One Hundred Characters Meme! Part One
So on deviantart.com there's a tonne of fun memes to play with, where people make templates for you to fill out. I've done a couple of drawing ones, but then I came across this; could I list 100 characters I like? Not just characters I know about- they had to be characters I actually appreciate/ go fangirly over.
It took a lot of thought, delving into almost every single film/ TV show/ game/ anime/ even myth I know, but here it is!
For the next few weeks, I'll briefly take you through them all and why I love them.
These are the first 35 (from left to right):
1. Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy XIII)
An obvious choice for me- I adore Lightning! She's a highly skilled, determined soldier, and nothing will get in her way to protect her sister. Slightly miffed at how her game's story treated her (and the rather sad descent into fanservice the sequels have led to) but she's still awesome.
2. Oerba Yun Fang (Final Fantasy XIII)
Another great character from the same game. Where Lightning is much more reserved and cynical, I love Fang's outspoken and impulsive nature. Her design is cool, too.
3. Princess Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca ('Ashe') (Final Fantasy XII)
From the vastly underrated FF12. Ashe has to face a lot of tough choices in her fight to free her kingdom, and she's no helpless damsel either. Certainly one of the more memorable FF heroines.
4. Sothe (Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn)
While his role does diminish in the game as it progresses, Sothe's still a great character. Fiercely loyal to Micaiah, his adopted sister, and a skilled thief, I always enjoy his actions in the open cutscene.
5. Juliet (Romeo x Juliet)
I love this retelling of Shakespeare's classic, and Juliet gets some great character development. For one thing, she's a skilled swordswoman, and she isn't second fiddle as Romeo's love interest, either; it's the other way around! While of course you know the ending from the outset, she definitely takes you for a wild ride through her adventure.
6. Bolin (Legend of Korra)
Ah, Bolin, the steadfast, laidback member of Korra's Team Avatar. Never a dull moment with this guy, whether it's his humorous quips or his talented Earthbending. I'm always smiling when this guy shows up.
7. Korra (Legend of Korra)
The leading lady herself! She's Aang's opposite and I find that makes her more interesting. Headstrong, brash, impulsive, she's not afraid to brave anything, even if most of the time it does land her in sticky situations. In the later seasons (Books 3 and 4), she starts to develop into a much more layered character, and I can't wait to see how her story concludes.
8. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
One of gaming's most iconic ladies, of course I couldn't miss her out. Smart, cunning, a born survivor and with a touch of humour, you have to admire this adventurer archaeologist (eat your heart out Indiana Jones).
9. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa had a presence all her own when I first saw her, and her tragic backstory made her all the more endearing. Like Lightning she's highly skilled and shows little emotion, but that doesn't mean she's completely heartless.
10. Jean Kirschtein (Attack on Titan)
While Jean might not start out as the nicest guy on the planet, the realities of war make him sober up pretty fast, and he shows some great leadership skills even though he's constantly doubting himself. For me this makes him much more interesting, as he's got to overcome real flaws and do the best he can, even if he's not the main hero.
11. Momiji (Good Luck Girl)
Love this goddess of misfortune- from her dry sense of humour and rough mannerisms, to her odd pearls of wisdom that she always seems to drop at exactly the right moment. I always found myself siding with her and not Sakura (who's also on my list further down).
12. Kitana (Mortal Kombat)
I always play as Kitana; nobody messes with those fans! Though I sympathise more with her characterisation from the animated series more than the game (where she's the exiled Princess fighting to reclaim her kingdom).
13. Sub Zero (Mortal Kombat)
Another playable favourite. Nobody can mistake his trademark blue outfit and icy attacks.
14. Raiden (Mortal Kombat)
God of thunder, wise mentor and general badass. I enjoyed his sarcastic quips in the animated series and film.
15. Orphen (Sorcerous Stabber Orphen)
This was one of the first anime I ever watched and I still love it. Orphen's a bit of an angry, miserable git at times but he does still joke around from time to time and he's got a lot of conflict in his past, which excuses some of his behaviour (but not all). Awesome design, too.
16. Syrenne (Last Story)
In the EU release Syrenne has a Lancashire accent and that automatically means she has to go on this list. A girl who likes her drink but a more than capable fighter, too.
17. Mirania (Last Story)
Mirania has an interesting design and I like her mannerisms. While her 'devoted to nature arc' isn't exactly original, she's a great supporting character in the game.
18. Vyse (Skies of Arcadia)
How can you not like this guy? From his constant happy outlook on life, his loyalty to his friends and crew and his skill with dual cutlasses, he'll always be my favourite from the series.
19. Prince of Persia (Prince of Persia)
In the first reboot of the series (started with Sands of Time), I liked the Prince and how he learns and grows into his title despite the mistakes he makes along the way. The film was pretty disappointing but then that's a given with game-to-film adaptations :P
20. Jade Kurtis (Tales of the Abyss)
He has the best lines ever, both in the game and the anime. An extremely talented scientist and soldier, albeit he lacks in the empathy and ethics department; a flaw he well recognises. Still, just hearing his put downs and retorts to rival Dist always make me laugh.
21. Lina Inverse (Slayers)
Everyone's favourite chaos sorceress. It's great how she's truly not an altruistic heroine and often would rather go after things for her own gain. Nevertheless she always makes the right choices in the end and her vastly powerful Ragna Blade and Giga Slave are not to be trifled with. Just don't comment about her chest.
22. Zelgadis Greywords (Slayers)
Everyone's favourite brooding magical swordsman, also from the same series. Cursed to be a chimera by the man he once looked up to, Zel is constantly searching for a cure, but is always up to help Lina and friends out when needed.
23. Train Hartnet (Black Cat)
A deadly assassin, Chronos Number 13, Train is second to none at his job. But after he meets Saya, his outlook on life changes and he sets out to live on his own terms. But fate won't let him walk away so easily. And every step of his journey is a joy to watch.
24. Sven Volfied (Black Cat)
From the same series, Sven is a self-confessed gentleman with a penchant for chivalry and politeness. He's pretty skilled with that briefcase of his, too.
25. Sephiria Arcs (Black Cat)
The first Chronos Number and leader of the Numbers, you don't mess with Sephiria. Incredibly skilled with her sword, she's truly undefeatable, and pretty ruthless at times, too.
26. Roy Mustang (Full Metal Alchemist)
I'm going off his incarnation in the original anime, not Brotherhood, but Roy was great. At first glance you don't really think much of his shallow persona, but pretty soon you see he's a skilled flame alchemist, and he's seen his fair share of darkness, too.
27. Sabriel (Sabriel)
The titular character from Garth Nix's Abhorsen series. Sabriel was one of the first female heroines I read about, and she's stuck with me since. Determined and capable, even if she does lack a bit of self confidence, she fights on regardless and with the help of her allies.
28. Eona (Eon: Dragoneye Reborn)
Eona again is another female protagonist, training to be a Dragoneye while at the same time hiding her gender. She struggles with choices that have wide-reaching consequences, and I enjoyed following her story.
29. Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (Assassin's Creed)
While most of the AC fans flock to Ezio, I've always much preferred the quieter, more reserved Altaïr. Exceptionally skilled, he's thrown down a path of redemption after his arrogance gets the better of him. I loved his development in the game, and was thrilled to get glances of him in Revelations, too.
30. Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
One of the most incredible characters in any fandom, I think. A blind young girl, Toph is an extremely talented Earthbender who INVENTS a new type of sub-bending art and can floor opponents many times her size and strength. Don't underestimate her!
31. Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
The famous Fire Nation General. Always full of wisdom for his nephew Zuko (and anyone else who cares to listen), but also a powerful Firebender and military powerhouse.
32. Haku (Spirited Away)
Trapped to service to Yubaba, Haku still does his best to help Chihiro ('Sen'). His dragon form is pretty, too.
33. Eisenheim (The Illusionist)
The master of deception, I thoroughly enjoyed how he implemented his tricks and got the better of his enemies.
34. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean)
From the moment he enters the screen on that sinking ship, you know this is going to be someone memorable. An apparently incompetent pirate, Jack hides his guile and cunning and makes for an enjoyable companion to sail around the Carribean with.
35. Gracie Hart (Miss Congeniality)
This FBI agent with a knack for cocking it all up really comes into her own when she's forced to go undercover for a beauty pageant. Gracie's hilarious as she does her best to hide her less than feminine attributes and her woeful lack of knowledge of 'women's issues', but in the end her skills as an officer win the day and she saves the pageant.
36. Hei (Darker Than Black)
37. Prince Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke)
38. Wander (Shadow of the Colossus)
39. Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club)
40. Date Masamune (Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings)
41. Haytham Kenway (Assassin's Creed III)
42. England (Hetalia Axis Powers)
43. Alexandra Roivas (Eternal Darkness)
44. Irma Lair (W.I.T.C.H)
45. Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy)
46. Robert Foster (Beneath a Steel Sky)
47. Ike (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance)
48. Lumina (Final Fantasy: Lightning Returns)
49. Asuna (Sword Art Online)
50. Tear Grants (Tales of the Abyss)
51. Mulan (Mulan)
52. Balthier (Final Fantasy XII)
53. Bayonetta (Bayonetta)
54. Knuckles the Echidna (Sonic the Hedgehog)
55. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog)
56. Merida (Brave)
57. Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII)
58. Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
59. Amaterasu (Okami)
60. Tenebrae (Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of a New World)
61. Kusanagi Shiyu (X/1999)
62. Arashi Kishu (X/1999)
63. Lord Darcia III (Wolf's Rain)
64. Sheena Fujibashi (Tales of Symphonia)
65. Momou Inugami (Good Luck Girl)
66. Sakura Ichiko (Good Luck Girl)
67. Princess What's Her Name (Earthworm Jim)
68. Professor Hannah Awkward (Believe Nothing)
69. Bugs Bunny (Looney Toons)
70. Puss in Boots (Shrek)
71. Carl Fredricksen (Up!)
72. Hiccup (How To Train Your Dragon)
73. Jack Frost (Rise of the Guardians)
74. Maia (Summoner: A Goddess Reborn)
75. Nel Zelpher (Star Ocean: Til the End of Time)
76. Rebecca Crane (Assassin's Creed II)
77. Shaun Hastines (Assassin's Creed II)
78. Luka Megurine (Vocaloid)
79. Jessie Bannon (Jonny Quest)
80. Sam (Totally Spies)
81. Wreck-It Ralph (Wreck-It Ralph)
82. Falco Lombardi (Star Fox)
83. Kyoko Sakura (Madoka Magica)
84. Light Yagami (Death Note)
85. Tybalt Volumnia de Capulet (Romeo x Juliet)
86. Prince Marth (Fire Emblem)
87. Pinky and the Brain (Animaniacs)
88. Metal Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog)
89. Soundwave (Transformers Prime)
90. Kilik (Soul Calibur)
91. Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
92. Flynn Rider (Tangled)
93. Skye (Darkened Skye)
94. Dorian (Darkened Skye)
95. The Black Knight (Monty Python)
96. Aqua (Kingdom Hearts)
97. Avatar Wan (Legend of Korra)
98. Jenna (Darkweaver Legacy)
99. Genie (Aladdin)
100. Cassandra of Troy (Greek myth)
It took a lot of thought, delving into almost every single film/ TV show/ game/ anime/ even myth I know, but here it is!
These are the first 35 (from left to right):
1. Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy XIII)
An obvious choice for me- I adore Lightning! She's a highly skilled, determined soldier, and nothing will get in her way to protect her sister. Slightly miffed at how her game's story treated her (and the rather sad descent into fanservice the sequels have led to) but she's still awesome.
2. Oerba Yun Fang (Final Fantasy XIII)
Another great character from the same game. Where Lightning is much more reserved and cynical, I love Fang's outspoken and impulsive nature. Her design is cool, too.
3. Princess Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca ('Ashe') (Final Fantasy XII)
From the vastly underrated FF12. Ashe has to face a lot of tough choices in her fight to free her kingdom, and she's no helpless damsel either. Certainly one of the more memorable FF heroines.
4. Sothe (Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn)
While his role does diminish in the game as it progresses, Sothe's still a great character. Fiercely loyal to Micaiah, his adopted sister, and a skilled thief, I always enjoy his actions in the open cutscene.
5. Juliet (Romeo x Juliet)
I love this retelling of Shakespeare's classic, and Juliet gets some great character development. For one thing, she's a skilled swordswoman, and she isn't second fiddle as Romeo's love interest, either; it's the other way around! While of course you know the ending from the outset, she definitely takes you for a wild ride through her adventure.
6. Bolin (Legend of Korra)
Ah, Bolin, the steadfast, laidback member of Korra's Team Avatar. Never a dull moment with this guy, whether it's his humorous quips or his talented Earthbending. I'm always smiling when this guy shows up.
7. Korra (Legend of Korra)
The leading lady herself! She's Aang's opposite and I find that makes her more interesting. Headstrong, brash, impulsive, she's not afraid to brave anything, even if most of the time it does land her in sticky situations. In the later seasons (Books 3 and 4), she starts to develop into a much more layered character, and I can't wait to see how her story concludes.
8. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
One of gaming's most iconic ladies, of course I couldn't miss her out. Smart, cunning, a born survivor and with a touch of humour, you have to admire this adventurer archaeologist (eat your heart out Indiana Jones).
9. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa had a presence all her own when I first saw her, and her tragic backstory made her all the more endearing. Like Lightning she's highly skilled and shows little emotion, but that doesn't mean she's completely heartless.
10. Jean Kirschtein (Attack on Titan)
While Jean might not start out as the nicest guy on the planet, the realities of war make him sober up pretty fast, and he shows some great leadership skills even though he's constantly doubting himself. For me this makes him much more interesting, as he's got to overcome real flaws and do the best he can, even if he's not the main hero.
11. Momiji (Good Luck Girl)
Love this goddess of misfortune- from her dry sense of humour and rough mannerisms, to her odd pearls of wisdom that she always seems to drop at exactly the right moment. I always found myself siding with her and not Sakura (who's also on my list further down).
12. Kitana (Mortal Kombat)
I always play as Kitana; nobody messes with those fans! Though I sympathise more with her characterisation from the animated series more than the game (where she's the exiled Princess fighting to reclaim her kingdom).
13. Sub Zero (Mortal Kombat)
Another playable favourite. Nobody can mistake his trademark blue outfit and icy attacks.
14. Raiden (Mortal Kombat)
God of thunder, wise mentor and general badass. I enjoyed his sarcastic quips in the animated series and film.
15. Orphen (Sorcerous Stabber Orphen)
This was one of the first anime I ever watched and I still love it. Orphen's a bit of an angry, miserable git at times but he does still joke around from time to time and he's got a lot of conflict in his past, which excuses some of his behaviour (but not all). Awesome design, too.
16. Syrenne (Last Story)
In the EU release Syrenne has a Lancashire accent and that automatically means she has to go on this list. A girl who likes her drink but a more than capable fighter, too.
17. Mirania (Last Story)
Mirania has an interesting design and I like her mannerisms. While her 'devoted to nature arc' isn't exactly original, she's a great supporting character in the game.
18. Vyse (Skies of Arcadia)
How can you not like this guy? From his constant happy outlook on life, his loyalty to his friends and crew and his skill with dual cutlasses, he'll always be my favourite from the series.
19. Prince of Persia (Prince of Persia)
In the first reboot of the series (started with Sands of Time), I liked the Prince and how he learns and grows into his title despite the mistakes he makes along the way. The film was pretty disappointing but then that's a given with game-to-film adaptations :P
20. Jade Kurtis (Tales of the Abyss)
He has the best lines ever, both in the game and the anime. An extremely talented scientist and soldier, albeit he lacks in the empathy and ethics department; a flaw he well recognises. Still, just hearing his put downs and retorts to rival Dist always make me laugh.
21. Lina Inverse (Slayers)
Everyone's favourite chaos sorceress. It's great how she's truly not an altruistic heroine and often would rather go after things for her own gain. Nevertheless she always makes the right choices in the end and her vastly powerful Ragna Blade and Giga Slave are not to be trifled with. Just don't comment about her chest.
22. Zelgadis Greywords (Slayers)
Everyone's favourite brooding magical swordsman, also from the same series. Cursed to be a chimera by the man he once looked up to, Zel is constantly searching for a cure, but is always up to help Lina and friends out when needed.
23. Train Hartnet (Black Cat)
A deadly assassin, Chronos Number 13, Train is second to none at his job. But after he meets Saya, his outlook on life changes and he sets out to live on his own terms. But fate won't let him walk away so easily. And every step of his journey is a joy to watch.
24. Sven Volfied (Black Cat)
From the same series, Sven is a self-confessed gentleman with a penchant for chivalry and politeness. He's pretty skilled with that briefcase of his, too.
25. Sephiria Arcs (Black Cat)
The first Chronos Number and leader of the Numbers, you don't mess with Sephiria. Incredibly skilled with her sword, she's truly undefeatable, and pretty ruthless at times, too.
26. Roy Mustang (Full Metal Alchemist)
I'm going off his incarnation in the original anime, not Brotherhood, but Roy was great. At first glance you don't really think much of his shallow persona, but pretty soon you see he's a skilled flame alchemist, and he's seen his fair share of darkness, too.
27. Sabriel (Sabriel)
The titular character from Garth Nix's Abhorsen series. Sabriel was one of the first female heroines I read about, and she's stuck with me since. Determined and capable, even if she does lack a bit of self confidence, she fights on regardless and with the help of her allies.
28. Eona (Eon: Dragoneye Reborn)
Eona again is another female protagonist, training to be a Dragoneye while at the same time hiding her gender. She struggles with choices that have wide-reaching consequences, and I enjoyed following her story.
29. Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (Assassin's Creed)
While most of the AC fans flock to Ezio, I've always much preferred the quieter, more reserved Altaïr. Exceptionally skilled, he's thrown down a path of redemption after his arrogance gets the better of him. I loved his development in the game, and was thrilled to get glances of him in Revelations, too.
30. Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
One of the most incredible characters in any fandom, I think. A blind young girl, Toph is an extremely talented Earthbender who INVENTS a new type of sub-bending art and can floor opponents many times her size and strength. Don't underestimate her!
31. Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
The famous Fire Nation General. Always full of wisdom for his nephew Zuko (and anyone else who cares to listen), but also a powerful Firebender and military powerhouse.
32. Haku (Spirited Away)
Trapped to service to Yubaba, Haku still does his best to help Chihiro ('Sen'). His dragon form is pretty, too.
33. Eisenheim (The Illusionist)
The master of deception, I thoroughly enjoyed how he implemented his tricks and got the better of his enemies.
34. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean)
From the moment he enters the screen on that sinking ship, you know this is going to be someone memorable. An apparently incompetent pirate, Jack hides his guile and cunning and makes for an enjoyable companion to sail around the Carribean with.
35. Gracie Hart (Miss Congeniality)
This FBI agent with a knack for cocking it all up really comes into her own when she's forced to go undercover for a beauty pageant. Gracie's hilarious as she does her best to hide her less than feminine attributes and her woeful lack of knowledge of 'women's issues', but in the end her skills as an officer win the day and she saves the pageant.
36. Hei (Darker Than Black)
37. Prince Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke)
38. Wander (Shadow of the Colossus)
39. Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club)
40. Date Masamune (Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings)
41. Haytham Kenway (Assassin's Creed III)
42. England (Hetalia Axis Powers)
43. Alexandra Roivas (Eternal Darkness)
44. Irma Lair (W.I.T.C.H)
45. Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy)
46. Robert Foster (Beneath a Steel Sky)
47. Ike (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance)
48. Lumina (Final Fantasy: Lightning Returns)
49. Asuna (Sword Art Online)
50. Tear Grants (Tales of the Abyss)
51. Mulan (Mulan)
52. Balthier (Final Fantasy XII)
53. Bayonetta (Bayonetta)
54. Knuckles the Echidna (Sonic the Hedgehog)
55. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog)
56. Merida (Brave)
57. Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII)
58. Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
59. Amaterasu (Okami)
60. Tenebrae (Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of a New World)
61. Kusanagi Shiyu (X/1999)
62. Arashi Kishu (X/1999)
63. Lord Darcia III (Wolf's Rain)
64. Sheena Fujibashi (Tales of Symphonia)
65. Momou Inugami (Good Luck Girl)
66. Sakura Ichiko (Good Luck Girl)
67. Princess What's Her Name (Earthworm Jim)
68. Professor Hannah Awkward (Believe Nothing)
69. Bugs Bunny (Looney Toons)
70. Puss in Boots (Shrek)
71. Carl Fredricksen (Up!)
72. Hiccup (How To Train Your Dragon)
73. Jack Frost (Rise of the Guardians)
74. Maia (Summoner: A Goddess Reborn)
75. Nel Zelpher (Star Ocean: Til the End of Time)
76. Rebecca Crane (Assassin's Creed II)
77. Shaun Hastines (Assassin's Creed II)
78. Luka Megurine (Vocaloid)
79. Jessie Bannon (Jonny Quest)
80. Sam (Totally Spies)
81. Wreck-It Ralph (Wreck-It Ralph)
82. Falco Lombardi (Star Fox)
83. Kyoko Sakura (Madoka Magica)
84. Light Yagami (Death Note)
85. Tybalt Volumnia de Capulet (Romeo x Juliet)
86. Prince Marth (Fire Emblem)
87. Pinky and the Brain (Animaniacs)
88. Metal Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog)
89. Soundwave (Transformers Prime)
90. Kilik (Soul Calibur)
91. Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
92. Flynn Rider (Tangled)
93. Skye (Darkened Skye)
94. Dorian (Darkened Skye)
95. The Black Knight (Monty Python)
96. Aqua (Kingdom Hearts)
97. Avatar Wan (Legend of Korra)
98. Jenna (Darkweaver Legacy)
99. Genie (Aladdin)
100. Cassandra of Troy (Greek myth)