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World Overview
Shady Sands Sign 
Moises Arias as Norman, in front of Vault 31 
Ella Purnell as Lucy and Aaron Moten as Maximus standing in front of what Shady Sands looks like now
- Vault 33 (S1E1): Where our lead characters are from
- Past Overseers:
- Robert Olsen (31 to 33) – elected overseer from 2101 to 2109
- Ava West (31 to 33) – Overseer 2109 to 2121
- George Yaffe (31 to 33) – overseer 2121-2125
- Hank MacLean (31 to 33) – Overseer 2271 to 2297
- Betty Pearson (31 to 33) – Overseer 2294 to present
- Past Overseers:
- Vault 32 (S1E1): One of the three interconnected vaults, alongside Vault 31 and 33.
- Empty (1.4): Norman discovers the vault has been empty for at least 2 years.
- Vault 31 (S1): Vault 31 is filled with cryogenically frozen members of Vault-Tec who were part of a training program Bud Askins had, and they are thawed to continue manging vault 33 until Reclamation Day.
- Vault 4 (1.5): Under the Hawthorne Medical Laboratories Research & Development building, you can find Vault 4. There, you’ll find both the original vault dwellers and refugees from Shady Sands.
- Advertisement (1.6): It was noted the vault could hold 200 people
- Level 12 (1.6): Level 12 holds an area where a lot of the original experiments of Vault 4 were done, and also where you can find some of the ancestors of those experimented on, like Overseer Ben’s ancestors, going back 5 generations.
- Shady Sands Refugees (1.6): Many of those displaced by the bomb that destroyed Shady Sands found themselves moving to Vault 4, and they have rituals that are strange to those whose origins are Vault 4.
- Filly (1.2): A town in the Wasteland
- Ma’s Rarities (1.2): June’s shop which is more of a general store than something selling rarities, though she does have a PipBoy for sale
- Super Duper Market (1.4): An organ harvesting location
- The New California Republic (1.5): A country that was born post-nuclear war
- Established (1.6): 2189
- Height (1.6): In 2241, NCR had the largest economy and was the most politically powerful in what formerly was California.
- Shady Sands (1.5): The capital of the New California Republic, which was established in 2142 and had a population of 34,852
- Stimpacks (1.1): The go-to medicine for all, as it, like in the video games, heals nearly all wounds instantly.
- Power Armor (1.1): An exoskeleton armor that enhances the power of the user and was used during the Sino-American war.
- T-45 (1.8): It is also noted to have a weak point in its breastplate that led to the death of many.
- T-60 (1.1): One of the most modern versions of the power armor.
- PipBoy (1.2): A device all vault dwellers have that allows them to access a vault, do things within a vault, and also acts as an oversized smartwatch
- Vertibird (S2E2): The airship of the Brotherhood of Steel
- Area 51 (S2E2): Where the Brotherhood of Steel set up a base
- Buffout (S2E4): An addictive adrenaline drug
- Lucky 38 (S2E4): Robert House’s home and HQ
- Management Vaults (S2E5): Cooper notes there were special vaults strictly made for management employees, of which one was in California, another in Oregon, and he believes there is a third in Vegas.
- Freeside (S2E5): The town outside of New Vegas
- Addictol (S2E5): A cure-all for any addiction known to man – but side effects aren’t pleasant
- The Automated Man (S2E6): The device Hank is using to control people in season 2 – which was created by RobCo.
- Ghoul (S1E1): Radiated human beings who have the potential to be immortal due to their healing abilities as long as they keep up a medicinal regimen. But, because of the appearance of Ghouls and the fears of them becoming feral, they are often treated as social pariahs.
- Wasteland (1.1): The general name used for the world since most towns and cities have been destroyed.
- Caps (1.3): Caps are currency in the Wasteland and come from Nuka Cola (Fallout’s Coca-Cola) bottles.
- Gulpers (1.3): A mutated lizard or gecko
- Reclamation Day (1.5): The day vault dwellers were supposed to emerge and repopulate the surface
- Smoothface (1.4): The name ghouls have for non-ghoul humans
- Surfies (1.6): A term vault dwellers, like Overseer Ben, use for surface dwellers, which apparently is derogatory.
- Deathclaw (2.4): A giant, Digimon looking lizard, that is one of the most formidable bi-pedal monsters in the Wasteland.
- Future Enterprise Ventures (2.5): The codename for the Forced Evolutionary Virus, which created the Super Mutant race
Lacerta Legate (Macaulay Culkin) – Fallout Season 2 Episode 3 
Michael Esper as Bud
- The Brotherhood of Steel (S1E1): The Brotherhood of Steel is a military organization that uses “Power Armor” to be a formidable force within the Wasteland. Also, they are known for being hoarders of what they call “Old World” technology.
- Background (2.3): The Brotherhood began as an act of rebellion under Roger Maxson after discovering experiments on human subjects. It led to internal questions whether he serves God or his government and so, he shot the scientist there and chose to serve God.
- Raiders (1.1): Raiders are akin to barbarian groups who seek out the vulnerable to get food and supplies to survive.
- Enclave (1.1): The Enclave is what’s left of the United States government
- Vault-Tec (1.2): Vault-Tec was one of the biggest companies in America, and it created and financed the creation of at least 100 vaults across the United States.
- Bounty agencies (1.2): While we aren’t given specific names, we’re told there are 6 of them by Cooper
- Galaxy News (1.6): A news station from before The Great War
- West-Tec (1.6): A defense contractor who made the original T45 Power Armor
- General Atomics (1.6): The creator of the house robots
- RobCo (1.6/2.5): Robert Edwin House’s company which made robots like Securitrons
- Caesar’s Legion (2.2): A group with a bastardized take on how Rome was under Augustus Caesar’s reign.
- The Legion (2.3): An offshoot of Caesar’s Legion created due to disagreement on the line of succession
- At War (2.3): While in a civil war, they are also in a eternal war with the New California Republic, the Khans and the Brotherhood of Steel
- Big MT (2.5): One of the coporations which took part in the end of the world discussion/ Vault-Tec pitch originally seen in S1E6
- When did the bombs drop? (1.1): 10/23/2077
- Canada (S2E4): It isn’t clear when, but the United States did annex Canada.
- Weevil Famine (S2E6): An often noted time period in Vault 33 in which crops became infected
This character guide is part of our ongoing Fallout coverage, which includes recaps, reviews, and episode breakdowns.
Walton Goggins As Cooper Howard, aka The Ghoul
A marine turned actor back before the bombs fell, later a ghoul, who becomes a bounty hunter.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “I’m a Virgo.”
Additional Information
- Stationed (1.1): He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.
- Movies:
- The Man From Deadhorse (1.4)
- A Man And His Dogs (1.6)
- Under The Covers (1.6)
Quotes
Ella Purnell As Lucy MacLean
Lucy MacLean is the poster child for vault dwellers. She is educated, athletic, family-oriented, and ready to keep the human population going. But there is more to her than being the perfect wife and member of Vault 33.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “Yellowjackets.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Moisés Arias As Norman MacLean
Norman is Lucy’s brother, who isn’t as family-oriented as Lucy is. This isn’t to say he doesn’t love his family, but while Lucy likes doing nearly everything with their dad, Norman would rather not. In fact, Norman generally isn’t passionate about anything.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Land.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Kyle MacLachlan As Hank MacLean
Hank is the overseer for Vault 33, the father of Lucy and Norman, and we’re told he is an immigrant of sorts – mainly in the form of him originally being from Vault 31.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “Believe.”
Additional Information
- Reanimated (1.8): Hank exited the capsule on 08/9/2268
Quotes
Aaron Moten As Maximus
Maximus is a squire for the Brotherhood of Steel who has been with them since childhood. But, despite his lengthy time in their care, he isn’t shown to be the smartest, strongest, or most well-respected member. However, that doesn’t mean he would ignore an opportunity staring him in the face.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Additional Information
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Quotes
Michael Emerson As Dr. Siggi Wilzig
An Enclave scientist, when introduced, we don’t know much about Dr. Wilzig. We are shown his ability to have mercy via him saving a puppy that would have otherwise gone into an incinerator. But without knowing what were the goals of his experiments, it is hard to say if he was misunderstood or a villain who happened to be a dog lover.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The actor is also known for their role in “Claws: Season 1/ Episode 9.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Dale Dickey As Ma June
June is a merchant in Filly who owns a general store.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The actor is also known for their role in “Claws: Season 2.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Michael Rapaport As Knight Titus
Knight Titus was the person Maximus was a squire for, and while not cruel, he certainly didn’t make any real effort to bond with Maximus, despite how dedicated Maximus was towards him.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The actor is also known for their role in “Atypical.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Frances Turner As Barb
Barb is Cooper’s wife and a killer in the marketing field who transitions from working in the entertainment industry to working with Vault-Tec.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Additional Information
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Quotes
Dave Register As Chet aka Chester
Chet, government name Chester, is the gatekeeper of Vault 33 and is deeply in love with Lucy. However, they are cousins, so while they may have messed around in the past, she doesn’t think it is a good idea for them to be married or procreate.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Additional Information
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Quotes
Johnny Pemberton As Thaddeus
Thaddeus is Maximus’ new squire, who also was one of Maximus’ bullies in the past.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The actor is also known for their role in “I Feel Bad: Season 1/ Episode 1.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Teagan Meredith As Janey
Janey is Cooper and Barb’s daughter.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Additional Information
- Birthday (2.5): April 14th
Quotes
Zach Cherry As Woody Thomas
Woody is a member of the advisory committee of Vault 33.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The actor is also known for their role in “You: Season 1.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Rodrigo Luzzi As Reg McPhee
Reg is a member of the advisory committee of Vault 33.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
Additional Information
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Quotes
Leslie Uggams As Betty Pearson
Betty is a member of the advisory committee of Vault 33 and a former Overseer.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The actor is also known for their role in “American Fiction.”
Additional Information
- Awakened (S2E4): She has been out of her cyro chamber for 40 years
Quotes
Annabel O’Hagan As Stephanie Harper, aka Steph
Steph is one of Lucy’s closest friends, but with Steph getting married, now pregnant, and in a different chapter of life compared to Lucy, they are still friends but are slowly growing apart.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 4
Additional Information
- Ex-Husband (1.4): His name was Burt
- Background (S2E4): She is Canadian and was born 2/15/2045
Quotes
Cherien Dabis As Birdie
Birdie is the leader of the Shady Sands refugees, who leads their prayer ritual and acts as an ambassador for people new to Vault 4.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6
- The actor is also known for their role in “SweetBitter: Season 1/ Episode 2.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Chris Parnell As Ben
Ben is the Overseer of Vault 4 who isn’t necessarily fond of people from the surface joining the community, but with a long-held culture of allowing people in, his hands are tied.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6
- The actor is also known for their role in “Millennial Hunter.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Michael Esper As Bud Askins
Bud was an executive at Vault-Tec who worked with Cooper’s wife, Barb, on convincing other corporations to not only buy into the idea of owning vaults but causing the end of the world. In modern times, his brain is the overseer of Vault 31, and he chooses when to release people from his former management training program to be overseer of Vault 33.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 8
Additional Information
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Quotes
- Time is the ultimate weapon. – Bud Askins (1.6)
Xelia Mendes-Jones As Dane
Dane is one of Maximus’ only friends in the Brotherhood of Steel. Who, in episode 1, we were pushed to think he screwed over so he could become a squire.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
Additional Information
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Quotes
Michael Cristofer As Elder Cleric Quintus
Quintus, the head of the Brotherhood of Steel, is mysterious. Not much is known about him, but he knows that his ranks are weakening due to cowardice, which is why he appreciates Maximus knowing that to have power, you have to take it.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 8
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Night Clerk.”
Additional Information
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Quotes
Sarita Choudhury As Lee Maldover
Before the bombs dropped, Lee was a communist and a scientist working on cold fusion. However, after the bombs dropped, while she continued her work toward bringing cold fusion to the masses, she also started a city named Shady Sands and might have been one of the leaders of the New California Republic.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1
- The actor is also known for their role in “Learning to Drive.”
Additional Information
- Nickname (1.6): Shady Sands refugees call her the Flame Mother
- 2.5: Another alias of hers is Kate Williams
Quotes
Elle Vertes As Rose MacLean
Rose is Norman and Lucy’s mother, Hank’s ex-wife, and Maldover’s lover.
- Introduced In: Season 1
Also Played by: Chelsea Reuter (Ghoul Version)
We meet the ghoul version of Rose when we learn she and Maldover were lovers.
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 8
Additional Information
- Death Clues (1.5): We’re told she was alive when Lucy was 6
Quotes
Character(s) Introduced in Season 1
Robert House (Season 2 Justin Theroux)- Fallout Season 2 Episode 1 – Prime Video
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Character Summary
The powerful, eccentric, and ruthless owner of RobCo Industries, who is one of the alleged members of American society who started the nuclear war. But, in modern times, Mr. House can be found in a new version of Las Vegas, New Vegas, where he owns and runs the town.
Character Details
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Character(s) Introduced in Season 2/ Episode 2
Fallout: Season 2 Episode 2 – Recap and Review
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Character Summary
One of the few female leaders of the Brotherhood of Steel, Yosemite’s Elder is one of the first to be allured by Quintus’ plentiful fusion cores. However, before the seduction, she was the first to worry about civil war thanks to how Quintus was speaking. Also, she was concerned that, if her people joined Quintus’, they would be coerced into the more religious side of the Brotherhood.
Character Details
- (SE)
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Character Summary
A representative of the powerful Commonwealth chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel.
Character Details
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Character Summary
With one of the most independent chapters of the Brotherhood, barely even being on the Commonwealth’s radar, the Grand Canyon Elder is perhaps one of the least interested in picking a fight with the Commonwealth. Though he would love to dispel the nasty rumors that his chapter likes to have sex with robots.
Character Details
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Character Summary
The elder from Coronado comes from a chapter where women don’t get to talk, which naturally creates potential conflict between his people and the Yosemite chapter.
Character Details
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![Julia [Maximus’ Mom] (Shinelle Azoroh) - Fallout Season 2 Episode 2](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Julia-Maxs-Mom-Shinelle-Azoroh-Fallout-Season-2-Episode-2-–-Prime-Video-21-scaled.jpg)
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Character Summary
Max’s mom was a housewife, happy to be somewhere that seemed safe after the bombs dropped.
Character Details
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![Joseph [Maximus’ Dad] (Bashir Salahuddin) - Fallout Season 2 Episode 2](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Joseph-Maxs-Dad-Bashir-Salahuddin-Fallout-Season-2-Episode-2-–-Prime-Video-26-scaled.jpg)
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Character Summary
Max’s dad was an active part of the Shady Sands community, especially with his knowledge of how to fix things.
Character Details
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Character(s) Introduced in Season 2/ Episode 3
Fallout: Season 2 Episode 3 – Recap and Review
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Character Summary
One of the top commanders in The Legion’s military.
Character Details
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Character Summary
The congresswoman for the District of Glendale, whose claim to fame is refusing corporate funding for her campaign.
Character Details
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Character Summary
A member of what remains of the New California Republic’s military
Character Details
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Character Summary
A member of what remains of the New California Republic’s military
Character Details
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Character(s) Introduced in Season 2/ Episode 4
Fallout: Season 2 Episode 4 – Recap and Review
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Character Summary
Bud’s personal assistant, who was around during the conversations about Vaults 31, 32, and 33, and seems to know the truth, which he’ll use to further his position.
Character Details
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Character(s) Introduced in Season 2/ Episode 5
Fallout: Season 2 Episode 5 – Recap and Review
Character(s) Introduced in Season 2/ Episode 6
Fallout: Season 2 Episode 6 – Recap and Review
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Character Summary
While mostly veiled, it is clear there are super mutants near Freeside and one is preparing for a war. One in which those who are ghouls, super mutants, all those who are humanoid but not seen as human, will rise up and become a dominant force in the wasteland.
Character Details
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