The Power universe, created by Courtney A. Kemp and produced by 50 Cent, is known for its complex characters who battle for control, wealth, and survival. Each series in this sprawling crime drama introduces figures with varying degrees of power—whether through intellect, violence, influence, or sheer force of will.
Here, we rank the top five most powerful characters in the Power universe based on their ability to manipulate others, command loyalty, and maintain control in the cutthroat world they inhabit.
1. James “Ghost” St. Patrick
Show: Power
Portrayed by: Omari Hardwick
At the top of the power hierarchy is James St. Patrick, better known as “Ghost.” He is the mastermind behind the original Power series and the character around whom everything revolves. Ghost’s greatest strength is his intelligence—he is both a calculated businessman and a formidable criminal mastermind. His ambition to transition from the drug world into legitimate business as a nightclub owner drives much of the tension in the series.
Ghost is a man who controls the people around him with a combination of fear, manipulation, and charm. Whether it’s outmaneuvering rivals or keeping his family safe, Ghost always seems to be two steps ahead of everyone else. His ability to keep multiple personas alive (as a family man, club owner, and drug kingpin) makes him one of the most powerful and multifaceted characters in the Power universe.
Key Power Moves:
- Successfully ran a massive drug empire while appearing as a legitimate businessman.
- Outwitted numerous enemies, including Kanan Stark, Lobos, and Milan.
- Built strong alliances with law enforcement figures, including his romance with Angela Valdez, to protect himself.
2. Tommy Egan
Show: Power, Power Book IV: Force
Portrayed by: Joseph Sikora
Tommy Egan, Ghost’s best friend and enforcer, is one of the most feared characters in the Power universe. What Tommy lacks in Ghost’s intellect, he more than makes up for with his ruthless determination and raw strength. Tommy operates with a fierce loyalty to those he cares about, but he’s also quick to eliminate anyone who crosses him.
Tommy’s rise to power in the Chicago drug scene, as depicted in Power Book IV: Force, shows that his ability to build empires isn’t limited to his partnership with Ghost. He’s a streetwise tactician who commands respect and fear wherever he goes. With an almost indestructible will, Tommy remains a powerful player in the drug world even without Ghost by his side.
Key Power Moves:
- Survived multiple assassination attempts and turf wars.
- Managed to expand his drug empire in Chicago after leaving New York.
- Took down major players like Jason Micic and Benny Civello.
3. Kanan Stark
Show: Power, Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Portrayed by: 50 Cent (adult), Mekai Curtis (teen)
Kanan Stark, portrayed by 50 Cent, is one of the most dangerous and cunning characters in the Power universe. His ruthlessness is second to none, and his willingness to betray even those closest to him makes him a formidable opponent. Kanan’s power comes not only from his fearlessness but from his deep understanding of the drug game. He operates with a cold, calculating mind and has no qualms about using violence to get what he wants.
Kanan’s backstory is explored in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, showing how he grew up under the influence of his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas, and how he developed into the ruthless criminal fans first encountered in the original series. His ambition, combined with his lethal unpredictability, makes Kanan one of the most powerful forces in the Power universe.
Key Power Moves:
- Orchestrated his own survival after being betrayed and left for dead by Ghost.
- Manipulated Ghost’s son, Tariq, into becoming his protégé, ultimately pushing him toward the drug game.
- Survived multiple betrayals, always managing to come out stronger.
4. Raquel “Raq” Thomas
Show: Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Portrayed by: Patina Miller
Raquel “Raq” Thomas, the mother of Kanan Stark, is a pivotal figure in Power Book III: Raising Kanan. As the head of a rising drug empire in South Jamaica, Queens, during the 1990s, Raq commands loyalty and fear with equal intensity. She is a sharp strategist who knows how to leverage her power to control the streets and keep her rivals at bay.
Raq’s power stems from her ability to outthink and outmaneuver her enemies, whether it’s the police, rival dealers, or even her own family members. She is ruthless in protecting her empire and grooming Kanan to follow in her footsteps. Her cold-blooded pragmatism and ambition make her a dominant force, positioning her as one of the most formidable characters in the Power universe.
Key Power Moves:
- Maintained control over her drug empire, despite constant threats from competitors.
- Manipulated Kanan and others around her to secure her power and keep the business running smoothly.
- Built a powerful organization from the ground up, asserting dominance over the male-dominated drug world.
5. Tariq St. Patrick
Show: Power, Power Book II: Ghost
Portrayed by: Michael Rainey Jr.
Tariq St. Patrick, the son of Ghost, has emerged as a major power player in Power Book II: Ghost. Initially, Tariq is portrayed as a rebellious teenager who resents his father’s criminal lifestyle, but as the series progresses, he begins to follow in Ghost’s footsteps, learning to navigate the criminal underworld on his own.
Tariq’s power lies in his ability to adapt quickly and outsmart his opponents. By the time he reaches adulthood, Tariq proves himself to be a cunning and resourceful strategist, capable of manipulating the people around him—just like his father. His willingness to embrace his role in the drug game, combined with his growing intelligence, makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Key Power Moves:
- Orchestrated the murder of Ghost, his own father, to gain control over his family’s fate.
- Managed to balance his life as a college student with his role as a drug dealer, evading law enforcement.
- Aligned himself with powerful figures like Monet Tejada to secure his position in the drug world.
