I recently got in a disagreement with my roommate on who is the best character in current television. We debated back and forth before we both settled on an unprecedented conclusion.

It is not a character from The Office.

Many think that Michael Scott, portrayed by comedic genius Steve Carell, has developed the most painfully tragic and monstrously hilarious character. However, Steve Carell did not develop Michael Scott. Michael Scott was originally David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais in BBC’s The Office. Many forget Jim and Pam used to be Tim and Dawn, Michael Scott was David Brent and Dunder Mifflin was Wernham Hogg.

Although Michael Scott’s painfully social awkwardness makes for side-splitting comedy, this alone does not make him the greatest character.

What about the other most memorable character from The Office, Dwight Schrute? Dwight, played by Rainn Wilson, acts in ways unimaginable — from bringing road-kill into the office for a Christmas feast to knowing far too much about black bears, Dwight oddly seems believable. Yet, Dwight too is an interpretation of a former BBC The Office character — Gareth Kennan, played by MacKenzie Crook. So, Dwight’s out.

Who could it possibly be?

Well, a television show emerged in 2005, changing my views on television in a profound way.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Many have not heard of Always Sunny, mainly because it is on FX. All FX had going for it before this was Nip/Tuck, a show turning me off from plastic surgery forever.

Always Sunny was created by Glen Howerton and Rob McElhenney. They pitched the idea to FX through a promotional contest and won.

On the show, Howerton played the character Dennis, the vainest character in the history of vanity. McElhenney plays Mac, a man who in one episode wore a cut-off t-shirt with the text “death to baby-killers.”

But the character on the show we decided on to be “the best character on any current television show” is Charlie.

Charlie Kelly, played by Charlie Day, contains no aspect of logic. Charlie, sadly, is illiterate. In one episode, Charlie is unable to distinguish the letter “d” from “z,” causing his bar, Paddy’s Pub, to be given up as a prize (not showing its pride) to a dance marathon.

Not only is Charlie illiterate, but also has no regard for self-humiliation or pain. He allows his friends Dennis and Mac to physically beat him to a pulp while training for an underground street fight. In another instance, Charlie lifts a pile of horse poop off the ground with his bare hands in order to prove a point, thinking nothing of it.

The intensity applied Charlie’s character is what makes him the best character. Charlie goes through life illogically, with the intensity of a Brian Urlacher tackle.

Charlie’s significance, however, is greatly added by the cast around him. Dennis and Mac provide great companions with their own flaws of vanity and self-absorption.

Dee, played by Kaitlin Olson, acts as the foil to Charlie’s conservative “God bless America” attitude with her self-proclaimed liberal views on life. In reality, Dee is just as self-absorbed as the rest of the characters, creating a cast viewers love to hate.

Of course, we cannot forget Danny DeVito. DeVito plays Frank, Dennis and Dee’s father. Frank rooms with Charlie, and it is unsure to everyone where the two sleep, given the room only has one bed. Merely the idea of Charlie sleeping with Danny DeVito every night is enough to make him the funniest character. Couple that with Charlie’s flaws, and he can’t be beat.

The “wild card” Charlie Kelly from FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is my top character of television because of the irrational and hilarious behavior he exhibits. From handling his sedatives to surviving an abortion, Charlie Kelly is the complete package.

Disagree with my choice? Post a comment and tell us your favorite TV character.