Rachel:
* Early on: Initially, Rachel's ambition is to find love and settle down, perhaps even with her former high school boyfriend, Barry. This changes after she runs away from her wedding and moves in with Monica.
* Later: Rachel becomes increasingly focused on her career as a fashion professional. She works hard to build her skills and climbs the corporate ladder, eventually landing a successful position at Ralph Lauren.
Monica:
* Early on: Monica's ambition is to be a successful chef. She dreams of opening her own restaurant and achieving culinary greatness. She also has a deep need for control and order, which is evident in her meticulous approach to everything.
* Later: Monica finds fulfillment in her role as a wife and mother, though she still maintains her passion for cooking and continues to work at a successful restaurant.
Phoebe:
* Early on: Phoebe is a free-spirited individual who doesn't seem to have a conventional ambition. She's more interested in following her own path and expressing her unique creativity through music and storytelling.
* Later: Phoebe's ambition is to find love and build a stable life. She ultimately finds happiness with Mike, a man who accepts and appreciates her quirks.
Joey:
* Early on: Joey's ambition is to be a successful actor. He has a strong belief in his talent and relentlessly pursues opportunities, even if they involve unconventional roles.
* Later: Joey continues to strive for acting success, but he also learns the importance of friendship and personal growth. He becomes more mature and develops a greater understanding of the world around him.
Chandler:
* Early on: Chandler struggles to find his place in the world. He initially relies on humor to cope with his insecurities, but he eventually comes to realize the importance of self-acceptance.
* Later: Chandler finds his purpose and fulfillment through his love for Monica and his career in advertising. He also learns to embrace his unique qualities and express himself more authentically.
Ross:
* Early on: Ross's ambition is to be a successful paleontologist and find love with Rachel. His academic pursuits are a constant source of pride for him, but his romantic life is more complicated.
* Later: Ross continues to focus on his career while also trying to navigate the complexities of his relationship with Rachel. He eventually learns to prioritize his family and to accept the ups and downs of love.
While each character has their own ambitions, they all ultimately find happiness and fulfillment through their shared experiences as friends. They support each other through thick and thin, celebrating their successes and helping each other through setbacks. Ultimately, the greatest ambition of the Friends is to be there for each other and to create a lasting bond that endures through the trials and tribulations of life.