The most intriguing characters in modern fiction (all mediums)

[willow]

Now... I want you to think about this... don't just choose someone who you think is cool... chose someone who you think is worth it... you don't have to like the character... just as long as you think it's a brilliant character... that's what I'm looking for...
I spent about 2 days thinking about who I would put down...
these are in no particular order... and all I could think of at the moment.



The most intriguing characters in modern fiction (all mediums)

Shinji Ikari – a teenage boy forced to pilot an Eva (a large biomechanical mech)… forced because he feels he needs to. The character is rather depressive, reclusive and antisocial… I chose him because of his realization and self-acceptance… his character development is some of the best I’ve ever seen. There is a reason this series is considered one of animes finest… it’s the brilliance in the character development.
Neon Genesis: Evangelion. -anime


Keyser Soze - the fabled criminal mastermind. He’s basically a fable criminals tell their children to keep them in line, “don’t rat your father out or Keyser Soze will get you”.
He is in control of the darker side of the world… but is he real? “The greatest trick the Devil ever accomplished… was making the world believe he didn’t exits”.
The Usual Suspects –film

Kain - Possibly the strongest character in videogames. His rise to power out of spite... only to gain a conscious out of boredom. Kain conquers the world of Nosgoth… after a few millennia of rule… he slowly gains a conscious… he was once a noble… then turned to a vampire… then grows from spiteful to megalomaniacle to honorable… but is still completely ruthless… a character development set in a few thousand years.
The Legacy of Kain - videogame

Anakin Skywalker – The chosen one… Anakin will bring balance to the force… His fall from grace is tragic… he becomes one with the dark side out of hatred…. He regains his humanity out of the love from his son. One of the most gripping characters in recent history.
The Star Wars Saga- film

Luis De`Pointe du Lac(sp?) – Vampire… Luis is immortal… yet he desperately clings on to his humanity. Of all the vampires in the world, Luis is the most human. He refuses to gain power like his creator Lestat… if Lestat were to offer Luis power… he would only deny it… his humanity is worth so much more.
The Vampire Chronicles – literature

Hannibal Lector – Hannibal the cannibal… he is the worlds most brilliant serial killer… he kills for food… yet he is the ultimate contrast… his feral hunger is matched with his wit, charm, and taste. He is a brilliant man who knows the finer things in life… he is washed with culture.
Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal – literature

Don Quixote – insane… an insane knight on an insane quest… living in his own world… an autistic man who refuses to reason… because he is noble… he is a knight... in his own mind.
Don Quixote- literature I let him slide because there was a recent film based on the book... otherwise he would be too old of a character.


The Joker- criminally insane… he is virtually impossible to catch… because of his insanity… he does not kill because of reason… he kills for the sake of killing… how do you catch a man with no motive?
Batman continuity - comic

[The Amazing Rando]

For now I'll only put down one, but there are plenty more I could think of when I have more time to post.


Lincoln Rhyme a brilliant criminalist who investigates crime scenes to find evidence and find the criminals. Able to see through many lies to find the real truth, using his method of searching called "walking the grid". On one such occasion, he was in an old mine or something (can't remember at the moment) when a beam fell on him, paralyzing him. He goes into depression and seriously condsiders suicide, untill a string of murders come along, and he is asked for help from his bed in his home. He works with Amelia Sachs, a cop and ex-model, using her as his eyes to keep tracking down criminals.
The Bone Collector, The Coffin Dancer, The Empty Chair, The Stone Monkey-literature (Bone Collector was also a movie, but as with most books turned movies, the book was much better)
cameo in The Devil's Teardrop

You could also use almost all of the criminals he faces or a few of the cops he works with.

[DaveJ]

I'll second The Joker.

I'd put James Bond in there, too. Not the movie one; Fleming's literary version. I don't personally think (as good as they were) that any of the screen versions have successfully captured the full essence of the written Bond.

Modesty Blaise for pretty much the same reasons.

Judge Dredd - comics version, please God not the movie one. Proof that the more you find out about a person, the less you really know.


John Doe from "Se7en"...one of the most intriguing movie villains ever.


Paul Atreides - "Dune". Talk about yer character development! Boyhood to Godhood!

[THEthief]

Great topic idea, Willow!

I would definately say:

Garrett - from the Thief series; his character is soooo diverse and interesting, you could debate about it FOREVER!!

Dracula - from Bram Stoker's novel; this character is definately evil, but you almost feel sorry for him, near the end of the book, when his doom is approaching, and he's desperately trying to escape.

JC Denton - from Deus Ex; he's an interesting character, because he will do only what is right, even if it means finding (and possibly killing) his own brother and former friends. He, like Garrett, hides his emotions, but they do, in fact, exist - unlike Garrett, though, JC has no hesitation to fight for what is right, even if it means his ultimate demise. Of course, a great deal of how JC's character is percieved depends on which ending you use to define JC with...

My brother - oh, no, wait: he's not ficticious, I just WISH he was. :p

There's lots more, but I can't think of them now. :)

[staticon]

I cant remember his character name but - Al Pacino's devil in the film Devils Advocate. A plain speaking and cultured character who truly knows the weaknesses of humanity and uses his knowledge to manipulate those around him.
Superb film, superb performances. A most interesting character.

Literature : Sherlock Holmes. A brilliant mind which soars to great heights when posed a problem, yet plunges to great depths when unoccupied.

[dago]

i agree with willows suggestion of kain...he rulez!

then i would like to nominate Danny from the novel Atedius...i dont want to use many spoilers...but i'll just say this...he is a strong character, he lives to be evil, he is different from your every day character. he is destined to rule, but he has no idea how, yet he will try. he follows his insticts, and will grow alot over time.

keep on reading my novel,and you will find out more in the future!

[THEthief]

Staticon, Sherlock Holmes is, indeed an enigma!! :)

[Xcom]

Originally posted by staticon
Literature : Sherlock Holmes. A brilliant mind which soars to great heights when posed a problem, yet plunges to great depths when unoccupied.

I totally second that choice. This is the ultimate character.

(Kains, Garrets or ANY videogame character don't even come close to this )

[Bullet ridden monkey]

Could only think of one...

Arthur Dent: [novels of HHGTTG] Hopelessly lost in a Galaxy that just keeps politely spitting him out into a toilet like a piece of fruitcake it's mother-in-law just brought over for christmas. The epitomy of human averageness, loss, and overall sandwich making wrapped up in a man in a tired old bathrobe who just doesn't know where he belongs anymore.

[The Amazing Rando]

Originally posted by THEthief
Staticon, Sherlock Holmes is, indeed an enigma!! :)

D'OH! I didn't even think of him, but just so all of you know, Rhyme is basically a modern day Sherlock. I like the author's writing style better though, in almost all of his works. Jeffery Deaver is one of my favorite writers of all time.

Some fantasy book characters:
The Heros of the Lance from theDragonlance Series of books. I haven't read much of the newer characters books, but the original characters' books were great, as were the ones predating those. The most interesting would have to be Raistlin Majere A twin of Caramon-a strong warrior who is precieved as dumb but just thinks things over from all sides and who would give his life to protect his twin-and a frail mage who both loves and hates his brother for having to care for him. He has a soft spot for the lowely people and those considered to be weak, outcasts, etc., and has a huge ambition for power. He takes the Test in the tower of high sorcery to become a full-fledged wizard and sells his soul basically the greatest wizard who ever lived-Fistandantilus. Raistlin then becomes a black robed wizard (follow the evil god) but helps defeat the Queen of Darkness. He later travels through time to try and defeat Fistandantilus and goes on to challenge the Queen of Darkness on her own plane of existance to become a god in her place. He then sacrifices himself for love, and traps himself in The Abyss (hell). He is quick thinking, manipulative, and always in control of himself. He will do anything to achieve his goals, but also pays back any dets he has whenever he can. I'm sure there is more that happens after he gets trapped, but I haven't reached that part yet. I am currently reading one where he might get freed and come back to rule the world, but I'm not sure.

[Umah Bloodomen]

Hmmm...I know I will have to edit this once I can think about it more...LOL

As for my current choices:

The nameless Protagonistof Edgar Allan Poe's - The Tell Tale Heart (Literary Work)

Very intruiging. Very tortured. This story really captivated me. The relationship between the protagonist and the old man's heart. He was almost oblivious to the old man himself, the heart was his obsession, his downfall. Mmmm... definately a masterpiece here.


Kain The Legacy of Kain Series (Video Game)

Not one to take things lightly. Arrogant, power hungry and tortured as well. His life taken from him and reborn as a creature shunned by the world he once loved. And then told he has to sacrifice himself. A strong sense of reason when contemplating his moves on the chessboard of life. Eager to not go out without a fight (or a reason). Always had a conscious, but decided to use it after he "vented" a bit. A good man to show us that "all are and will be held accountable".

Magus Chrono Trigger and implied in Chrono Cross (Video Game)

Honorable character concealed beneath an evil facade. Raised as an arrogant child who viewed magical beings as more superior than anyone else. Has a strong love for his sister Schala and will absolutely do anything (and I mean anything) for her. Developed a sense of humility and a conscious after the disappearance of Schala yet concealed it by becoming the world's most powerful mage (for dark purposes). Played his cards in his favor, meaning he will side with the good guys or the bad depending on how it will benefit him. (Sometimes resorting to siding with them both). Very quiet and definately not one to show his "true feelings" to anyone. Another tortured character.

Eric The Crow (Graphic Novel and Movie)

A totally happy being until his life was taken away during his murder and the murder of his fiancee, Shelly. Driven to enacting revenge on those that caused him pain by a love that was lost. Very poetic. Very ironic.

Leonard Shelby Memento (Movie)

I really feel for this guy. Trust me, see the movie.

Jason Bourne The Bourne Identity/The Bourne Supremacy/The Bourne Ultimatium (Written Works / Movies)

This one is a bit hard to describe also. I will edit this description once I can think of some way to do the character justice.

I will second and third these:

Hannibal Lector Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal (Written Works and Movies)

Anakin Skywalker Star Wars (Movies)

(I am sure I will be adding to this in the future...so bear with me ;) :p)

[MunkeeChum]

Holden Caulfield(Sp?): Catcher In The Rye

i really hates this character, he is weird and analyzes everything too much. Not to mention his strange obsession with describing everything as 'Phony'.

But the book wouldn't be what it is without him :)

[The Amazing Rando]

He was almost oblivious to the old man himself, the heart was his obsession, his downfall

Okay, I know the beating is what led to him getting caught, whether it was the old man's or his heart is really up to speculation. It's been a while since I read it, but wasn't his real obsession and downfall the eye of the old man. The old man was like a mentor to him, but he had the eye that drove the narrator insane. I think it was described as being like a vultures, but I'm not sure. The eye was the true catalyst of the events. Go ahead and correct me if I'm wrong, as I said, it's been a while since I read it.:)

[Aquarius]

So what, no one thinks Xena is intriguing?!? lol!!

What could be more interesting than an ancient Greek lesibian warrior?!? :eek: :D

[staticon]

Originally posted by Nerevar
Indeed a fascinating character, although I've come to prefer the antagonist, Moriarty.
Yes, another interesting character but you never get too much insight into his mind.
Also, Sherlocks brother Mycroft is potentially more interesting. Sherlock openly acknowledges that he has a better mind but, lamentably, the character was never developed very far.

[DaveJ]

Originally posted by Aquarius


What could be more interesting than an ancient Greek lesbian warrior?!? :eek: :D


A younger one?

[Deekman]

Right off the bat:
Who could possibly be more intriging than Homer Simpson?
A complete idiot, yet continually shows moments of great clarity and insight.

more later...

[Zaphod]

Bartleby the Scrivener, from Herman Melville's short story of the same name. It was impossible to derive his motiviations for anything, given that he really only had one pat answer: "I would prefer not to." There's a good reason many have called him the first "modern" literary character, and why people have studied this (admitedly boring) little short story for almost 100 years. This little man who worked as a clerk on Wall Street is a total puzzle, and his motivations are impossible to divine.

[Eddy Bones]

Originally posted by The Amazing Rando
Some fantasy book characters:
The Heros of the Lance from theDragonlance Series of books. I haven't read much of the newer characters books, but the original characters' books were great, as were the ones predating those. The most interesting would have to be Raistlin Majere A twin of Caramon-a strong warrior who is precieved as dumb but just thinks things over from all sides and who would give his life to protect his twin-and a frail mage who both loves and hates his brother for having to care for him. He has a soft spot for the lowely people and those considered to be weak, outcasts, etc., and has a huge ambition for power. He takes the Test in the Tower of High Sorcery to become a full-fledged wizard and sells his soul basically the greatest wizard who ever lived-Fistandantilus. Raistlin then becomes a black robed wizard (follow the evil god-[edit: Nuitari]) but helps defeat the Queen of Darkness. He later travels through time to try and defeat Fistandantilus and goes on to challenge the Queen of Darkness on her own plane of existance to become a god in her place. He then sacrifices himself for love, and traps himself in The Abyss (hell). He is quick thinking, manipulative, and always in control of himself. He will do anything to achieve his goals, but also pays back any debts he has whenever he can. I'm sure there is more that happens after he gets trapped, but I haven't reached that part yet. I am currently reading one where he might get freed and come back to rule the world, but I'm not sure.

I'm am in agreement with you. This is a great character. Everybody should read these books. :)

[Deekman]

Valentine Michael Smith. GROK!
From one of the greatest sci-fi novels of all time.
If you don't know it, shame on you!
(took me a while to remember his name - shame on me!)

John Constantine - Hellblazer
Created by Alan Moore in the pages of Swamp Thing.
Talk about an anti-hero!

Alan Moore - Comic book writer extraordinaire.
From his paralyzation of Barbara Gordon to the Watchmen to
the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen to Tom Strong.
Theman is prolific and diverse.

Neil Gaiman anothert master story teller.
Besides reading his material, anybody who's ever been to one of
his live readings knows that he is an amazing fellow.

[willow]

Originally posted by staticon
I cant remember his character name but - Al Pacino's devil in the film Devils Advocate. A plain speaking and cultured character who truly knows the weaknesses of humanity and uses his knowledge to manipulate those around him.
Superb film, superb performances. A most interesting character.

Literature : Sherlock Holmes. A brilliant mind which soars to great heights when posed a problem, yet plunges to great depths when unoccupied.

Actually now that you mention it... I'd have to place the Devil in. Not just from Devils Advocate but also in general he's a great character in fiction (for those of you who may hold religious beliefs on this one I'm merely stating his position in modern fiction and nothing else).
And had I thought of it I would have added Holmes in my list.

Deek, Homer... I would have never thought of that in a thousand years... even his name has significance... he's truly an underrated character and is the sole reason the Simpson’s has survived for so long.

[chuffy]

The most intriguing characters in modern fiction (all mediums) ?

i agree with most of the characters that people have posted. They all have good reasons to be here.

Clark Kent considering the smallville show... from humble beginnings come great people.


chuffy

[Johnny Blood]

Anyone out of Tolkiens literiture..........man that's deep. Elrond and Aragorn come to mind....

and Bobby of busta-a-move.:D

[KoolKat]

The most intrigueing characters to me have to be:

Raziel Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (game)

Has spent most of his life manipulated, hurt and has been executed yet still manages to live on without going insane. He is tormented continually by what he is, what people want him to be and what he used to be but still manages to retain a single personality.

Frodo Lord of the Rings (book)

Although he is merely a simply, homely hobbit, he undertakes a huge, difficult task with great courage and strength. Where most people would have given into the ring, Frodo continues to keep on going despite great temptation.

Captain Kathryn Janeway Star Trek Voyager (t.v.)

Since the USS Voyager got lost in the Delta Quadrant, Kathryn made in her personal promise to get the crew and the ship back to Earth. She does all she can to preserve the welfare and moral of her crew whilst also helping and befriending other cultures. Athough she takes some risks with the crew, she would willingly give her own life to get Voyager and its occupants home in one piece.

And finally, the most intriguing person is not actually fiction but a real person.

Adeline Yen Mah Chinese Cinderella (book)

Due to her mother dying in her delivery, Adeline was classed Unlucky from birth and was treated cruelly and hatefully by all, especially her stepmother. Except her grandma and grandpa who were banned from seeing her. All her life, she had things taken from her and had her spirit broken. Despite this, however, she manages to hold on to her writing talents and eventually become a writer. This book is written by Adeline herself and good for investing in. It makes you wanna cry at some bits and on the rare occasion laugh at her past.

[TombRaiderChik]

i agree 100% with the amazing rando. lincoln rhyme is a brilliant character!! jeffery deaver is also a brilliant author to come up with that character. there is going to be another book coming out this summer, hopefully.
well i dont really have much to say about lincoln rhyme, because rando already said it all. :)

[KittenCeleste]

I'd have to agree on Paul Atredies, just for the way he evolves through the course of the film. His sister Alia is really also quite a character, although her appearance is brief, and she got her powers from The Water of Life.

I also like Hercule Poirot.
Structured, analytic, with a certain je ne sais quoi... ;)


KC

[Deekman]

Originally posted by KittenCeleste
I'd have to agree on Paul Atredies, just for the way he evolves through the course of the film.

I'd agree with that too, but I don't think DaveJ was referring to the film.

[KittenCeleste]

Originally posted by DEEKMAN
I'd agree with that too, but I don't think DaveJ was referring to the film.

Never read the book.. :o
Enjoyed the film, though, I'm just a humble David Lynch fan... :cool:


KC :D

[DaveJ]

In the movie he goes from nerd to surprised psychic.

In the TV mini-series he goes from stroppy teen to miffed super-being.

But in the books he goes from early teenaged boy to reluctant and troubled God.

A much broader journey. ;)

[KittenCeleste]

Originally posted by DaveJ
In the movie he goes from nerd to surprised psychic.

In the TV mini-series he goes from stroppy teen to miffed super-being.

But in the books he goes from early teenaged boy to reluctant and troubled God.

A much broader journey. ;)

Sounds intriguing. Yet another book to cram into my book shelf. :D

Trying to finish Lord of the Rings at the moment while studying for my next certifications. *sigh*

Thanks for the tip, Dave! :)

[DaveJ]

His whole journey is completed in the next two novels "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune"....also well worth reading!

[WhatsHisFace]

Alan Moore - Comic book writer extraordinaire.
From his paralyzation of Barbara Gordon to the Watchmen to
the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen to Tom Strong.
Theman is prolific and diverse.
While Alan Moore isn't a fictional character, his "Watchmen" story was amazing, and full of brilliantly-crafted characters. Adrian Veidt and Dr. Manhattan are fantastic.

[CatSuit&Ponytail]

Thread started 08-04-2002, 04:22 AM
Last post 05-06-2003 09:39 AM

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