Fantasy books take us to magical worlds filled with adventure, heroes, and unforgettable characters. These characters stay with us long after we finish reading. They inspire us, make us laugh, or even scare us.
Here are the top 20 unforgettable book characters in fantasy and why they are so special.
Harry Potter is arguably the most famous characters in fantasy. He is a young wizard who discovers he is special on his 11th birthday. Harry is brave, loyal, and kind, even though he faces many challenges.
From fighting dark wizards to making lifelong friends, Harry’s journey teaches us about courage and friendship. His story is about finding where you belong and standing up for what is right.
Frodo is a small hobbit with a big heart. He is given the dangerous task of destroying a powerful ring to save his world. Frodo shows us that even the smallest person can make a huge difference.
His journey is full of danger, but he never gives up. Frodo’s bravery and determination make him a hero we can all look up to.
Arya Stark is a fierce and independent book character. She is a young girl who dreams of being a warrior, not a lady. Arya faces many hardships, but she never loses her spirit.
She learns to fight, survive, and seek justice. Arya’s strength and determination make her one of the most memorable characters in fantasy.
Gandalf is a wise and powerful wizard. He guides the heroes on their quest and helps them when they are in trouble. Gandalf is kind but also strict when he needs to be. He is a symbol of hope and wisdom.
His famous line, “You shall not pass!” shows his courage and strength. Gandalf is a book character we trust and admire.
Katniss is a strong and resourceful character. She volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly competition. Katniss fights not just for herself but for her family and her people.
She is brave, smart, and caring. Katniss shows us the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right.
Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts and a mentor to Harry Potter. He is unforgettable because he embodies both the light and the shadows of humanity- wise but flawed, kind but secretive, powerful but humble.
His complexity makes him a character readers can admire, question, and relate to. He reminds us that even the greatest among us have flaws, but it is how we learn from them that defines us. As Dumbledore himself once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
And in the world of fantasy, Dumbledore is that light.
Tyrion Lannister is one of the most complex and fascinating book characters in fantasy. Despite being born into a powerful family, he is often looked down upon because of his dwarfism. However, Tyrion uses his sharp mind and wit to outsmart his enemies and survive in a dangerous world.
He is funny, clever, and deeply human. Tyrion’s struggles with family, loyalty, and identity make him a character we can’t help but root for. His famous line, “I drink and I know things,” sums up his charm and intelligence perfectly.
Lyra is fiercely independent and resourceful, often using her quick thinking to get out of trouble. Lyra’s story is about growing up, making difficult choices, and standing up for what is right.
Her bond with her daemon, Pantalaimon, adds depth to her character, showing the importance of friendship and loyalty.
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who loves his quiet, comfortable life is thrust into an unexpected adventure with a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their home from a dragon. At first, Bilbo is timid and unsure, but he grows into a brave and clever hero.
His journey teaches us that even the most unlikely person can achieve great things, with his kindness, humor, and courage make him one of the most famous book characters in fantasy literature.
Kvothe's story is one of ambition, talent, and tragedy. An incredibly smart and determined individual, he is also flawed and makes mistakes.
His journey from a poor orphan to a legendary figure is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Kvothe’s passion for music, his thirst for knowledge, and his resilience make him a character readers can’t forget.
Anomander Rake is one of the most iconic characters in the Malazan books. He is the brooding, immortal ruler of the Tiste Andii and wielder of the legendary sword Dragnipur. Rake is a tragic figure, burdened by the weight of his responsibilities and the loneliness of his eternal life.
His quiet strength, wisdom, and moments of shocking power make him one book character readers will never forget.
Sand dan Glokta is a former swordsman turned torturer, crippled by years of captivity and torture himself. He is cynical, sharp-tongued, and deeply pragmatic.
Despite his dark profession, Glokta is oddly sympathetic, using his intelligence to navigate a brutal world. His dark humor and relentless determination to survive make him one of the most compelling characters in grimdark fantasy.
Esmerelda “Granny” Weatherwax is a no-nonsense witch from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. She is fiercely independent, wise, and unapologetically herself. Granny’s sharp wit, moral compass, and refusal to back down from a challenge make her a fan favorite.
Her iconic line, “I ain’t dead yet,” sums up her indomitable spirit perfectly.
Karsa Orlong is a towering warrior from the Teblor tribe, known for his brutal strength and unshakable will. He starts as a seemingly one-dimensional barbarian but evolves into a complex character with a deep sense of justice.
Karsa’s journey from a conqueror to a reluctant hero is one of the most fascinating arcs in fantasy. His famous line, “Witness,” has become legendary among fans.
Death is one of the most beloved book characters in the Discworld series. He is not your typical grim reaper—he’s curious about humanity, loves cats, and even tries to understand emotions.
Death’s dry humor, unexpected kindness, and unique perspective on life make him unforgettable. His iconic line, “I COULD MURDER A CURRY,” is both hilarious and endearing.
Kell is one of the last Antari, a rare magician who can travel between parallel Londons. He is charming, resourceful, and deeply loyal to those he cares about. Kell’s struggle to balance his duties and his desire for freedom makes him a compelling book character.
His dynamic with Lila Bard, a daring thief, adds depth and excitement to his story.
Nahri is a con artist in 18th-century Cairo who discovers she is a powerful healer with ties to the magical city of Daevabad. She is resourceful, brave, and fiercely independent.
Nahri’s journey of self-discovery, her struggles with identity, and her fight for justice make her a compelling and unforgettable character in fantasy fiction.
Lin is the emperor’s daughter, determined to prove herself and uncover the secrets of her father’s bone-shard magic. She is intelligent, resourceful, and driven.
Lin’s journey is one of self-discovery, rebellion, and fighting for what is right. Her determination and courage make her a standout character in this unique fantasy world.
While we're only halfway through the Stormlight Archive series at the time of writing this article, Shallan Davar already stands out as an intelligent, creative, and determined individual who also struggles with her identity and the secrets she hides.
Shallan’s journey is about self-acceptance, courage, and finding her place in a world full of danger and intrigue. Her story reminds us that even in the face of darkness, there is light and hope.
Blue Sargent is the only non-psychic in a family of clairvoyants, but she has a unique ability: she amplifies the powers of others.
What makes Blue unforgettable is her authenticity. She’s not a typical “chosen one” or a damsel in distress—she’s a normal girl navigating an extraordinary world. Her relationships with the other characters, especially Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah, are deeply emotional and layered.
Fantasy is such a broad genre that even the most comprehensive list is hardly enough to capture the fullness of the book characters that inspired and moved us.
Still, if you're a fan, you're sure to find one or two of your biggest favorites here. And, if I've missed any key ones, please do well to point them out in the comments.
