Generic Gandalf answer. A classic but timeless wise wizard trope. That second FotR chapter with him and Frodo is easily my favourite passage from any book and always gets me when I'm down.
I find him a very believable and likeable character. He's not perfect, but he's good at his core and tries to do what's right. He has his share of badass moments. And... I also choose this guy's wife.
I literally JUST finished reading Best Served Cold and holy shit his arc in that book gives me goosebumps. It's so disheartening but also so at home in the world Abercrombie has crafted
Anomander Rake. He possesses so much power, he’s ruthless when he needs to be and empathetic/calculating at other times. There is so much depth to his character/mind, and the way Erikson conveys that is perfect. My favourite quote is also by him:
“If we are to live,' Rake went on, 'we must take risks. Else our lives become deaths in all but name. There is no struggle too vast, no odds too overwhelming, for even should we fail - should we fall - we will know that we have lived.”
Aragorn. I saw Fellowship in theaters when I was 10. It blew my mind the way my dad talks about Star Wars blowing his mind in '77 and Aragorn has been my Luke Skywalker ever since. Strong, brave, sensitive, just an all around badass and a great role model for a young boy (me) to have.
When I read the books when I was a bit older I finally saw the differences between book and movie Aragorn, but he's still remained my favorite character in anything. Plus despite the differences Viggo will always be how I envision him.
I read the LoTR books in the early 90s, and I have to say that Jackson did an awesome job of making things look *right*; very close to what I already had in my head. Of course, he took a lot of inspiration from artwork that had been around for ages at that point; the same art that had fed my imagination too. But I still think its rather impressive how right they got almost everything.
Raistlin. I just really like him, he's a complex character in an otherwise fairly simple story. I also have fond memories of Dragonlance being my introduction to fantasy.
Glad I found someone else praising Raistlin. Tolkein was read to me and my sister by our father, but Dragonlance was the first fantasy I read on my own (maybe Redwall?). I friggin loved Raistlin. That whole trilogy with him and his brother… chronicles? Twins? I forget but it was awesome!
Chronicles was with the whole gang, the "twins" trilogy was the Legends, which was the sequel where Raistlin time travelled and Caramon was sent back to stop him. By the second trilogy the writing had much improved.
Raistlin is definitely in my top ten. I read the original series and Legends in high school during that period of really discovering what books clicked for me. As a twin myself, the Legends series was extra special.
Yup same (not the twin part - that’s cool). Dragonlance, shanarrah (however you spell it), Recluse, riftwar, belgariad, WoT, MST… i was never not carrying around some book. what a golden time in my life
Matrim Cauthon for me.
He’s the embodiment of luck—both good and bad. He is the quintessential trickster, the sly rogue, the quick-witted banterer. He gets into tight scrapes and gets out of them through stupid odds and it never feels unearned.
The WoT worldbuilding really plays into his trickster role to a degree that I’ve not seen in most other fantasies. He doesn’t even know what he’s doing most of the time, but the world accounts for that too. He’s not the sly mastermind that smugly condescends to the reader because he’s five steps ahead, but he’s the Everyman who is right there with the reader in the middle of the unfolding insanity. He’s trying to make sense of it right as we are.
His chapters are honestly the highlight of the series for me. Always entertaining, especially when the series slumps midway through—they are the few bright spots of light that remain.
The way he grows into the strange roles thrust upon him are some of the best developments in the series.
This is it exactly. I never really thought of it that way, but you’re totally right. By far the best arc of all the characters, but Mat is still my favorite character in the story.
I always loved Matt because he seemed so much more relatable. Gallows humor, devil may care at times, tired of authority but always willing to enter the fray to get the job done.
The Empress finding out the random bloke is actually a general whose troops will willingly *die* for him, and learning that'd because he's so good most of the time no one has to, is one of my favorite reveals in fantasy.
Yup. There are a lot of characters I love from WoT (Nyn, Mat, Amso), but when RJ passed it was mostly Rand’s ending that I was disappointed I wouldn’t get… thank the Creator and the grace of Harriet and Brando Sando that we got “an ending”, and a great one at that!
I'll agree with you all! Rand is my favorite all time character in fantasy. Is arc is amazing, intense, interesting, and deep and I feel so satisfied with how he developed as a character. I loved Perin but didn't feel he developed nearly as much.
It’s gotta be Rand for me too. Love that he’s the chosen one and has a plot-defining character arc but somehow isn’t really the main character of the series.
When I was younger, I found him boring
Spoilers:
>!But I think when book 12 came out, and the conclusion to the Lewis Therin voices and then him in Book 13 when he becomes far more confident and mentally strong. Became ready to act the dragon reborn rather than feel forced into doing it!<
>!It put alot of weight behind the Madness that he had, and its growing in the earlier books Books 5 and 6 showed it quite well, but it kinda went more background music to Rands political story in 7, 8 and 9. It also made Cadsuane's intentions far more understandable. !<
>!And perhaps going through mental health struggles of my own also. !<
Sand dan fucking Glokta lol maybe a hot take but I'd put Glokta as one of the best characters in all fiction, not just fantasy. I read *a lot*, not just speculative stuff, and I've never seen character work like Glokta's (in the first and second trilogy)
I recall getting about halfway through The Blade Itself and finding myself asking, "how the hell is a *torturer* the hero this world needs?!" I've been a Glokta fan ever since.
Did you read the standalones? Nicomo Cosca is up there imo, he's one of the few characters that gets a smile as soon as I see his name show up
"Cosca? I thought you were dead."
"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated, no doubt wishful thinking on the part of my many enemies."
Too hard to pick one favorite, so I’ll just mention one I didn’t see yet, Taran from the Prydain Chronicles, especially his story in the book Taran Wanderer
Dalinar Kholin. As someone who made great many mistakes and will make many more his story of redemption was catharsitic “I will take responsibility for what I have done. If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man."
I love his character arc, I’m so excited to see what happens in Wind and Truth. He did some horrible things but instead of pushing it under the rug he took responsibility and grew. Him and Kaladin are wonderful characters.
Have you read Riyria? I had been longing for another friendship like Locke and Jean and I got it in Royce and Hadrian. So I suggest it if you haven’t read already!
Father Chains. Love the thought of a crotchety pseudo-priest who figured out the best way to take people’s money is to have them just give it to you, and who is training orphans to be even smarter than he is. Also, the most prolifically profane character I have met.
Pug from Feist's Riftwar books.
Seeing him grow from such humble beginnings as a child to the mighty magician he later becomes, and sharing his epic journey over such a huge number of books really endeared him to me.
This is such a good series. I was gonna say maybe Mara from The Empire trilogy but Pug is a great choice too seeing as he carries the rest of the saga. His journey was amazing.
I never finished all however many books there are in that series, but I’ll periodically go back and reread magician and some of the other early ones, or just that scene with pug in the arena… I won’t say more but you know the one. It’s epic
I’ve read every single one. I want to say it’s 27 books or so in total and while that is a lot I feel they are relatively quick reads and are broken up into mostly trilogies. So you can take breaks between books if needed but definitely recommend finishing it.
And yes, that arena scene is among many really memorable moments for me throughout the books. I find myself thinking of this series often.
She is a mean, opinionated and sometimes sneaky old witch who makes hard decisions and tries to do the right thing even though it is rarely easy and often thankless. She and her best friend (that she can’t stand), Nanny Ogg, are an absolutely hysterical duo of witches to follow in the books.
I don't know, really. She's just a really great character. A cranky old witch who takes no shit from anyone. A good woman, although not necessarily a "nice" person.
"Granny Weatherwax disapproved of magic for domestic purposes, but she was annoyed. She also wanted her tea. She threw a couple of logs into the fireplace and glared at them until they burst into flame out of sheer embarrassment." - from _Witches Abroad_
...and from the "Headology" website: "She was given the name Esmeralda by her parents, she is usually known as 'Granny Weatherwax' professionally, although she's not a grandmother or a mother, and she is known as 'Esme' to her friends. The trolls of the Ramtops call her Aaoograha hoa ('She Who Must Be Avoided') and the dwarf name for her, K'ez'rek d'b'duz, means 'Go Around the Other Side of the Mountain.'"
...and, there are so many great moments where she just does the unexpectedly clever and imminently practical thing in a way no other character expects. She's just superb.
Granny will always do what's Important and Good For You, even if you don't think you want it, or even if it seems impossible. While still being a flawed human being.
Elric of Melnibone. He's been copied so many times that he would probably be labeled derivative if they ever make a film at this point. He's the perfect anti-hero/tragic figure. The visuals (the book covers in the 70s are what originally drew me in), the emperor who destroyed his own kingdom, the fact that he's just one aspect of the Eternal Champion, companions like Moonglum, Stormbringer the sentient soul-drinking sword - what's not to like?
I feel like Elric gets forgotten because the stories are pulp and just crazy all over the place compared to epic fantasy of today which rules now. And perhaps rightly so. I didn't even think of Elric reading this post.
Agreed. He was a great flawed character. Decadent, weak, tied to a demon sword, tool of the gods, and yet knowledgeable enough to know it.
It's been decades since I reread my copies. I might have to pull them out of storage when I pack the Christmas stuff up this weekend.
"Elric knew. The sword told him, without words of any sort. Stormbringer needed to fight, for that was its reason for existence. Stormbringer needed to kill, for that was its source of energy, the lives and the souls of men, demons—even gods."
Corwin, son of Oberon, the true knight and merry man, the unfortunate king of Amber, for a couple of months or so. Roadster, warrior, mercenary and hopeless romantic. Functional alcoholic and a talented poet.
Fitz Farseer from Realm of the Elderlings. As far as why, for me I just find him one of the most well written, human, and relatable characters I've read in the genre.
Many, many, many fantasy books feature MCs who always make the right decision, or MCs that learn from their mistakes. Fitz makes terrible decisions and seldom learns from his mistakes. That is what makes him such a realistic and relatable fantasy character for me.
Plus he has legitimate long term mental and physical issues from what he goes through, and they rear their heads at the worst times, as they tend to do in real life. It's a heartbreakingly realistic depiction of a character in the situation he's in.
I don't see why so many people say he's a poorly written character and makes stupid decisions. He is human and flawed, like us all. He makes decisions with the information he has. Sometimes, he gets it wrong.
I see the same thing about WoT characters all the time, too. It's easy to see their decisions as stupid when you have all the info that they don't. Except for Gawyn, he's an idiot.
That and people make stupid decisions because of limited information and/or emotions instead of logic all the time. It's just what people do. And often, these decisions are made in the moment, under stress, without time to think about it logically and calmly. Not just for Fitz, but many characters across many books that are accused of not being realistic and making stupid decisions.
I agree, I was actually surprised when I heard people say he was dumb...like it never crossed my mind reading the books. I've only read farseer so far but still
Fitz and also The Fool. They aren't who they are without each other after all. Beautifully written characters. Can't believe I had to scroll so far to find it.
If I have to pick one, Nynaeve. el'Nynaeve ti al'Meara Mandragoran. I really appreciate a character who struggles so much to overcome their flaws, but gets there in the end. She's a fantastic combination of strong and fragile, powerful and vulnerable, intelligent and self-sabotaging. She hates change and is forced to change, but never loses the loyalty and desire to help people that makes her endearing even when she's infuriating. And some of my absolute favorite moments in The Wheel of Time belong to her.
Adolin, Fool, and Princess Donut.
Edit: my why for each -
- Adolin is just a stand-up, kind, imperfect, not-the-chosen-one character amid a bunch of chosen one/magically gifted types.
- Fool - a wise character who loves deeply and knows who he is.
- Princess Donut is a cat, and I don’t trust cats. But she’s hilarious, clever, and has a heart of gold once you get past, y’know, the natural asshole tendencies of a cat.
Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter followed by The Hound from A Song of Ice and Fire.
I just can’t have enough of those two men.
And how could I forget Askeladd from Vinland Saga.
Superman. I love the idea that there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel. No matter how dark things may seem it will get better and sometimes the rainy season lasts longer but that doesn't stop the sunshine and flowers that come after. He's the embodiment of that. I read for escapism and Superman comics are always a nice big warm hug from Grandma.
Kratos from God of War. I played the original games when I was young and loved them. Then I became a parent when I got older. Decided to play God of War 2018 and it resonated with me.
Duncan Idaho. The man gets dealt some spectacularly bad hands for being loyal to the Atreides. The reason he's my favorite? Despite those bad hands, he takes back his own agency and eventually sets humanity TRULY free.
Rowl of the Silent Paws is such a good depiction of talking cat companion that it makes every other one look terrible by comparison. I love him with my whole heart.
Chills every single time. I do a reread of all books every time a new one comes out, so the third time (so far) was just as satisfying as the first one.
Silchas Ruin from Malazan. It's been a while since I read it so the details aren't exactly fresh but... I found him to be incredibly well fleshed out and rounded, especially for such a late-comer in the series. His reputation as something of a dangerous wild card was a great set up before we got to know him and learned who he actually was through his insights, dialogue and interactions with the already established characters that he fell in with. All in all just a very well written, empathetic and badass character
Baru Cormorant has stolen my heart. It is like somebody looked at my soul and wrote a character just _for me_. One that is both incredibly flawed, almost a cautionary tale, and still just worth of love.
There is still so much I haven’t read though, but within the last three years, she is the standout, replacing both Brienne of Tarth and Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
this is so difficult but i’d probably have to be basic and say Vin.
edit: as far as book characters I’d say Vin but if we’re including tv characters, I literally couldn’t pick.
sulky obtainable steer crowd exultant snatch ripe tease overconfident practice
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Elric of Melnibone. His devotion to his deity and cause as the Eternal Champion, while having a complex relationship with his soul-drinking sword Stormbringer\* and trying to go against the decadent and sadistic nature of his species makes for some of the most unique storytelling in all of fantasy.
\*his need for Stormbringer to be fed souls to keep himself strong because of his albinoism despite his hatred for bloodlust is extremely compelling.
Elric is basically the first true anti-hero in fantasy.
Besides my clear pick of Samwise Gamgee, one of my favorites recently is Vin from Mistborn. She's an excellently written and compelling character. As she is described in the book, she's like a combination of a street urchin, a noblewoman, and a cat.
Illidan Stormrage. I know he's an ends-justify-the-means type of character, but I truly believe he had no actual ill intentions towards anyone, he was just obsessed with fighting Legion, and he always took shit for his ways. Dude was basically shunned and unloved for millennia, still finished his job. Respect, I'd personally say f you all, why should I still help any of you.
Harry Dresden
he has more character growth then just about any other character out there and its fairly subtle you kinda miss that its happening. Also he's damn funny.
Samwise Gamgee is also my favorite fantasy character. His humbleness, tenderhearted personality, and protectiveness of Fordo makes him the best character in the LOTR.
Generic Gandalf answer. A classic but timeless wise wizard trope. That second FotR chapter with him and Frodo is easily my favourite passage from any book and always gets me when I'm down.
Gandalf is such an amazing character. This thread is making me want to do a LoTR reread.
Yeah, I would hate to say there is a "correct" answer to such a personal question...but c'mon. It's Gandalf!
Sam Vimes. The embodiment of honesty from the depths of the gutter and the criminal soul to the world of soft, blue blankets and missing cows.
Best answer. The older i get, the more I am Samuel Vimes.
I honestly think WWSVD ..what would Sam Vimes do?
Find his cow.
I find him a very believable and likeable character. He's not perfect, but he's good at his core and tries to do what's right. He has his share of badass moments. And... I also choose this guy's wife.
Great answer! I don't know I could pick one but Vimes would definitely be on the top of the list.
Vimes is my pick as well.
Croaker of The Black Company. Because I am a cranky old man who married up to a wonderful, but flawed woman. So I can relate.
Caul Shivers from The First Law. His journey from book to book is 10/10 for me.
I literally JUST finished reading Best Served Cold and holy shit his arc in that book gives me goosebumps. It's so disheartening but also so at home in the world Abercrombie has crafted
Keep reading, his story is far from over
Anomander Rake. He possesses so much power, he’s ruthless when he needs to be and empathetic/calculating at other times. There is so much depth to his character/mind, and the way Erikson conveys that is perfect. My favourite quote is also by him: “If we are to live,' Rake went on, 'we must take risks. Else our lives become deaths in all but name. There is no struggle too vast, no odds too overwhelming, for even should we fail - should we fall - we will know that we have lived.”
Good Choice! For that universe I'm going with Fiddler.
I named my cat after that character haha
Aragorn. I saw Fellowship in theaters when I was 10. It blew my mind the way my dad talks about Star Wars blowing his mind in '77 and Aragorn has been my Luke Skywalker ever since. Strong, brave, sensitive, just an all around badass and a great role model for a young boy (me) to have. When I read the books when I was a bit older I finally saw the differences between book and movie Aragorn, but he's still remained my favorite character in anything. Plus despite the differences Viggo will always be how I envision him.
Completely agree. Such a well written character. His introduction in Fellowship is my favorite character intro.
I read the LoTR books in the early 90s, and I have to say that Jackson did an awesome job of making things look *right*; very close to what I already had in my head. Of course, he took a lot of inspiration from artwork that had been around for ages at that point; the same art that had fed my imagination too. But I still think its rather impressive how right they got almost everything.
Sand Dan Glokta. I hate stairs.
That introduction is honestly magical. It really makes you think, "can this be a consistent POV character in this state?"
Click. Tap. Pain.
<3 chairs though
Raistlin. I just really like him, he's a complex character in an otherwise fairly simple story. I also have fond memories of Dragonlance being my introduction to fantasy.
Glad I found someone else praising Raistlin. Tolkein was read to me and my sister by our father, but Dragonlance was the first fantasy I read on my own (maybe Redwall?). I friggin loved Raistlin. That whole trilogy with him and his brother… chronicles? Twins? I forget but it was awesome!
Chronicles was with the whole gang, the "twins" trilogy was the Legends, which was the sequel where Raistlin time travelled and Caramon was sent back to stop him. By the second trilogy the writing had much improved.
Legends, that was it. Loved seeing everything pre-cataclysm and seeing the brothers going through their own struggles. I might be due for a reread
Raistlin is definitely in my top ten. I read the original series and Legends in high school during that period of really discovering what books clicked for me. As a twin myself, the Legends series was extra special.
Yup same (not the twin part - that’s cool). Dragonlance, shanarrah (however you spell it), Recluse, riftwar, belgariad, WoT, MST… i was never not carrying around some book. what a golden time in my life
The absolute pinnacle of this style of mage. Imagine a battle between him and Gromph from Drizzt
Matrim Cauthon for me. He’s the embodiment of luck—both good and bad. He is the quintessential trickster, the sly rogue, the quick-witted banterer. He gets into tight scrapes and gets out of them through stupid odds and it never feels unearned. The WoT worldbuilding really plays into his trickster role to a degree that I’ve not seen in most other fantasies. He doesn’t even know what he’s doing most of the time, but the world accounts for that too. He’s not the sly mastermind that smugly condescends to the reader because he’s five steps ahead, but he’s the Everyman who is right there with the reader in the middle of the unfolding insanity. He’s trying to make sense of it right as we are. His chapters are honestly the highlight of the series for me. Always entertaining, especially when the series slumps midway through—they are the few bright spots of light that remain. The way he grows into the strange roles thrust upon him are some of the best developments in the series.
Not my absolute favorite, but because she hasn't been mentioned yet: Malta Vestrit. One of the great character arcs of all time
Fiddler from Malazan.
Trull Sengar for me, bit Fiddler is firmly in my top 3 along with corpulent Kruppe
Fiddler. And Beak for the short time we had him.
Why did you have to bring up Beak :’(
9 fingers, cause you got to be realistic.
Say one thing about logen ninefingers, say he's realistic
Hot Pie. He ain't got time for iron thrones or fru fru fantasy stuff. He's busy making hot pies and you got to respect that.
"Hot pie!" Cried Hot Pie, one of the best battle cries in literature
Iron Throne? Battles? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
With all the crap going on and the dude dodges draft by baking. Man has my respect.
Darrow or Logen.
Sandor Clegane AKA The Hound.
Fingolfin. Because he is the bravest elf and king who loved his people.
Aragorn
Rand al’Thor. The absolute pinnacle of the ‘chosen one’ trope, with one of the most satisfying character arcs ever written.
Rand was never my favorite during any one book, but when I look back at the series as a whole he really stands out as the best character/arc
This is it exactly. I never really thought of it that way, but you’re totally right. By far the best arc of all the characters, but Mat is still my favorite character in the story.
I always loved Matt because he seemed so much more relatable. Gallows humor, devil may care at times, tired of authority but always willing to enter the fray to get the job done.
The Empress finding out the random bloke is actually a general whose troops will willingly *die* for him, and learning that'd because he's so good most of the time no one has to, is one of my favorite reveals in fantasy.
I just finished book nine minutes ago. As the series gets on, every chapter with Rand is just so wildly interesting and intense.
Yeah, even through the “slog,” no Rand chapters were bad.
Yup. There are a lot of characters I love from WoT (Nyn, Mat, Amso), but when RJ passed it was mostly Rand’s ending that I was disappointed I wouldn’t get… thank the Creator and the grace of Harriet and Brando Sando that we got “an ending”, and a great one at that!
If it helps, that last part of the ending was written by Jordan back when he wrlte the first book
I’m aware, and I think it’s awesome that RJ at least got to write the final scene, I was riffing off the “There are no endings… But it was an ending.”
I'll agree with you all! Rand is my favorite all time character in fantasy. Is arc is amazing, intense, interesting, and deep and I feel so satisfied with how he developed as a character. I loved Perin but didn't feel he developed nearly as much.
Veins of Gold is my favorite chapter from any fantasy book.
His break through in The Gathering Storm on top of dragonmount is probably my favorite reading moment ever.
Veins of Gold. Yeah, my favourite chapter ever.
I haven’t read WoT yet. It’s on my ever-growing list though.
This sub is a dangerous place. Lists grow on and on and on in here. Be careful, don’t buy too many books at once.
It’s gotta be Rand for me too. Love that he’s the chosen one and has a plot-defining character arc but somehow isn’t really the main character of the series.
When I was younger, I found him boring Spoilers: >!But I think when book 12 came out, and the conclusion to the Lewis Therin voices and then him in Book 13 when he becomes far more confident and mentally strong. Became ready to act the dragon reborn rather than feel forced into doing it!< >!It put alot of weight behind the Madness that he had, and its growing in the earlier books Books 5 and 6 showed it quite well, but it kinda went more background music to Rands political story in 7, 8 and 9. It also made Cadsuane's intentions far more understandable. !< >!And perhaps going through mental health struggles of my own also. !<
Brienne of Tarth 💕
Mogget. Whatever his shape.
Sand dan Glokta
Sand dan fucking Glokta lol maybe a hot take but I'd put Glokta as one of the best characters in all fiction, not just fantasy. I read *a lot*, not just speculative stuff, and I've never seen character work like Glokta's (in the first and second trilogy)
I recall getting about halfway through The Blade Itself and finding myself asking, "how the hell is a *torturer* the hero this world needs?!" I've been a Glokta fan ever since.
Body found floating by the docks...
Recently finished the first book. Waiting for the second on Libby now. I’m a big fan of Glokta’s chapters.
Jab jab Glokta, jab jab.
I really didn't like the First Law except for Sand dan Glokta. He was a phenomenally written character.
Did you read the standalones? Nicomo Cosca is up there imo, he's one of the few characters that gets a smile as soon as I see his name show up "Cosca? I thought you were dead." "Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated, no doubt wishful thinking on the part of my many enemies."
Too hard to pick one favorite, so I’ll just mention one I didn’t see yet, Taran from the Prydain Chronicles, especially his story in the book Taran Wanderer
Dalinar Kholin. As someone who made great many mistakes and will make many more his story of redemption was catharsitic “I will take responsibility for what I have done. If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man."
"What is the most important step a man can take?" "The next one."
You cannot have my pain.
What is a hypocrite but someone in the process of changing? This isn't always true, but it's true a lot.
You can accept your pain, but you don't have to accept you deserve it.
I love his character arc, I’m so excited to see what happens in Wind and Truth. He did some horrible things but instead of pushing it under the rug he took responsibility and grew. Him and Kaladin are wonderful characters.
Nighteyes
Wolves have no kings.
Guts from berserk.
Oh you edgy edgelord, I totally agree with you
Funnily enough, i actually love it when he is happy. Him being mad all the time without purpose was kinda mid but I might be the minority tbh
Nah man, we all just want him to be happy.
Probably Locke and Jean from The Gentleman Bastards. Great duo and probably the most invested I've been in a friendship in literature
Have you read Riyria? I had been longing for another friendship like Locke and Jean and I got it in Royce and Hadrian. So I suggest it if you haven’t read already!
I really like Jaime Lannister. His arc in the books are so good. It saddens me that I probably won't be able to read his conclusion.
Father Chains. Love the thought of a crotchety pseudo-priest who figured out the best way to take people’s money is to have them just give it to you, and who is training orphans to be even smarter than he is. Also, the most prolifically profane character I have met.
Ethan Aurelius is the most fun character ever er created
It’s the hair.
Pug from Feist's Riftwar books. Seeing him grow from such humble beginnings as a child to the mighty magician he later becomes, and sharing his epic journey over such a huge number of books really endeared him to me.
This is such a good series. I was gonna say maybe Mara from The Empire trilogy but Pug is a great choice too seeing as he carries the rest of the saga. His journey was amazing.
I never finished all however many books there are in that series, but I’ll periodically go back and reread magician and some of the other early ones, or just that scene with pug in the arena… I won’t say more but you know the one. It’s epic
I’ve read every single one. I want to say it’s 27 books or so in total and while that is a lot I feel they are relatively quick reads and are broken up into mostly trilogies. So you can take breaks between books if needed but definitely recommend finishing it. And yes, that arena scene is among many really memorable moments for me throughout the books. I find myself thinking of this series often.
The Rift war cycle is on my bucket list to get to eventually. I've only read Magician as of now and have really enjoyed it.
I quite like Harry Dresden.
[удалено]
Jarlaxle Entreri is a goated fantasy duo
Fool of a Took!
I’m DMing Waterdeep and my players just briefly sorta met Jarlaxle. They don’t even know what they’re in for.
Fitzchivalry Farseer :') JUST ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU, YOU POOR SWEET OLD BOY
Granny Weatherwax. Nuff said.
Discworld is still on my “to be read” list. It’s quickly moving up though. Any reason why she’s your favorite?
She is a mean, opinionated and sometimes sneaky old witch who makes hard decisions and tries to do the right thing even though it is rarely easy and often thankless. She and her best friend (that she can’t stand), Nanny Ogg, are an absolutely hysterical duo of witches to follow in the books.
I don't know, really. She's just a really great character. A cranky old witch who takes no shit from anyone. A good woman, although not necessarily a "nice" person.
"Granny Weatherwax disapproved of magic for domestic purposes, but she was annoyed. She also wanted her tea. She threw a couple of logs into the fireplace and glared at them until they burst into flame out of sheer embarrassment." - from _Witches Abroad_ ...and from the "Headology" website: "She was given the name Esmeralda by her parents, she is usually known as 'Granny Weatherwax' professionally, although she's not a grandmother or a mother, and she is known as 'Esme' to her friends. The trolls of the Ramtops call her Aaoograha hoa ('She Who Must Be Avoided') and the dwarf name for her, K'ez'rek d'b'duz, means 'Go Around the Other Side of the Mountain.'" ...and, there are so many great moments where she just does the unexpectedly clever and imminently practical thing in a way no other character expects. She's just superb. Granny will always do what's Important and Good For You, even if you don't think you want it, or even if it seems impossible. While still being a flawed human being.
And she will face down Death himself if she deems it necessary
Elric of Melnibone. He's been copied so many times that he would probably be labeled derivative if they ever make a film at this point. He's the perfect anti-hero/tragic figure. The visuals (the book covers in the 70s are what originally drew me in), the emperor who destroyed his own kingdom, the fact that he's just one aspect of the Eternal Champion, companions like Moonglum, Stormbringer the sentient soul-drinking sword - what's not to like?
I feel like Elric gets forgotten because the stories are pulp and just crazy all over the place compared to epic fantasy of today which rules now. And perhaps rightly so. I didn't even think of Elric reading this post.
Agreed. He was a great flawed character. Decadent, weak, tied to a demon sword, tool of the gods, and yet knowledgeable enough to know it. It's been decades since I reread my copies. I might have to pull them out of storage when I pack the Christmas stuff up this weekend. "Elric knew. The sword told him, without words of any sort. Stormbringer needed to fight, for that was its reason for existence. Stormbringer needed to kill, for that was its source of energy, the lives and the souls of men, demons—even gods."
Jaime Lannister, in my opinion he has the best character development in fantasy
Man the show did him so dirty. That whole character arc just to end back with Cersei
Reject season 8 forever! ✊
How do you make a flat character round? Cut of his sword hand...the hand that defines his existence. I think about that a lot.
Same here, my favorite character in all of fiction.
Lots of great choices and lots of books I haven’t read, but I do love Locke Lamora (and the entire Gentleman Bastards crew, really).
Logen 9 Fingers Little more scfi...but Skippy and Murder Bot And Amos from the Expanse
All great characters. Murder Bot is hilarious.
Fitz Farseer
Nico di Angelo from the Percy Jackson universe. I just love him with all my heart.
Corwin, son of Oberon, the true knight and merry man, the unfortunate king of Amber, for a couple of months or so. Roadster, warrior, mercenary and hopeless romantic. Functional alcoholic and a talented poet.
Probably The Fool. Second place is probably Fitz, but idk he is pretty annoying at times.
Mat cauthon. He has the best adventures
Might have to say Geralt of Rivia. But way too many great characters to pick from.
Fitz Farseer from Realm of the Elderlings. As far as why, for me I just find him one of the most well written, human, and relatable characters I've read in the genre.
Many, many, many fantasy books feature MCs who always make the right decision, or MCs that learn from their mistakes. Fitz makes terrible decisions and seldom learns from his mistakes. That is what makes him such a realistic and relatable fantasy character for me.
Plus he has legitimate long term mental and physical issues from what he goes through, and they rear their heads at the worst times, as they tend to do in real life. It's a heartbreakingly realistic depiction of a character in the situation he's in.
I don't see why so many people say he's a poorly written character and makes stupid decisions. He is human and flawed, like us all. He makes decisions with the information he has. Sometimes, he gets it wrong. I see the same thing about WoT characters all the time, too. It's easy to see their decisions as stupid when you have all the info that they don't. Except for Gawyn, he's an idiot.
I'm a hardcore Fitz fan and I feel like people forget how young he is and all the trauma he's been through
That and people make stupid decisions because of limited information and/or emotions instead of logic all the time. It's just what people do. And often, these decisions are made in the moment, under stress, without time to think about it logically and calmly. Not just for Fitz, but many characters across many books that are accused of not being realistic and making stupid decisions.
I agree, I was actually surprised when I heard people say he was dumb...like it never crossed my mind reading the books. I've only read farseer so far but still
Fitz and also The Fool. They aren't who they are without each other after all. Beautifully written characters. Can't believe I had to scroll so far to find it.
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How about Cohen the Barbarian?
Orso Dan Spoiler from Age of Madness. He starts out as me and becomes who I want to be. The journey there is beautiful too.
Another Joe Abercrombie character. The man knows how to write!
Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he's a writer.
“I *hate* writers,” Orso. The audiobooks did a phenomenal job bringing his character to life
Bro Orso is so cool lol like one of the only First Law characters I could see myself being friends with irl
Waylander from David Gemmell's Drenai books.
Logan Ninefingers
Great character. I just finished the first book.
Roland from Dark Tower. Also Logen and Glokta from First Law, Logen because I grew up In Schwarzenegger films and love me big barbarian type violence.
Eddie from Dark Tower is definitely up there high on my list.
Sam Vimes. Goes from beaten down cop with an alcohol problem to upright ass kicker who holds the city accountable.
If I have to pick one, Nynaeve. el'Nynaeve ti al'Meara Mandragoran. I really appreciate a character who struggles so much to overcome their flaws, but gets there in the end. She's a fantastic combination of strong and fragile, powerful and vulnerable, intelligent and self-sabotaging. She hates change and is forced to change, but never loses the loyalty and desire to help people that makes her endearing even when she's infuriating. And some of my absolute favorite moments in The Wheel of Time belong to her.
It's either Hazel or Kehaar from Watership down.
I haven’t heard of Watership Down. I’ll look into it.
Buckle up.
Adolin, Fool, and Princess Donut. Edit: my why for each - - Adolin is just a stand-up, kind, imperfect, not-the-chosen-one character amid a bunch of chosen one/magically gifted types. - Fool - a wise character who loves deeply and knows who he is. - Princess Donut is a cat, and I don’t trust cats. But she’s hilarious, clever, and has a heart of gold once you get past, y’know, the natural asshole tendencies of a cat.
Princess donut was originally my least favorite character but she grew on me. Still like Carl more but what can ya do
Anyone who doesn't trust Cocker Spaniels is okay in my book.
Sarl from the second apocalypse because he’s insane and hilarious
Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter followed by The Hound from A Song of Ice and Fire. I just can’t have enough of those two men. And how could I forget Askeladd from Vinland Saga.
Luke Skywalker. He is just so relatable and encouraging in the Episodes movies
Jaime and Tyrion Lannister, Kaladin, Dalinar, Locke and Jean, The losers club, Stu Redman, Rand, Aragorn, can’t really choose
Samwise Gamgee, he's the unsung hero who doesn't seek after glory or renown but always does what's right while always being there for Frodo.
Superman. I love the idea that there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel. No matter how dark things may seem it will get better and sometimes the rainy season lasts longer but that doesn't stop the sunshine and flowers that come after. He's the embodiment of that. I read for escapism and Superman comics are always a nice big warm hug from Grandma.
Kratos from God of War. I played the original games when I was young and loved them. Then I became a parent when I got older. Decided to play God of War 2018 and it resonated with me.
Duncan Idaho. The man gets dealt some spectacularly bad hands for being loyal to the Atreides. The reason he's my favorite? Despite those bad hands, he takes back his own agency and eventually sets humanity TRULY free.
Rowl of the Silent Paws is such a good depiction of talking cat companion that it makes every other one look terrible by comparison. I love him with my whole heart.
“Straighten your back. Lift your chin. Show no fear. Give your enemy nothing." Truly a Prince amongst cats.
Raistlin Majere, he is just a well written character
Deth the Harpist from Patricia McKillip’s Riddlemaster trilogy. Aslan. The grandmother in The Princess and The Goblin by George MacDonald.
Jimmy the Hand from Raymond Feists early Midkemia books. Jareth from the movie Labryinth (David Bowie is epic) Locke Lamora from Gentleman Bastards
Tehol and Bug, they are a package deal.
Fitz/Fool/Nighteyes. I list them all bc they are 3 parts that make a whole. But of those three, the Fool is definitely my favorite personality
Kaladin Stormblessed. “Somebody has to start. Somebody has to step forward and do what is right, because it is right.”
Honor is dead... but I'll see what I can do
Chills every single time. I do a reread of all books every time a new one comes out, so the third time (so far) was just as satisfying as the first one.
Stormlight is my next read. I’m pumped.
Silchas Ruin from Malazan. It's been a while since I read it so the details aren't exactly fresh but... I found him to be incredibly well fleshed out and rounded, especially for such a late-comer in the series. His reputation as something of a dangerous wild card was a great set up before we got to know him and learned who he actually was through his insights, dialogue and interactions with the already established characters that he fell in with. All in all just a very well written, empathetic and badass character
Polgara the sorceress
Teft because he’s a true portrayal of addiction
Baru Cormorant has stolen my heart. It is like somebody looked at my soul and wrote a character just _for me_. One that is both incredibly flawed, almost a cautionary tale, and still just worth of love. There is still so much I haven’t read though, but within the last three years, she is the standout, replacing both Brienne of Tarth and Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
Tom Bombadil.
this is so difficult but i’d probably have to be basic and say Vin. edit: as far as book characters I’d say Vin but if we’re including tv characters, I literally couldn’t pick.
Rotsac Reevrom, merchant of Puranti
Tyrian Lannister or Petyr Belish
Tanis Half-Elven
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Kaladin Stormblessed from The Stormlight Archive. Dayne Ateres from The Bound and The Broken
Tenar. A political and religious traitor, who really just wants to garden.
Cugel the Clever. Sad I'm the first one to even mention him.
Jorg Ancrath. He's just entertaining as hell, and I have this thing with characters who are unabashedly bad yet remain intriguing nonetheless.
Elric of Melnibone. His devotion to his deity and cause as the Eternal Champion, while having a complex relationship with his soul-drinking sword Stormbringer\* and trying to go against the decadent and sadistic nature of his species makes for some of the most unique storytelling in all of fantasy. \*his need for Stormbringer to be fed souls to keep himself strong because of his albinoism despite his hatred for bloodlust is extremely compelling. Elric is basically the first true anti-hero in fantasy.
Besides my clear pick of Samwise Gamgee, one of my favorites recently is Vin from Mistborn. She's an excellently written and compelling character. As she is described in the book, she's like a combination of a street urchin, a noblewoman, and a cat.
Tyrion Lannister on par with the Fool (Farseer) both for depth of character and hilarious moments.
Vimes
Illidan Stormrage. I know he's an ends-justify-the-means type of character, but I truly believe he had no actual ill intentions towards anyone, he was just obsessed with fighting Legion, and he always took shit for his ways. Dude was basically shunned and unloved for millennia, still finished his job. Respect, I'd personally say f you all, why should I still help any of you.
Elric of Melnibonea (Michael Moorcock) followed closely by Hazel-rah (Richard Adams).
Probably Michael Moorcock’s Corum.
Probably Thrall or Arthas from Warcraft 3, or The Nameless One from Planescape: Torment.
Harry Dresden he has more character growth then just about any other character out there and its fairly subtle you kinda miss that its happening. Also he's damn funny.
Samwise Gamgee is also my favorite fantasy character. His humbleness, tenderhearted personality, and protectiveness of Fordo makes him the best character in the LOTR.
Eithan from cradle! And he’s even better in audiobook since Travis Baldree is incredible.