Rick Sanchez (C-137) is the center of the Rick and Morty multiverse—a man who is simultaneously the smartest being in existence and the most deeply broken. His lore is the backbone of the entire series, shifting from what we thought was a "wacky scientist" trope into a tragic tale of revenge and nihilism.
Here is the essential lore of the man who calls himself "The Rickest Rick":
The Tragic Origin: For years, Rick claimed his backstory was a "totally fabricated origin story." However, Season 5 confirmed the truth: a younger, simpler Rick was approached by Rick Prime, who offered him portal technology. When our Rick refused, Rick Prime dropped a bomb that killed Rick's wife, Diane, and their daughter, Beth.
The Hunt for Rick Prime: Rick spent decades traveling the multiverse, murdering countless other Ricks in a blind rage trying to find Rick Prime. This war eventually led to a truce, where Rick helped oversee the construction of the Citadel of Ricks and the Central Finite Curve—a "walled-off" section of the multiverse where Rick is always the smartest person alive.
The "Chosen" Family: Rick eventually crashed into the Prime Dimension (where Rick Prime was originally from) to wait for his enemy to return. He moved in with the Prime version of the Smith family, becoming the grandfather we see in the show. While he claims "nothing matters," he has grown genuinely attached to Morty Prime, often choosing his grandson's life over his own.
The Erasure of Diane: We eventually learn why Rick can never truly "bring back" his wife. Rick Prime used a "Weapon Too Cruel"—the Omega Device—to erase every version of Diane Sanchez across every single reality. She is the one thing Rick, with all his god-like power, can never fix.
Catchphrases and Coping: His famous catchphrase "Wubba Lubba Dub-Dub" was revealed by Birdperson to mean "I am in great pain, please help me" in his native tongue. Most of Rick’s gadgets, drinking, and adventures are distractions from his crushing loneliness and self-hatred.
With Rick’s main quest for revenge finally concluded in Season 7, his story has shifted toward a messy, experimental attempt at therapy and self-improvement.