History CharacterGush / Literature

* Basically everyone in ''Literature/TheLunarChronicles'' but special mentions go to Scarlet Benoit, my favorite FieryRedhead ActionGirl, and the ever-charming 'Cadet' Thorne!

* [[LiteralMinded Mat]] [[HeelFaceTurn thi]] [[NobleWolf as]]. [[LoveAcrossBattlelines Hel]][[UndyingLoyalty var]]. From ''Literature/SixOfCrows''. It's always satisfying to see a character go through as much development that Matthias does, [[spoiler: unlearning his FantasticRacism against Grisha]], and if you add that to his Adorkable scenes with Nina and his [[spoiler: RedemptionEqualsDeath]], it's hard not to love him!

* [[LiteralMinded Mat]] [[Heel-FaceTurn thi]] [[NobleWolf as]]. [[LoveAcrossBattlelines Hel]][[UndyingLoyalty var]]. From ''Literature/SixOfCrows''. It's always satisfying to see a character go through as much development that Matthias does, [[spoiler: unlearning his FantasticRacism against Grisha]], and if you add that to his Adorkable scenes with Nina and his [[spoiler: RedemptionEqualsDeath]], it's hard not to love him!

* [[LiteralMinded Mat]][[Heel-FaceTurn thi]][[NobleWolf as]]. [[LoveAcrossBattlelines Hel]][[UndyingLoyalty var]]. From ''Literature/SixOfCrows''. It's always satisfying to see a character go through as much development that Matthias does, [[spoiler: unlearning his FantasticRacism against Grisha]], and if you add that to his Adorkable scenes with Nina and his [[spoiler: RedemptionEqualsDeath]], it's hard not to love him!

* [[LiteralMinded Mat]][[Heel-FaceTurnthi]][[NobleWolfas]]. [[LoveAcrossBattlelinesHel]][[UndyingLoyalty var]]. From ''Literature/SixOfCrows''. It's always satisfying to see a character go through as much development that Matthias does, [[spoiler: unlearning his FantasticRacism against Grisha]], and if you add that to his Adorkable scenes with Nina and his [[spoiler: RedemptionEqualsDeath]], it's hard not to love him!

* I loved all three of the main characters of ''Literature/TheBartimaeusTrilogy''. Bartimaeous is funny, awesome, and clever, as well as being a rare example of a nonhuman protagonist done right. Nathaniel's character arc, with him slowly realizing that he and his fellow government officials are in the wrong, is fascinating and compelling. Kitty is a badass, but perhaps her best trait is her ability to ''reconsider her attitudes and admit that she might be wrong.'' If there was ''ever'' a trait that was more sorely needed in the world...

** I can honestly say I love Kallor, because he's such a monster. Three gods cursed him. And what did he do? He cursed them back. And it worked. And he became a sociopathic BadassGrandpa despite everything. And (or so I'm told) took a freakin' dragon Soletaken with him when he finally died. And hell, ''killed'' the main character, and a bunch of supporting characters, and knocked out a friggin' mage, all in one battle. Again, a total psycho. But kind of cool too.

* [[Literature/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory Willy Wonka]], between the original novel and [[Literature/CharlieAndTheGreatGlassElevator its sequel]], is an impossibly awesome person -- a {{Trickster}}, a MadScientist, a SupremeChef, a businessman in the FictionFiveHundred, a GentlemanAndAScholar, a DeadpanSnarker, a GadgeteerGenius, a BoldExplorer, even an impromptu poet, as well as master of TheWonderland of karmic justice. And his tricky, mysterious nature makes him a wonderfully InterpretativeCharacter for actors.

** Some people are on [[{{Shipping}} Team]] [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Edward]]. Some people are on [[{{Shipping}} Team]] [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Jacob]]. [[PotatoBucket I'm]] on Team [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Alice]].

** Also from ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'', Lúthien Tinúviel. Yes, she has some MarySue-ish tendencies, being the "fairest child of Elves and Men" who spends her youth gambolling in the gloaming to the tune of a merry minstrel, but she's also a complete badass quasi-angel who will stop at nothing to save her man, taking out BOTH the mythology's BigBad's in the process before following Beren to the Halls of Mandos and ''convincing death'', Orpheus-style, to return them both to life. And, she's based on [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments Tolkien's wife]].

** I have a thing for Bella. Even if [[MarySue her]] [[TheSociopath character]] [[DamselScrappy suffers with]] [[DesignatedHero each]] [[SuetifulAllAlong book]], I can at least always love her for PerverseSexualLust reasons (though that's mainly due to Creator/KristenStewart rather than the character.)

* I read the ''Literature/InheritanceCycle'' half because [[{{Fandom}} I like it]] and half because [[{{Hatedom}} I hate it]]. But I recently was surprised to discover the one part that I really, ''really'' like---[[LadyOfWar Nasuada]]. She's maybe twenty, leading a massive army, out-politicking her own advisers and most of the world's major powers, and does it ''not'' because she's a super-awesome GodModeSue like Eragon and Arya, but through sheer grit and clever thinking. She has problems, ''tons'' of problems, but they tend to be practical as opposed to the "deep" issues those two face, and thus she avoids the overdone angst and [[CluelessAesop Clueless Aesops]]. And while not played up much, there are all sorts of subtle tensions within her---she's a determined general but also [[IJustWantToBeNormal wishes she could be a normal woman]], comes from a culture different than the one she's leading, etc. I'm actually really surprised when I look for fanfics or fanart and find out other people don't consider her the EnsembleDarkHorse that I do, because I just keep looking ahead hoping the POV changes to her again. (I just wish she wouldn't constantly say/think [[CreatorsPet how important and special Eragon is...]])

* I almost can't say enough good things about [[Literature/TheHungerGames Katniss Everdeen]]. Her unflinching narration, her complex psychology, her, let's face it, awesome survival skill. The fact that she can have a troubled backstory, wear flaming dresses, be deadly in combat, sacrifice herself for her sister, inspire just about everyone, ''and'' have two guys throwing themselves at her--all without being even remotely a MarySue--is a feat you won't believe unless you read the series. She's damaged, deeply flawed, and highly believable. Underneath everything, she's just trying to do the right thing. I'm not one to complain that girls need role models, but seriously--''that'' is a heroine.

** Someone needs to make a major fan work series involving this character, and have it as canon. This troper is trying.

* [[Literature/ToKillAMockingbird Atticus Finch]]. When the American Film Institute voted the best hero of all time, it was not Franchise/IndianaJones, [[Franchise/StarWars Luke]] or [[Film/{{Casablanca}} Rick Blaine]]. It was Atticus Finch. He was so great, Harper Lee gave her real father's watch to Gregory Peck and started to cry, because he was just so fantastic. Boo Radley deserves a mention too. An evil monster? More along the lines of the nicest, sweetest person ever. Always brings [[Tropers/{{Gabel}} this troper]] to tears.

** Artemis Entreri, from the same. Initially, he was just another awesome example of TheRival; time passed and we got to see him [[DeadpanSnarker snark, smirk, [[PerpetualFrowner scowl (a lot)]], [[DarkAndTroubledPast reflect]], [[FlashBackEcho flashback]], and of course, kick a lot of bad-guy ass along the way]]. After his initial appearance (and that whole 'kill Drizzt' thing), Entreri was really more of an [[ByronicHero Byronic]] AntiHero, with help from the above tackily-dressed drow. And then, resolving his massive childhood trauma, Artemis is together enough to ditch said helpful-if-oh-so-manipulative drow and [[WalkingTheEarth forge his own path]], this time on much more stable ground. Also, he's [[TallDarkAndSnarky attractive]] and has a [[PermaStubble five-o''-clock shadow]] and [[Tropers/DesignatedNPC This Troper]] may or may not be [[InLoveWithYourCarnage in love with his carnage]] so there's that too.

** Hagrid. A half-literal GentleGiant most of the time, yet fiercely protective when he needs to be. At heart, he's just a loving, caring, kind of doofy NightmareFetishist who got the short end of the stick in life. But when he was forced to grow up alongside masses of eager, privileged witches and wizards reaching for their magical dreams while he mundanely cared for creatures with more powers than he would ever have, what did he do? He helped them, loved them, remained a wonderful person despite his low status and being refused his potential. The worst he did was to cheat a little and keep his wand- nobody can possibly begrudge him that. He could have become bitter and angry and envious, and this troper sure would if she were in his place. But he didn't, because he's a better person than that, and a better person than many. The world needs more Hagrids.
** Can I just state right here and now that the ENTIRE Weasley family is officially the most heartwarmingly adorable (with a side order of MemeticBadass!) fictional family in the entire history of literature? What they represent for Harry brings tears to this troper's eyes when she reflects on them — the warmest, cheeriest, kindest, sweetest, funniest, coolest, most generous, most loyal, most supporting adoptive-family Harry could have possibly hoped to fall into the hands of. Accepts him into their home without a second thought, actively adores and nourishes in him when he's been bullied and belittled all his life, believes in him when no one else does, can always be counted on to help or support him when the going gets tough, and never run out of compassion for him and are always happy, despite being so dirt-poor they can hardly afford to send their children to school. And they cling determinedly to a firmly moral, fair, unbigoted benevolence towards muggles and muggleborns, not only despite the fact that they get flack from other pureblood families, but also despite the fact that they know ''nothing'' about muggles and have no personal reason to protect them other than being decent human beings. And they all have red hair and freckles, just as a bonus.

** [[Troper/BattleHamster This troper]] would like to mention how awesome two under-appreciated characters are: Gimli and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Gimli is tough, loyal, and the sort of person who, after finding out that his relatives were killed by Orcs, fleeing a fiery demon, and seeing the leader of their company get killed, can insist that they stop so that he and Frodo can appreciate the cultural significance and natural beauty of the mountains reflected in a pool of water; he impresses ''Elves'' with his descriptions. As for Lobelia - she attacks a bunch of thugs with her umbrella. That's just [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome awesome]].
*** This troper would like to second this!
*** Thirded! Gimli is a wonderful example of HiddenDepths, especially considering that Tolkien practically codified the OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame trope. His reverence for the history of his people, the natural beauty of the world, and for the legends of the age (especially when he engages in his CourtlyLove with Galadriel) is so powerful that it can bring tears to the eyes of ''elves''. His {{Flanderization}} in the films is arguably one of the worst mistakes Peter made during the production.

** Although perhaps best known for being the guy who betrayed the Fellowship and also carried a dinner-plate as a shield, Boromir is the one character This Troper can fully believe. Why? Well, he built his entire life around the idea that he'd become King one day, was ready to give that up to save Middle-Earth, went through a completely realistic Fall when confronted with a ring ''made'' to corrupt good men, and then he ''DIED'' in a last-ditch attempt to gain his honor back. '''[[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome IT WORKED.]]'''

** Denethor gets very little admiration, but this troper love how complex, morally grey and human he is. He was proud, yes, but he also genuinely loved Gondor and did the very best he could to save her, at the detriment of his own health. His fall is so very tragic because of just how much potential for greatness he had, and the fact he lost (or thought to have lost) both his sons, and felt so terribly responsible for that, is simply heartbreaking.

*** One Word: Jane. Who wouldn't like to be a PersonOfMassDestruction? Ok, so it isn't literal, but she is just SO badass in New Moon. There's no way around it, even if you are a hardcore Edward fangirl like this troper.

** Some people are on [[{{Shipping}} Team]] [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Edward]]. Some people are on [[{{Shipping}} Team]] [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Jacob]]. [[PotatoBucket This troper's]] on Team [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Alice]].

*** This Troper agrees. Carlisle and Alice deserve their own spinoff series.

* ''Literature/MalazanBookOfTheFallen'': [[@/{{Spectrum}} This troper]] maintains that Anomander Rake is the most awesome character ever. [[{{Tragedy}} Tragic]], [[ShroudedInMyth mysterious]] and radiating badassitude in every direction. Only problem is that he has so few appearances that he is almost a OneSceneWonder.

** All of the companions in the series deserve some gushing of their own. This troper has had a crush on Prince Gwydion for years. He's patterned after King Arthur but without Arthur's detriments (e.g. the doomed love triangle)!

** This troper loves all of the characters above but her favorite will always be Peeta Mellark. Where to begin? Here's a guy growing up in such awful circumstances but still managing to be kind, giving, and selfless. Then the Games happen and while he's scarred (mentally and physically) he comes out still wanting to be friends with Katniss, despite his initial irritation at their "romance" being all an act on her part because he gets that she was helping them. Then the Quell happens. He gets captured, tortured and brainwashed... and he still, after a really long, really hard, really painful for everyone slog manages to not only survive but go back and have a good life. For this troper, both the kindness and the quiet strength is just as awesome as the overt badassery of a lot of the other characters.
** [[TheBaroness Alma]] [[IronLady Coin]] may be evil, but this troper can't help but admire her talent for governing and her resolute fortitude.
* Speaking of Edwards who rock, Edward the Blue Engine from ''Literature/TheRailwaySeries''. Patient, kind, and even-tempered, and still giving it his all in spite of his age. There's also Rheneas and Skarloey. Even more {{Determinator}} than Edward, and older to boot - 2015 will be their railway's 150th anniversary. They both gave it their all to keep the trains running in spite of being in increasingly decrepit condition. They're awesome, and an inspiration to others.

** Debbie. Especially, how she often sticks up for Mog using reason.

** God Emperor Leto II, from Literature/GodEmperorOfDune. This guy is the walking definition of IDidWhatIHadToDo. First, he, together with his twin sister, discovers the Golden Path, which is effectively the only way for humanity to survive the trap that Paul's prescience created (which even Paul couldn't figure a way out of). He then makes himself a living sacrifice by merging with sandtrout to become an immortal HalfHumanHybrid, takes over Paul's empire after Paul dies, and becomes the most oppressive tyrant that ever lived. He then spent 4000 years turning the entire populated universe into a CrapsackWorld so that when he died and people were free from his rule, they would scatter into the cosmos to find better lives for themselves and guarantee the future of the human race. [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome And it worked.]] Also, he is just a wonderfully well-written character, with a great combination of angst from having to leave the human condition behind mixed with resolution because he is just that dedicated to making sure the human species can endure.

** Seconded for both of the above but can we get a holler for one of the greatest narrators in American literature. Scout has the benefit of hindsight behind her as she tells the story but you can still see that everything that happened in the book is being filtered through the perspective of a child. I mean just in terms of writing that is sheer genius, let alone the fact she's smart, funny, flawed, gutsy and [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome guilts a bloody]] [[{{Crowning Moment Of Awesome}} '''lynch mob''']] [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome into going home and taking a good hard look at themselves]]

** Fred and George. FRED AND GEORGE! The books had heaps of CrowningMomentOfAwesome, but ''nothing'' can top "Give her hell from us, Peeves!" So. Much. Win.

** [[Troper/BattleHamster This troper]] would like to mention how awesome two under-appreciated characters are: Gimli and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Gimli is tough, loyal, and the sort of person who, after finding out that his relatives were killed by Orcs, fleeing a fiery demon, and seeing the leader of their company get killed, can insist that they stop so that he and Frodo can appreciate the cultural significance and natural beauty of the mountains reflected in a pool of water; he impresses ''Elves'' with his descriptions. As for Lobelia - she attacks a bunch of thugs with her umbrella. That's just [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome awesome]].

** Although perhaps best known for being the guy who betrayed the Fellowship and also carried a dinner-plate as a shield, Boromir is the one character This Troper can fully believe. Why? Well, he built his entire life around the idea that he'd become King one day, was ready to give that up to save Middle-Earth, went through a completely realistic Fall when confronted with a ring ''made'' to corrupt good men, and then he ''DIED'' in a last-ditch attempt to gain his honor back. '''[[CrowningMomentOfAwesome IT WORKED.]]'''

** Also from ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'', Lúthien Tinúviel. Yes, she has some MarySue-ish tendencies, being the "fairest child of Elves and Men" who spends her youth gambolling in the gloaming to the tune of a merry minstrel, but she's also a complete badass quasi-angel who will stop at nothing to save her man, taking out BOTH the mythology's BigBad's in the process before following Beren to the Halls of Mandos and ''convincing death'', Orpheus-style, to return them both to life. And, she's based on [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming Tolkien's wife]].

** This Troper came here ''specifically to gush about Ashy'', and for once, she's really glad that you beat her to it. No matter what happened in LS, he was woobie-riffic, and actually tried to ''get Squirrelflight to be nicer to Brambleclaw'' at one point. Besides that, he had ''three'' distinct [[CrowningMomentofAwesome CMOA]]s: Once, in DP, when [[spoiler:he and his sister ''volunteered as dog-bait'' to avenge the death of their mother,]] once in DH when [[spoiler:as an apprentice, he helped kill Bone (who had recently killed his dad),]] and once in ''Twilight'', where [[spoiler:he fought so hard against the badgers that Brambleclaw thought he was dead at first]]. [[DownerEnding It gets overshadowed by what he did right before his death]], but this is SugarWiki/SugarWiki: Be ''happy''.

* [[Literature/TheDresdenFiles Harry Dresden]]. '''''[[CrowningMomentOfAwesome ZOMBIE TYRANNOSAURUS]].'''''

** Not the most obvious choice, but c'mon. Syrio Forel. Talk about CrowningMomentOfAwesome!

** No words for the main characters? Nita and Kit are more believable than Dairine (who will always be amazing, but really, what human is a [[spoiler:computer nerd, jujitsu star and DeadpanSnarker all at the same time?]] And they manage to have at least one CrowningMomentOfAwesome each. Per book. While remaining completely normal, completely believable, and most importantly completely relatable characters. Of course, now I feel obligated to list every other Literature/YoungWizards character in the series, because every single one is a master feat of characterization. Diane Duane is amazing. Read the books.

** Miles's [[MamaBear mother]], Cordelia Naismith. Look her up on the CrowningMomentOfAwesome page.

* In ''Literature/{{Everworld}}'', you had four rather average characters with pre-packaged personalities, and then you had Senna freaking Wales. An outcast, a [[LonersAreFreaks loner]], an [[BastardBastard illegitimate]] that [[ParentalAbandonment nobody wanted]], a tragic JerkassWoobie . . . and an [[AmbitionIsEvil Ambitious]], [[VisionaryVillain Visionary]] MagnificentBastard, possessed of a character so deep, conflicted, and morally gray that it would be impossible to sum it all up here. Despite remaining out of sight for most of the series, she managed to accomplish more in the world and kick more ass than the rest of the main cast combined. After her VillainEpisode, it became difficult not to sympathize with her, and after the [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome amazing, unbelievable, jaw-dropping victory]] she pulled off against all odds at the end of that book, this troper was completely [[RootingForTheEmpire rooting for her.]] Say what you will about [[MoralMyopia her]] [[ItsAllAboutMe rather]] [[MindRape twisted]] sense [[ThatManIsDead of]] [[TrueNeutral morality]], Senna ''made'' the ''Literature/{{Everworld}}'' series, and deserved so much better than [[DroppedABridgeOnHim the end]] [[CharacterDerailment she got.]] That is all.

** If you won't, I will. [[YouShallNotPass "My Chief Rabbit has told me to defend this run]] [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome and until he says otherwise I shall stay here."]]

** Have to add my love for the Butler siblings. Butler himself is a walking, talking CrowningMomentOfAwesome, and there is no one more loyal to Artemis, whatever his alignment may be, than Butler. He'll take a bullet for Artemis only seconds after telling him to lighten up and have a normal life. Juliet is a smart, sassy girl who takes none of Artemis's crap, and just after being told she'll never live up to her brother's example, goes racing to his side, ready to fill his shoes. Plus, her love of [[ProfessionalWrestling wrestling and lucha libre]] makes this longtime female wrestling fan ''very'' happy.

** So much. If the CrowningMomentOfAwesome trope could be embodied in a person, Gen would be it. He’s the coolest character even when he’s ''not'' the main focus of the story. Even readers who hate the plot and couldn’t get past the first book (because it’s “boring”) or [[BrokenBase the second book]] (because of the TomatoSurprise) still love Gen.

* [[Literature/MistbornTheOriginalTrilogy Kelsier]]. He pulls together a plan that topples an immortal, millenia-old EvilOverlord. He even pulls a XanatosGambit, that includes a ThanatosGambit. Yes, he is [[HeroicSacrifice fully willing to die]] to [[TakingYouWithMe overthrow the]] BigBad. And that's just ''one'' time he pulls off a plan that is CrazyEnoughToWork. [[SelectiveMagnetism He's one of the best steel-pusher/iron-pullers]] in existence. His sense of humor adds quite a bit to the book. He even creates a book-long CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming by helping and teaching [[IronWoobie Vin]]. Yet - he is ruthless and quite possibly in love with his own reputation; in the end no one is quite sure whether his ThanatosGambit was more for the people or more for his ego. But even with that, I cheer every time I read "I am the one thing you can never kill. I am Hope."
* ''Literature/TheLovelyBones'' has Grandma Lynn, who manages to be wild, irresponsible, rude, and yet still completely lovable; not to mention all of the life she breathes into a book all about, well, death. She's just such a likeable character. And then, of course, there's Lindsay, who manages to pull over a brilliant CrowningMomentOfAwesome against the resident villain, Mr Harvey, in spite of [[IronWoobie all she's been through.]]

** It has been said that he could take over Earth with an art history textbook, a TIE Fighter, and a chessboard. He wouldn't need the chessboard.

* ''Literature/TheFirstLaw'' has a bunch of awesome characters, but the awesomest by far is Glokta. A DeadpanSnarker HandicappedBadass JerkassWoobie who constantly questions his work as a TortureTechnician, finds [[PetTheDog ways to be merciful]] and eventually works against his superiors in an [[AwesomeMoment awesome fight scene and chase through the sewers]], becoming an important figure in the new King's government (though [[TheChessmaster Bayaz engineered everything]], so nobody else is ''really'' important). He also [[spoiler: makes an HonorableMarriageProposal to Ardee]] and their relationship is quite touching.

** [[ChurchMilitant Michael]] [[KnightInShiningArmor Carpenter]]: the man that proves you don't have to be a KnightTemplar to kick ass for God.

** I'd look to put my votes in for Jane and Mr. Bingley. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a NiceGuy, and Bingley is in general a lot nice than Bingley, at least on the surface. Fear not, I like Darcy as much as the next guy, but people who start of as lovable as Bingley always have my heart. And Jane is who I want to be when I grow up, who thinks the best of everyone!

* [[Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy Grand Admiral Thrawn]] from the Franchise7StarWars Franchise/ExpandedUniverse. He's the consummate strategist and a student of ''alien'' cultures. Plus he's one of the few aliens to gain significant rank in the Empire. And, my God, he does it all with ''[[MagnificentBastard style]]''.

** This Troper came here ''specifically to gush about Ashy'', and for once, she's really glad that you beat her to it. No matter what happened in LS, he was woobie-riffic, and actually tried to ''get Squirrelflight to be nicer to Brambleclaw'' at one point. Besides that, he had ''three'' distinct [[CrowningMomentofAwesome CMOA]]s: Once, in DP, when [[spoiler:he and his sister ''volunteered as dog-bait'' to avenge the death of their mother,]] once in DH when [[spoiler:as an apprentice, he helped kill Bone (who had recently killed his dad),]] and once in ''Twilight'', where [[spoiler:he fought so hard against the badgers that Brambleclaw thought he was dead at first]]. [[DownerEnding It gets overshadowed by what he did right before his death]], but this is SugarWiki: Be ''happy''.

** Reputation of [[AngstDissonance wangst]] aside, Tobias is a truly compelling character. He is caring, loving, and gentle to his friends, yet bluntly refuses such compassion for himself, for fear it will make him weak. He is a predator and relentless warrior, but tries to hold on to mercy for the weak and defenseless. Such a dichotomy makes for a fascinating read. Also, he is a part of the TropePantheons!

** But in the latest book, [[spoiler: makes an astonishing HeroicSacrifice that redeems his entire people. Damn.]]
** I can honestly say I love Kallor, because he's such a monster. Three gods cursed him. And what did he do? He cursed them back. And it worked. And became a sociopathic BadassGrandpa despite everything. And (or so I'm told) took a freakin' dragon Soletaken with him when he finally died. And hell, ''killed'' the main character, and a bunch of supporting characters, and knocked out a friggin' mage, all in one battle. Again, a total psycho. But kind of cool too.
** Itkovian. His [[spoiler: tragic death]] at the end of Memories of Ice makes me well up every time.

* Whatever one may think of ''Literature/{{Wicked}}'''s PerspectiveFlip, this troper isn't ashamed to say he fell head-over-heels in love (no, [[PerverseSexualLust not like that]]) with Elphaba. Also in the sequel, Brr reminds him of [[ComicBook/{{X-Men}} his favorite comic book character]].

* The Literature/{{Honorverse}} is ''full'' of them. Starting with Honor Harrington herself, of course, but the supporting characters are almost ''better'' than the protagonist. Especially Eloise Pritchart, she who can lie to a PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny for six long years, survive two revolutions, and wind up as [[spoiler:the truly elected president of a republic that hadn't existed for two centuries]], and Shannon Foraker, BadassAdorable techno nerd who can wipe out ''two whole squadrons'' of superdreadnoughts with only the word "Oops." And then there's Dame Estelle Matsuko, the world's greatest diplomat, and Augustus Khumalo, who proves his badass in the most unlikely manner, and the sheer unadulterated awesome that is Aivars Terekhov and Michael Oversteegen, and BadassPrincess Abigail Hearns, who is the first-ever Grayson woman to serve in the Navy, and Michelle Henke, Honor's best friend, who is awesome and snarky and also an amazing tactician, and Tom Theisman who is basically goodness incarnate, and poor Allen Higgins who just needs a goddamn hug already, and Benjamin Mayhew who's basically restructuring an entire society while keeping the bones of it intact, and....

** Celaena[[spoiler: /Aelin]] is absolutely badass. She survived a year in horrific conditions in a prison where most prisoners are lucky if they live three months, she lost everything she ever cared for three times, [[spoiler: defeated a group of the worst criminals and thugs the rich people could find, one of whom was being aided by a supernatural power]], [[spoiler: reclaimed her name and went on a journey to reclaim her kingdom]], [[spoiler: manipulated everyone into exactly the right positions to forfill her aims, which involved calling in debts from across two continents]] and [[sacraficed everything, including herself (to Maeve), so that her friends could complete her mission and live in safety.]]

* [[Literature/ThroneOfGlass]] anyone?