Ted Evelyn Mosby

Played by Josh Radnor. The central character of the show, Ted is a Wesleyan University graduate and an architect who, according to Barney, thinks too much. After his best friend Marshall becomes engaged, Ted decides to try and find his soulmate.

Marshall Eriksen

Played by Jason Segel. Marshall met Ted and Lily during their freshman year at Wesleyan University. He is a Columbia Law School graduate originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota. Even though he's six-foot-four, he is the shortest member of his family. Marshall currently works for Goliath National Bank.

Lily Aldrin

Played by Alyson Hannigan. She is a Kindergarten teacher. She is married to Marshall Eriksen and grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

Barney Stinson

Played by Neil Patrick Harris. He is a womanizer, favors suits, laser tag, and the words "awesome" and "legendary," which Ted believes he uses too liberally.

Robin Scherbatsky

Played by Cobie Smulders. She is a Television news reporter/anchor at a local news station. Like Cobie Smulders in real life, she is originally from Canada. She was a teen pop singer under the name Robin Sparkles.