<P> The following is the list of characters of Disney Channel original series Wizards of Waverly Place . </P> <P> The series centers on the fictional characters of the Russo family, which includes Alex (Selena Gomez), her older brother Justin (David Henrie) and their younger brother Max (Jake T. Austin). The three Russo siblings are wizards in training and live with their Italian - American father Jerry (David DeLuise), a former wizard, and their Mexican - American mother, Theresa (Maria Canals Barrera) who is a mortal . Alex's best friend Harper (Jennifer Stone) also found out about the Russos' wizard powers in season 2 . The siblings have to keep their secret safe while living in the mortal world . When they become adults, the three siblings will have a wizard competition to decide who will become the family wizard of their generation and keep his or her wizard powers . Harper used to have a crush on Justin, but now is in love with Justin's best friend, Zeke, who finds out about the Russo's wizard powers in season 4 . Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) and Justin Russo (David Henrie) are the only characters to appear in every episode of the series . </P> <P> Alexandra Margarita Russo (Selena Gomez) is the only female out of the three Russo siblings, and the middle child . She is sly, rebellious, outgoing, and usually underachieves when it comes to school . She often gets into trouble because of her constant schemes (usually involving magic). She is part Latina and part Italian . Even though she is infamously known for doing the worst in wizard studies and school, and relentlessly torments her older brother Justin, Alex becomes much more mature throughout the series . Although she's somewhat lazy, Alex is smart, loyal, and caring . She goes through a long term relationship with Mason Greyback, a purebred werewolf . She becomes the Russo family wizard at the end of the series . Usually, her mom calls her "m'ija", which is Spanish for "my daughter". </P>

Who plays alex in wizards of waverly place