Who is your favorite character from sci-fi and fantasy?

[Pat]

If 'like' means 'memorable', then for me it has to be Steerpike, in Mervin Peake's Gormenghast.

[Chris]

I think I'm going to become an official Sansa fan. She gets so much slack, but I think she's been a great case in character development.

Besides, Sandor Clegane likes her! And John, I don't see why people give you grief for that. He's so likeable and charming. Well....maybe not charming....he does have a sense of honor, but it is completely his own....I have always loved "grey" characters that aren't purely evil or good. They're more real to me. Sandor, Tyrion, Jaime, and Sansa are great examples of human characters that have elements of dark and light in them. We can't all be Harryfrodo Bagginspotter.....

[Dawn]

"In terms of characters you love to hate, Sansa Stark is the most despicable character ever in any genre, ever."


I don't see Sansa that way at all. I see her as rather pathetic and not really worth my time. Things didn't work out they way she wanted them to, her dream of a 'white knight' to come carry her away was shattered, and she couldn't handle it. For a little while, she was a sympathatic character. That is not the case any longer as far as I'm concerned.

[Carmen]

As Fantasy goes my favorite characters have to be Buffy and Angel from the TV series Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.
Also Sarah Connor from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. A strong female character who is also a mother. That is so cool. Of course there is also Jessica from Dune by Frank Herbert, but she was more of an 80s kind of woman.

Other favorites of mine are: Eugenides, the outrageous thief from the Attolia series The King of Attoliaby Megan Whalen Turner and Nico (the pacifist prince) and Dina from The Shamer Chronicles The Shamer's DaughterLene Kaaberbol

[Paul]

The Borg - why do collective organisms always get such a bad press?
Seven of Nine
Spock - that neck pinch is great.
T'Pol
Most Klingons
Slippery Jim de Griz a.k.a. The Stainless Steel Rat
The Nameless One and his companions (Planescape Torment)
The worms of Arrakis
Paul Atreides
Puppeteers and Louis Wu
Dracula
Darth Maul
Yoda
Chiana (Farscape)
Morgian a.k.a. Morgana le Fay a.k.a. The Queen of Air and Darkness
Gimli (why do people almost make fun of the dwarves?)
Smaug
The original Terminator
The Predator
The queen Alien (Aliens)
Ripley
Conan
Stormbringer (OK, so it's a sword. It still has a character)
Pennywise

[Paul]

And of course Merlin / Myrddin

[Carmen]

Paul wrote: "The Borg - why do collective organisms always get such a bad press?
Seven of Nine
Spock - that neck pinch is great.
T'Pol
Most Klingons
Slippery Jim de Griz a.k.a. The Stainless Steel Rat
The Namel..."

Wow, Paul!
And I thought I was the only one to root for the bad guys!

[Paul]

Oh no, you need a good antagonist: one who is worthy of the hero's efforts.

Think of any good film you've seen - it had a great villain. Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs. Books ditto - Randy Flagg and Pennywise for example. Christine - wow, I should have thought of her/it as well.

[Carmen]

Paul wrote: "Oh no, you need a good antagonist: one who is worthy of the hero's efforts.

Think of any good film you've seen - it had a great villain. Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs. Books ditto - Randy Flag..."

Yes, I agree. But still you are supposed to root for the good guy.

[Paul]

Well, perhaps I'm just perverse. I'm almost always disappointed, because the good guy wins and good triumphs yet again. Let's compromise on anti-heroes!

[Patricio]

The consul from Hyperion

[Carmen]

Paul wrote: "Well, perhaps I'm just perverse. I'm almost always disappointed, because the good guy wins and good triumphs yet again. Let's compromise on anti-heroes!"

Paul,

Anti-heroes sounds good.
Which reminds me of my favorite one: Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I love his sense of humor.

[Jeffrey]

I think that for me that favorite character is Pug from Raymond Feist's Magician. I first encountered the character over 20 years ago (gasp!), and he is a character that I still eagerly await new adventures for in each new book that comes out.

[Maria]

Jeffrey wrote: "I think that for me that favorite character is Pug from Raymond Feist's Magician. I first encountered the character over 20 years ago (gasp!), and he is a character that I still eagerly await new a..."

I guess I need to read that one. I don't think I've ever been that faithful to a character because the sequels tend to get worse or boring. I won't give any examples because I don't want anyone to hate me...but it happens, you all know that it does.

[Jeffrey]

Chani wrote: I don't think I've ever been that faithful to a character because the sequels tend to get worse or boring.

I will admit, Pug hasn't been the star in most of the books following that original trilogy. He is typically relegated to the role of a strong supporting character these days, and sometimes just hinted at rather than making a direct appearance. But the legacy of the character, and the influence that he has had on the setting is evident in all the works that followed in one way or another.

[Tamara]

I'll just throw a few out at random, I couldn't begin to list them all:
-The Marquis de Carabas, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere (he does have a certain flair)
-also from Neverwhere, Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar (will never cease to be amongst my favorite villains)
-Dr. Who, any incarnation (although I confess to being a David Tennant fangirl)
-Daemon Sadi (Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series, just a compelling character)
-Galadriel, LOTR
-Gaiman again, Delirium from Sandman
-Fuchsia Groan, Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast
-Jakabok Botch, Clive Barker's Mister B. Gone
-Cthulhu, how could I omit Cthulhu? (at my own risk, I dare say)
-Jonathan Strange, from Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
-also from Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: John Uskglass/The Raven King
Just far too many more. And at 6 pm I turn into a pumpkin (aka: pressed for time).

[Dawn]

Tamara wrote: "I'll just throw a few out at random, I couldn't begin to list them all:
-The Marquis de Carabas, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere (he does have a certain flair)
-also from Neverwhere, Mr. Croup and Mr. Van..."

I do like Daemon Sadi, but I think I like Saetan more. But my favorite character from the Black Jewels series has to be Surreal SaDiablo.

[Nora]

Josh wrote: For all that the series has turned into a deep disappointment, there are many great characters in "A Game of Thrones". I particularly like Jaime Lannister - he's a nice little study of ego, self-realization, and redemption. In terms of characters you love to hate, Sansa Stark is the most despicable character ever in any genre, ever.
How do you mean. My take is that I find her annoying but only in the way most teenage girls are. Like most adolescents she thought she was more mature and knowledgable in the ways of the world than she actually was. Now she knows better but shes still in the middle of Littlefinger's machinations. I think she may come up with some resources eventually especially since the Hound won't be there ( we think) to rescue her again.

It makes me wonder if you have a sister you don't like? Not that its any of my business of course.

[Tamara]

Jeff wrote: "Tyrion Lanister. Very unpredictable!
i like Ender Wiggin too. And Kvothe from The Name of The Wind
"

Argh. How could I have forgotten Kvothe? I'm rabidly anticipating the next book in that series. Name of the Wind just amazed and humbled me (as a would-be writer).

[Dawn]

Other characters that I really like are: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, the Patrician and Sam Vimes from Terry Pratchett's 'Diskworld' series; Michael Valentine Smith and Jubal from "Stranger in a Strange Land;" Allanon, Cogline and Whisper from Terry Brooks' 'Shannara' series; and, finally, Robinton, Lessa, Menolly, Jaxom and F'nor from Anne McCaffrey's 'Pern' series.

[Josh]

Nora wrote: "How do you mean. My take is that I find [Sansa:] annoying but only in the way most teenage girls are."

Do most teenage girls get their fathers brutally murdered due to their complete cluelessness? Even as an appetizer, on the Kingsroad, Sansa caused much havoc by lying to protect her lovely monster Joffrey - whose impact included the murder of one boy, the slaying of a very special wolf, and the loss of another very special wolf. And even at that point Sansa was mainly upset at the "unfair" loss of her own wolf, and at Arya - for being honest and honorable, not to mention having the great sin of being democratic in her relationships.

A tip of my hat to GRRM for writing a character that pushes all of my buttons in just the wrong way!

[Rai]

What a cool discussion!

I am glad others are posting a list of characters, because choosing just one would be too agonizing :)

Here's my list:

* Princess Leia
* Han Solo
* R2D2
* C3P0
* Samwise Gamgee
* Frodo Baggins
* Gandalf
* Gollum
* Darth Maul
* Aragorn
* Morpheus (The Matrix)
* Dax (Star Trek)

I'm sure that 10 seconds after I post this, I will think of more, but those are tops for me!

Rai

[Kathy]

For a TV/movie list, here are mine:

*Aragorn and Legolas in LOTR--Viggo Mortenson and Orlando Bloom are SMOKIN'!

*The Oracle from the Matrix is intriguing, but the eye candy is there to keep you drawn in. :)

*Yoda will always be my favorite, especially during the wicked light saber fight!!!

*Hermoine, Ron, and Harry from Harry Potter, of course. But the Weasley twins are the bomb--great comic relief.

*Paul from Dune. I am no sci-fi girl, but I did like the original movie from back in the day. Imagine if they did a modern remake...

[Kathy]

I HAVE A NEW QUESTION FOR THE GROUP!!!!!!!!


Not only should you name a character for this lovely list, but you should also tell us why. Explain why should I read the book he/she is in. What do you all think?

[Maria]

I like it! That way I can prioritize all these new books/series/tv shows/movies that I need to read or watch.

I'll add a few of mine from earlier with reasons why if others agree :)

[Rai]

Giddyup!

I'll update my list soon... :)

Great idea!

[Carmen]

Kathy wrote: "For a TV/movie list, here are mine:

*Aragorn and Legolas in LOTR--Viggo Mortenson and Orlando Bloom are SMOKIN'!

*The Oracle from the Matrix is intriguing, but the eye candy is there to keep ..."


Have you seen the miniseries Children of Dune with James McAvoy (From Atonement) as Paul's son?
I think it is better that the original movie.
Also I think there is a remake of the original Dune with John Hurt. I would have to check that one.

[The Flooze]

First, off the top of my head, are Ford Prefect from Hitchhiker's and Death and the Librarian from Discworld (I'm also partial to Quoth). I'll weigh in again when I've had a think.

[Dawn]

Carmen wrote: "Kathy wrote: "For a TV/movie list, here are mine:

*Aragorn and Legolas in LOTR--Viggo Mortenson and Orlando Bloom are SMOKIN'!

*The Oracle from the Matrix is intriguing, but the eye candy is ..."

It isn't really a 'remake' of "Dune" with John Hurt. It was a miniseries that ran on the SciFi channel and I, for one, think it was much better than the theatrical movie.

[Seneca]

My favorite characters would be:

-Paul Atreides and Leto Atreides II from Dune
-Spike from Buffy
-Ford Prefect from Hitchikers Guide To Universe
-Raven, the crow girls and Joseph Crazy Dog from Widdershins
-Dr Who
-Death, Susan and Mr Teatime from Hogfather
-Legolas and Gimli from LOTR

[The Flooze]

Sandi wrote: "Sorry, Terence. Spock and Picard are girly men. Worf is the manliest man in the Star Trek universe."

Have you seen Michael Dorn sans makeup? Fine lookin' man!

[Chris]

ok, Kathy. You asked for it:

-Croup and Vandemar from Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere (Sylish and wicked to the core. Yet very polite. They're insanely awesome)
-Death and Merv Pumpkinhead from Gaiman's Sandman (she's sexy as hell and he thinks he is)
-Mat, Aviendha, and Tuon from Wheel of Time, along with all of the Asha'man. (Mat is a cool customer and Tuon is a lady that just might tame him. Aviendha is a wild child that can't decide if she wants to be a sweet kitten or a kick ass fighter. The Asha'man are simply like an academy of Johnny Cash wizards. They wear black, they don't care much for the rules, and they could perform in a prison.)

-Trashcan Man from The Stand (Psychotic, comical, scary, maniacal.)
-Severus Snape from Harry Potter (Such a snappy cynical wit. Is seeking redemption but doesn't want anyone to know about it)
-Racetrack from BSG (She's hot and can fly a Raptor into combat)
-Jadzia Dax from Trek (Those spots....)
-Zedd from Sword of Truth (Gandalf meets Fizban)
-Rue Merridian from Terry Brooks' Shannara (Red headed Rover/airship navigator. Don't piss her off)
-Quick Ben, Sorry (Apsalar), Kalam, Whiskeyjack - Bridgeburners, baby. From Steven Erikson's Malazan series. (They're a squad that gets stuck with all the crappy jobs, even in the sewers)
-Roland, the Gunslinger (He hasn't forgotten the face of his father, and he shoots with his mind)

We can't forget:

-Randall Flagg, the Walkin' Dude! from The Stand. (Evil personified but a charming enough fella, as long as you don't shoot the man in the face when he tells you to save the head)

-And probably my all time favorite anti-hero, a Son and Knight of Darkness who carries a soul stealing sword and rules over a cruel race of magic using Tiste Andii, but is one hell of a nice guy if you get to know him, Anomander Rake, the Lord of Moon's Spawn. He is also from Erikson's Malazan series.
(Anti-hero, reluctant villain? Who cares? He's bad-ass.)

Added later were:

-Kvothe from The Name of the Wind (he's got style and smarts, plus the restraint at the age of 15 to not fondle the girl of his dreams when she'd doped up and sleeping against him.)

And from GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire series,

-Tyrion the Imp (Three foot tall and bulletproof. Or not. He has scars and half of his face has been sliced all to pieces. Whores avoid him. But for a Lannister, he has honor. Sort of.)

-Sandor Clegane, the Hound (He's badass as long as nobody lights a fire, and then he runs like Sir Robin from Monty Python. Full of witty banter and crude language. If you think he's a dick, you should meet his big brother)

-and finally, Sansa Stark. (Because nobody else likes her. Talk about underdogs)

The Imp, the Hound, and the Simpering Girl. C'mon, GRRM. Give us a dance with dragons already.....

[The Flooze]

To add to the profusion of tv/movie characters that have been mentioned, I pay homage to the entire cast of Labyrinth.

[Dawn]

The ultimate anti-hero: Elric of Melniboné, the Eternal Champion of Michael Moorcock's fantastic series 'Elric'.

[Seneca]

Michelle M. wrote: "To add to the profusion of tv/movie characters that have been mentioned, I pay homage to the entire cast of Labyrinth.

"

I agree with that nomination! :)

[Nicole]

Harry Dresden and Kvothe and Neil Gaiman. Oh yeah, he's not a character. Oh well. He's still my favorite. So dreamy.

[Nicole]

Chris wrote: "Oh, hell yeah. How did I forget Sandor Clegane? The Hound rocks. Gotta love Tyrion too. They're two of my favorites in what has to be my favorite series.

And since I'm on here again, I need to a..."

Agreed. Tyrion is awesome on every level and Kvothe. Love rooting for him.

[Vaibhava]

Tyrion Lannister, who else it could be :)
Loved his part specially in the second book, A clash of kings.

[Trike]

Written SF:
Nathan Brazil from Chalker's Well World series.
Jaxom from McCaffrey's The White Dragon.

Filmed SF:
Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly/Serenity.

Comic book SF:
Atomic-Robo

Written Fantasy:
Anyanwu from Butler's Wild Seed.

Filmed Fantasy:
Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Comic book Fantasy:
Detective Deena Pilgrim from Powers.

[Quick ben]

Fantasy - Harry Dresden,Hermione Granger,Vin,Lyra and Sam Gamgee

Scifi - Honor Harrington,Paula mayo,Katniss,Deryn sharp,Arthur Dent

[Philippa]

Morgaine from Gate of Irvel (my first and still favourite, Aragorn from Lord of the Rings (my first mysterious man crush) and Parmenion from Lion of Macedon

[Julia]

Fantasy:
Anyanwu from ; Jilly Coppercorn, the Crow Girls, Geordie & Christie Riddle from Charles de Lint's Newford books; Harry Dresden; Mercy Thompson; October Daye; Atticus O' Sullivan; Aragorn;

Science fiction:
The entire extended Vorkosigan extended family; The historians at Oxford in Connie Willis's books;

[Al "Tank"]

Slippery Jim de Griz a.k.a. The Stainless Steel Rat,
Jubal Harshaw from Stranger in a Strange Land (I think he was Heinlein's alter ego),
Tito (the "Denver Dwarf" from Blanktown), and
Onja Kvorik, the kick-ass "Fighter Queen".

[Genia]

-The Vorkosigans, collectively, plus many of their sidekicks.
-Terry Pratchett's Lord Vetinari.

[F.J.]

I love topics like these.

My favorites from books:

- Wistala, AuRon, Hieba from E.E. Knight's Age of Fire series

- Menolly, Ruth, Jaxom (mostly after The White Dragon), F'nor, Canth, young Readis (Dolphins of Pern) from Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern

- Ryozenzuzex, Desvendapur from Alan Dean Foster's Nor Crystal Tears and Phylogenesis

- Varthikes, Audwin McClance, Sarkiphing from my Draconia series

My favorites from Movies/TV Shows:

- Hiccup, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon (the movie, at least; haven't read the books yet)

- Pilot, Moya, John Crichton from FarScape

- Lilo, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch

- John Sheridan, Vir Cotto from Babylon 5


That's all for now. :)

[J.]

Ford Prefect from the Hitchhiker's Guide.

So cool and reckless but he always turns up and saves Arthur from probable destruction.

[Tayla36]

All Time Favorites
Flinx, from Alan Dean Fosters Flinx and Pip series
Belgarion, from David Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean series
Sparhawk, from David Eddings Elenium and Tamuli
Yanaba Maddox, Anne McCaffrey's Petaybee series
Killashandra, Anne McCaffrey's Crystal Singer series
Arutha, Raymond Feist Riftwar series.

Recently discovered
Miles Vorkosigan
Felix and Mildmay, from Sarah Monette's "Doctrine of Labyrinths"


From TV
Doctor Who (10 or 11)
Jack Harkness, from Torchwood

Oops, almost forgot Daniel Jackson and Jack O'neill from Stargate SG-1

[[deleted user]]

Speaking of HGTTG, Marvin the robot is pretty interesting.

And then both Trurl and Klapaucius from Cyberiad.

I don't know, I guess robots are just so lovable.

[Margaret]

Mike the computer from Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress has always been a favorite of mine.

[Bee]

Hmmm...

I'd say Karsa Orlong and Quick Ben from the Steven Erikson Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Leto II from God Emperor of Dune (I love his monologues, and did one for Drama practical in my final year of school)

Sam Vimes from Tery Pratchett's Discworld
And Granny Weatherwax & Nanny Ogg too for that matter.

That'll have to do for now.

PS> Marvin the Paranoid Android is horrible/awesome too!