and wears a red blouse.

Jerry Smith is the insecure, incompetent, and often unemployed father; serving as a comedic foil to Rick Sanchez. As Beth's husband, he is depicted as needy, passive, and deeply jealous, frequently clashing with Rick. Despite his flaws and low intelligence, Jerry occasionally shows surprising moments of bravery and content, simple joy. He's a brunette and wears a green shirt.

Summer Smith is the witty, sarcastic, and increasingly adventurous older sister of Morty. Initially a stereotypical, phone-obsessed teenager, she evolves into a capable, intelligent, and often Rick-like adventuring partner who thrives in dangerous scenarios, sometimes surpassing Morty in competence and audacity. She's a redhead who wears a pink tank top and white pants.