A dragon's design and how it fits into the world it inhabits is important too. For example, Spyro from the video game series. He has a very distinct and colorful design. He lives in a world full of different creatures and challenges, and his adventures and how he overcomes them, along with his design, contribute to making him a great dragon in the realm of fiction.
The dragon's personality and character arc matter a great deal. Take Glaurung from Tolkien's works. He was not only powerful but also had a devious and manipulative personality. His interactions with the other characters and his role in the overall story made him a very interesting dragon. If a dragon has a complex personality and grows or changes throughout the story, it can be considered one of the best.
Power is a big factor. A dragon like Ancalagon the Black from Tolkien's legendarium was so powerful that it was a force to be reckoned with. Just the description of its size and might makes it seem like one of the top dragons. Also, if a dragon has unique abilities, like some dragons in Japanese mythology that can control the elements in different ways than just fire - breathing, that can make it stand out.
In my opinion, Smaug from 'The Hobbit' is a great candidate. He's a huge, fire - breathing dragon with a cunning mind. His lair filled with treasure and his menacing presence make him quite iconic. He's not just a mindless beast but has a certain intelligence that makes him a formidable force in Middle - earth.
A great fictional soldier often has exceptional combat skills. This can include proficiency in various weapons, hand - to - hand combat, and knowledge of military tactics. For example, Aragorn from 'The Lord of the Rings' was a master swordsman and had great strategic thinking, which helped him lead his troops to victory.
A great character often has a strong and unique personality. For example, Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' has his own cynical yet relatable view of the world. Also, a character's growth throughout the story is important. Like Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice' who learns to see beyond her first impressions. And their ability to face challenges and make difficult decisions, just as Katniss Everdeen does in 'The Hunger Games' when she volunteers to take her sister's place in the Games.
A great villain has to be memorable. Take Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His calm, intelligent, and yet extremely creepy demeanor makes him stick in your mind. He's not just a brute force villain but one who uses his intellect to manipulate those around him.
The best books in genre fiction usually have something to say about the human condition. 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley comments on a future society where people are conditioned from birth, raising questions about freedom and individuality. They also often break boundaries. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison combines elements of historical fiction, horror, and the exploration of slavery's legacy. It's a powerful and complex work. Additionally, the emotional impact on the reader is important. 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry touches the heart with its simple yet profound story about love, friendship, and the meaning of life.
The villains in 'Pulp Fiction' are complex. They're not just pure evil. For instance, Jules has his moments of self - reflection. This makes them more like real people, which is very engaging for the audience.
One factor is the ability to bring history to life. 'The Pillars of the Earth' does this beautifully by showing the day - to - day lives of the people building the cathedral. Another is the relevance to modern times. 'The Kite Runner' shows the long - lasting effects of war and political unrest, which is still relevant today. Also, a great historical fiction book usually has a compelling story. 'A Tale of Two Cities' has a complex and engaging plot that keeps readers hooked.
Their unique personalities. For example, Darth Vader is memorable because of his conflicted nature. He's not just pure evil, but a fallen hero. His internal struggle between the light and dark side is part of what makes him so interesting. Also, the Joker's insanity and his disregard for human life in a chaotic way are unique. His ability to cause mayhem without a clear goal other than just to see the world burn is what sticks in people's minds.
One key factor is their ability to create memorable characters. For example, Shakespeare's Hamlet is a character that has been analyzed and re - analyzed for centuries. Another is their unique storytelling styles. Dickens had a very descriptive and often humorous style that drew readers in. Also, their exploration of important themes. Tolstoy in 'Anna Karenina' explored love and society in a way that was both complex and relatable.
Defensive capabilities play a role too. A dragon with thick scales or the ability to create shields, such as an earth dragon that can raise stone barriers, can protect itself from the mist dragon's attacks. At the same time, it can use its own offensive abilities like launching rocks at the mist dragon. The combination of good defense and offense makes it a strong contender to battle the mist dragon. In addition, a dragon's experience in battles could give it an advantage. An older, more battle - hardened dragon would know how to handle different situations and opponents, including a mist dragon.