The Most Ruthless Yellowstone Characters, Ranked

Most Ruthless Yellowstone Characters

When Taylor Sheridan introduced Yellowstone to the masses, it was evident he had a plan. It was to take a family drama and turn it on its head. The series follows the Dutton Family, owners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, and one who will do anything to hold on to what is theirs.

To keep their land, the Dutton Family has had to face a slew of enemies. Some want the land for their own while others wish to build extravagant resorts or even an airport. “Ruthless” is not a word Sheridan takes lightly as evidenced by some of the unsavory characters he’s created. In fact, some of the most unsavory reside within the Dutton household.

Let’s take a look at some of the most ruthless Yellowstone characters.

7. Caroline Warner

Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver) arrived on the scene as the new CEO of Market Equities, she proved to be a ruthless and immediate adversary to Beth Dutton.

Understanding this, Caroline decided to make Beth an offer she couldn’t refuse – work for her and become the President of Market Equities Montana Division. Upon doing so, Caroline would give Beth the controlling interest in Schwartz & Meyers, the company Beth used to work for.

It was a shrewd move that Beth gladly accepted. But Beth being Beth goes against Caroline one time too many, prompting Caroline to not only fire her but promise to ruin Beth’s life and destroy the Yellowstone ranch.

6. Thomas Rainwater

From the very beginning of the series, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) has never hidden his contempt for the Duttons (mainly John Dutton) and their ranch. Rainwater is the chairman of the Confederate Tribes of Broken Rock and thusly believes that the land that the Duttons own is rightfully the land of his people.

Rainwater runs the reservation land situated next to the Dutton’s and his ruthlessness constantly puts him at odds with John Dutton. Even when they have mutual goals, Rainwater is always conspiring to get Dutton’s land.

5. Malcolm and Teal Beck

As far as “bad guys” go, the Beck Brothers rate high on the Yellowstone list of ruthless characters. Neal McDonough and Terry Serpico joined the cast in season 2 as Malcolm and Teal Beck, brothers who would stop at nothing to get back at John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who rebuffed their peace offerings.

The Beck Brothers first wanted to work with Dutton and when he declined, they went after everything he held dear. It began with the poisoning of a field, killing a herd of Dutton’s cattle. It culminated with the kidnapping of Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill), John’s grandson. Needless to say, the Duttons were prepared to get him back.

4. Kayce Dutton

Of all the ruthless characters in Taylor Sheridan’s stable, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) is the only one who isn’t in it for money or greed, but instead for the love for his family. Kayce uses the skills acquired from his time spent in the military and he uses them to a lethal degree.

It is the love for his family and the land they live on that Kayce will cross any and all lines to make sure they survive. He will even go so far as to protect Jamie Dutton, the adopted black sheep of the family.

3. John Dutton

As the patriarch of the Dutton Family, John Dutton (Kevin Costner) sets the table as to what he will do and needs to be done to ensure the Dutton’s Yellowstone Ranch future. What makes John Dutton so ruthless is not necessarily a violent act or two (although he is never opposed to one) but just his sheer determination to handle his enemies however he sees fit.

In some cases, John will become allies with bitter enemies if it is a means to an end, such as his battle with the Beck Brothers. He has used his position as Livestock Commissioner, and eventually, the Governor, to position his family and ranch for the long run.

2. Rip Wheeler

It didn’t take Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) long to become a fan favorite and Taylor Sheridan has cashed in on that. Rip arrived at the Yellowstone Ranch as a teen, covered in blood. The boy had just killed his father, who had attacked and killed Rip’s mother.

Since his arrival at the ranch, John Dutton groomed him to become one of the most ruthless, yet loyal, characters in Yellowstone. There is not one thing Rip won’t do for John, and for that matter, the love of his life, Beth. His vicious temper is routinely on display and if bodies need to disappear, Rip doesn’t bat an eye.

1. Beth Dutton

If you are looking for the Apex Predator of Yellowstone, you can find her in Beth Dutton. Kelly Reilly simply blisters as Beth, a character that the network’s head honchos did not care for. Sheridan stood his ground, got the character and Reilly, and the rest has been a match made in heaven.

Beth has no moral fiber, she has no filter, she has zero boundaries, but she loves as fiercely as she is ruthless. Her corporate knowledge is unquestioned and even when put in a losing situation, Beth ultimately finds a way.

Sometimes her brains aren’t enough, so brutal physicality is in order. Ruthless and beautiful, it’s a combination that has made her the most feared in Yellowstone.