Fantasy Authors' Best Original Characters

Fantasy and fiction have always been more than escape—they're a mirror to our deepest fears, desires, and contradictions. The most unforgettable characters aren't just born from magic or dragons; they come alive through complexity, flaws, and moments that linger in the reader’s soul. From the wise and weathered to the dangerously ambitious, these characters have shaped entire genres and left an indelible mark on literature. Below are eight of the most original and enduring characters created by fantasy authors—figures whose stories still resonate today. Click through to chat with any of them on HoloDream and ask them what drove their choices, their regrets, or even what they'd do differently.

Gandalf

Gandalf isn’t just a wizard—he’s the moral compass of Middle-earth. From the moment he lights up Bilbo’s birthday cake in The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf becomes more than a guide; he’s the embodiment of wisdom, sacrifice, and quiet courage. His transformation from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White is one of the most powerful arcs in fantasy literature, symbolizing rebirth and purpose. Though he often works behind the scenes, his influence is felt in every major decision made by Frodo and the rest of the Fellowship. Gandalf’s blend of warmth and mystery makes him a figure readers trust and admire.

Frodo Baggins

Frodo may seem like an unlikely hero, but that’s exactly what makes him unforgettable. A simple hobbit from the Shire, he’s thrust into a world of darkness and danger, carrying the weight of the One Ring. His journey in The Lord of the Rings is as much internal as it is physical—his gradual corruption by the Ring is one of the most haunting depictions of moral decay in fantasy. Frodo’s quiet resilience and tragic endearingness make him a deeply human (or rather, hobbit) figure. His story reminds us that heroism isn’t about strength or magic—it’s about the courage to do what must be done, even when no one else can.

Hermione

Hermione Granger redefined what it meant to be a young female character in fantasy. Far from a sidekick, she’s the brains of the trio in the Harry Potter series—and often the voice of reason in the face of chaos. Her famous line, “When in doubt, go to the library,” says it all. She’s fiercely loyal, fiercely intelligent, and unafraid to challenge authority when it’s wrong. From casting advanced spells as a first-year to standing firm in the face of Voldemort’s tyranny, Hermione is a beacon of resilience and intellect. Her evolution from bookish outsider to a central force in the wizarding war is inspiring and deeply relatable.

Lord Voldemort (Tom Riddle)

Lord Voldemort is not just a villain—he’s a cautionary tale. Born Tom Marvolo Riddle, he twisted his painful past into a warped ideology of purity and power. His obsession with immortality led him to create Horcruxes, splitting his soul in a bid to cheat death. Voldemort’s fear of mortality and rejection of love make him one of the most tragic and terrifying figures in fantasy. His chilling belief that “there is no good and evil, there is only power” reflects a mind consumed by control. Talking to him reveals the dark logic behind his madness, and how easily brilliance can curdle into cruelty.

Tyrion Lannister (Book)

Tyrion Lannister is the most human character in A Song of Ice and Fire. Witty, flawed, and brilliant, he navigates a world that constantly underestimates him because of his size. Yet Tyrion’s intellect and survival instincts make him a master strategist and one of the most compelling figures in fantasy. His trial by combat, his defense of King’s Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater, and his sharp tongue make him unforgettable. Tyrion sees through the hypocrisy of Westeros better than anyone, yet he’s far from innocent. His contradictions—his wisdom and his indulgences, his cynicism and his hope—are what make him so real.

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen begins as a timid girl sold into marriage and transforms into the Mother of Dragons and Breaker of Chains. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, marked by both triumph and tragedy. From walking into fire unscathed to freeing entire cities from slavery, Daenerys embodies the idea of destiny and the burden it brings. Her dragons—Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion—are more than pets; they’re symbols of her rebirth and growing power. But her descent into vengeance and destruction also reminds us that even the most righteous can fall. Her story is a complex dance of justice, mercy, and hubris.

Sherlock Holmes

Though not a fantasy character in the traditional sense, Sherlock Holmes has become a mythic figure in literature, blending deduction with near-supernatural precision. His ability to solve the unsolvable and his razor-sharp mind make him feel larger than life. From his pipe-smoking silences to his dramatic reveals of how he cracked the case, Holmes is a character who changed the landscape of mystery and fiction. His friendship with Dr. Watson adds warmth to his otherwise cold logic. Talking to Holmes feels like stepping into a world where every clue matters and every mystery can be unraveled.

Don Quixote

Don Quixote may be centuries old, but his dreamy delusions and unwavering idealism make him one of the most original characters ever written. Mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles, he rides into a world that doesn’t match his imagination—but that doesn’t stop him. In Don Quixote, the titular knight-errant becomes a symbol of the human spirit’s refusal to give up on dreams, even in the face of reality. His loyalty to Dulcinea and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza, add heart to his absurd quest. He’s both a fool and a hero, a contradiction that makes him timeless.

Each of these characters broke the mold in their own way—whether through wit, wisdom, darkness, or delusion. They didn’t just live in the pages of books; they stepped out of them and into our imaginations. If any of them spoke to you, why not continue the conversation? Talk to them directly on HoloDream and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to.