Saul Goodman has four distinct identities throughout his various lives and schemes.
Unpacking Saul Goodman's Multiple Personas
The character known as Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, is renowned for his adaptability and the numerous aliases he adopts to navigate the criminal underworld and evade justice. These identities range from his birth name to professional monikers and hidden personas used after fleeing the law.
The Evolution of Saul Goodman's Identities
Saul Goodman's journey is marked by a series of transformations, each identity serving a specific purpose in his complex narrative. Understanding these personas provides insight into his character's evolution from a struggling lawyer to a master of disguise.
His primary identities include:
- James Morgan McGill (Jimmy McGill): This is his birth name and the identity he uses during his formative years as a lawyer, often referred to simply as "Jimmy McGill." It's under this name that he first attempts to practice law legitimately before veering into more questionable ethics.
- Saul Goodman: This is the professional alias James McGill adopts as he fully embraces his role as a "criminal lawyer." The name "Saul Goodman" is a play on the phrase "It's all good, man," designed to sound appealing to his clientele. This identity becomes synonymous with his illicit activities in the Breaking Bad timeline.
- Gene Takavic: Following the events of Breaking Bad, James McGill/Saul Goodman adopts this identity to live a quiet life as the manager of a Cinnabon in Omaha, Nebraska. This persona is an attempt to escape his past and remain hidden from the authorities.
- Viktor St. Claire: This is an alias used by James McGill/Saul Goodman, often in conjunction with Kim Wexler, for various cons and schemes. While not a primary, long-term identity for his daily life, it's a distinct name he actively uses for fraudulent purposes, as listed among his aliases.
Identities at a Glance
To clarify, here's a breakdown of his known identities:
| Identity | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|
| James Morgan McGill | Birth Name | His original and legal identity before becoming "Saul Goodman." |
| Saul Goodman | Alias | His professional identity as a "criminal lawyer." |
| Gene Takavic | Alias | His post-fleeing identity as a Cinnabon manager. |
| Viktor St. Claire | Alias | A specific alias used for various scams and cons. |
It's important to distinguish these core identities from nicknames like "Slippin' Jimmy" (an old nickname from his con artist days) or "Charlie Hustle" (a nickname given by Howard Hamlin), which are more descriptive monikers rather than distinct personas or legal aliases.
For more detailed information on Saul Goodman's character and aliases, you can refer to his Wikipedia page.
