"The Big Lebowski," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, features a memorable cast of supporting characters that contribute significantly to the film's narrative and humor: 1. **Walter Sobchak** (played by John Goodman) - Walter is The Dude's best friend and bowling teammate. A Vietnam veteran with a volatile temper, he's deeply loyal but also prone to overreaction and fits of rage, often bringing a gun into situations where it's wildly inappropriate. Walter's aggressive personality and strict adherence to his own version of principles often drive the plot forward through various mishaps. 2. **Donny Kerabatsos** (played by Steve Buscemi) - Another member of The Dude's bowling team, Donny is gentle and somewhat out of touch with the reality of situations around him. He often interjects with irrelevant or untimely questions, leading to Walter's constant refrain of "Shut the f*** up, Donny!" Despite being a side character, Donny evokes empathy and provides a counter-balance to Walter's intensity. 3. **Jeffrey Lebowski - The Big Lebowski** (played by David Huddleston) - A wheelchair-bound millionaire who shares the same name as The Dude (Jeff Lebowski), he hires The Dude to 'solve' a kidnapping that sets the film's plot in motion. His pompous and condescending demeanor stands in stark contrast to The Dude's laidback attitude. 4. **Maude Lebowski** (played by Julianne Moore) - An avant-garde artist and the estranged daughter of the millionaire Lebowski, Maude becomes involved with The Dude after he begins his quest. Her eccentric and forthright personality, along with a complex demeanor, enriches the plot and leads to some of its more surreal moments. She also serves as a key to unraveling parts of the film’s central mystery. 5. **Jesus Quintana** (played by John Turturro) - A rival bowler, Jesus is a flamboyant and competitive character known for his purple jumpsuit and penchant for licking his bowling ball. While not central to the plot, his brief appearances add to the quirky humor and colorful texture of the film's world. 6. **Bunny Lebowski** (played by Tara Reid) - The Big Lebowski's young, attractive wife, whose disappearance sparks the chain of events in the story. Bunny is seen as a trophy wife with a carefree and somewhat ditzy lifestyle that hides a more cunning nature beneath the surface. 7. **Brandt** (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) - The Big Lebowski’s overly polite and sycophantic assistant, Brandt often serves as a comic foil through his awkward interactions with The Dude and displays of loyalty to his employer. 8. **The Stranger** (played by Sam Elliott) - Serving as the film's narrator and making occasional appearances in the bowling alley, The Stranger is a cowboy figure who provides philosophical musings that bookend the film. His deep voice and sage-like demeanor add a touch of introspection to the comedic narrative. Each of these characters contributes in unique ways to the fabric of "The Big Lebowski," intertwining with the protagonist’s journey and enhancing the story’s humor through their distinct personalities and interactions. The film is revered not just for its eccentric lead character, but also for the rich tapestry of side characters that make its world so immersive and memorable.