The ability to grow and change is key. Take Harry Potter. He starts as an orphan boy living under the stairs, but through his years at Hogwarts, he develops into a powerful wizard and a true hero. He overcomes his fears, makes sacrifices, and learns about friendship and loyalty, which are all important aspects that contribute to his status as a great fictional character.
Another factor is the impact on the audience or readers. A character like Scarlett O'Hara from 'Gone with the Wind'. She is a controversial character, but her tenacity, her ability to survive in the midst of the Civil War and Reconstruction, and her complex love - hate relationships make her unforgettable. Her story has influenced generations of readers, and her character has become an iconic figure in literature.
Another factor is the impact the character has on the reader or the cultural significance. Characters like Superman have become symbols of hope and justice. They inspire generations and are recognized all over the world, which cements their status as great fictional characters.
A great hero in fiction often has noble qualities. For example, selflessness. A hero like Superman is always ready to sacrifice his own interests to save the world. They also possess great courage. Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings' shows incredible courage as he faces the terrors of Mordor. And they usually have a strong sense of justice. Batman fights for justice in the corrupt Gotham City.
A great villain in fiction often has a strong motivation for their evil deeds. For example, Magneto in the X - Men comics has a motivation rooted in his past experiences of persecution. He wants to protect mutants from humans, but his extreme methods make him a villain. His backstory gives him depth and makes his actions more understandable, even if not justifiable.
Strength of character is a key factor. A great female character like Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games' is physically and mentally strong. She can handle difficult situations and is not afraid to fight for what she believes in. Another aspect is intelligence. Hermione Granger is extremely intelligent, which helps her solve numerous problems. Also, the ability to grow and change. Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice' starts with certain prejudices but through her experiences, she grows and becomes a more understanding person.
In my opinion, Sherlock Holmes. He is extremely intelligent, with his sharp deductive reasoning skills allowing him to solve the most complex mysteries. His unique personality, including his aloofness and his passion for justice, makes him stand out among fictional characters.
One factor is their intelligence. A great detective like Sherlock Holmes can quickly analyze evidence and draw accurate conclusions. For example, he can tell a person's occupation just from the calluses on their hands. Another is their unique personality. Hercule Poirot's fastidiousness and his pride in his 'little grey cells' add to his charm as a detective.
The greatest detectives in fiction often have some extraordinary qualities. Sherlock Holmes has his encyclopedic knowledge and his bohemian lifestyle that add to his allure. Ellery Queen is known for his complex and elaborate puzzles that engage the readers. Miss Marple's charm lies in her simplicity. She seems like an ordinary old lady, but she has a deep understanding of human nature. These qualities, whether it's a unique skill, a captivating personality, or a particular approach to solving crimes, are what make them so memorable.
In Percy Jackson fanfiction, for a character to be the greatest hero, they need to have a clear goal that benefits the greater good. It could be saving the camp from a new threat or finding a way to stop a prophecy from causing destruction. Their relationships also matter. A hero who is respected and loved by their friends and allies is more likely to be considered great. For example, Percy has a great group of friends who support him, and his loyalty to them and their loyalty to him enhance his heroic status. Also, the ability to grow and learn from mistakes is crucial. A character who starts off a bit flawed but becomes better over time is a great hero.
Integrity is important too. Consider Captain America from the Marvel comics. He always stuck to his values, whether it was fighting for justice in World War II or dealing with modern - day threats. His integrity made him a respected leader.
Well, for one, their skills. Take Catwoman, for example. Her ability to scale buildings and move silently makes her a very cool thief. It's exciting to see her outwit the police and Batman at times. She has her own moral code which adds depth to her character, not just a simple thief but a complex one.