Barney Stinson

Barnabus “Barney” Stinson (born 1976), is one of the five main characters in How I Met Your Mother, portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris.

He first meets Ted Mosby in MacLaren’s Pub in 2001 then initiates himself as part of the gang, fancying himself as Ted’s best friend, despite Ted’s protests. After being burned in his early twenties by a girlfriend who left him for a businessman, Barney reinvents himself as a “suit” and a serial womanizer, who viciously rejects any form of commitment. He conducts elaborate acts of seduction and regularly engages in casual sex.

As the series progresses, Barney is revealed to have unresolved childhood issues, specifically with his absent father, who he reconnects with in 2011. Barney’s life of debauchery wears thin as he matures and experiences several serious relationships, in particular his on-off relationship with Robin.

His elaborate seduction techniques are a constant source of humor (typically for Marshall), amazement (typically for Ted), and disgust (typically for Lily) for the group. Though most of his seduction plays are cold and mean-spirited, he is extremely caring toward friends and family, often using his wealth to help them out of tight spots. He is a key player in helping Marshall and Ted find high-paying jobs at GNB, and helps Robin stay in the United States when her VISA is almost cancelled.

His ongoing relationship with Robin is an important aspect of Ted’s life, as their eventual wedding is the event that brings he and his future wife together. As of Last Forever, Barney and Robin divorced after three years marriage (2013 – 2016), being unable to maintain their relationship while Robin’s career went global.

In September 2019, Barney finds out he will become a father, after a one night stand. He speaks of happily raising his daughter when he attends Ted and Tracy’s wedding in 2020.