Highly influenced by Time's list, this list of characters focuses in on more diverse characters, all from completely different backgrounds. Although mostly fictional, these characters are all realistic and highly commended by critics.

5. The families on "Fresh Off the Boat" and "Black-ish"

Two of the newest and most highly rated shows on the block, "Fresh Off the Boat" and "Black-ish" are completely centered around family life and common struggles as well. For all ages, people can relate to the unique problems faced by the characters in the shows, which include Constance, the matriarch on "Fresh Off the Boat," teaching her sons about sexism, and Dre, the patriarch on "Blackish," taking his children back to his old neighborhood to see how he had to live as a child and teach them about privilege.

4. Annalise Keating

It's no surprise that Viola Davis won an Emmy for her portrayal of Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder." She plays a tough lawyer, and with so many emotional and serious sides of her it's hard to tell which is the real Annalise. One thing for sure: She always fights for her clients and even harder for her interns and coworkers.

3. Dev Shah

If you don't have Netflix, Dev Shah and the cast of "Master of None" are a good enough reason to get one. Born to immigrant parents from India, Dev is a 20-something-year-old in the midst of living in New York City. While the show is a satire, there are moments that make you think about life. For instance, the episode where Dev and his friend's parents have flashback scenes to living in their respective homelands and the struggle they went through to assimilate in the US, and when Dev's girlfriend and close friend Denise talk about sexism and harassment they receive everyday just for being women. It's a real-eye opener of a show and it's nice to see how Dev realizes and tries to make sense of the struggles outside his everyday first world problems.

2. Cookie Lyon

If you haven't heard about Cookie Lyon, you've probably been living under a rock. Cookie Lyon, played by the amazingly talented Taraji P. Henson, is the most independent, confident and smooth character on TV. After getting out of jail for her ex-husband, Lucious, she fights to be close to her sons and to have control back of the company she founded when married to Lucious. Although her ways may not always be legal, it's nice to see how much a woman stands up and fights for her family in the midst of conflict, betrayal and money-hungry characters all in the midst of the fight for power.

1. Jane Villanueva

My personal favorite, Jane Villanueva is probably the character you'd most likely meet somewhere on the street and instantly fall in love with. Sweet, perseverant and independent, Jane is a simple character with a big story. Her family, Puerto Ricans in Miami, her boy drama and her love of writing are completely overrided by her love for her son, Mateo, and her love of life in general. Gina Rodriguez's portrayal of Villanueva has brought her much praise from not only the Latino community but also gave her many nominations for her character, including a Golden Globe for her first ever nomination.