13 Incredible Characters You Need to Know About

Incredible characters shape how we create, collaborate, and connect across every creative discipline.

We’ve gathered thirteen standout figures who have set new standards for complexity, influence, and emotional impact.

Whether you’re writing, composing, illustrating, or producing, you’ll find practical inspiration in how these characters drive engagement, spark innovation, and redefine what’s possible in story and art.

Discover who’s shaping the way we build stories today.

1. Loki Laufeyson (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Every creator wants to breathe life into a true original. Loki achieves that and more. He started as a villain, but evolved into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most memorable antihero. Fans drove his transformation. Writers gave him layers—pain, identity, and surprising vulnerability. Not just a trickster, but a character who turns every scene into must-watch material.

Why Loki leaves a mark:

• Tom Hiddleston’s performance weaves charm with deep personal conflict. Audiences connect with Loki’s quest for purpose.

• Themes of belonging and redemption make him relatable for anyone wrestling with identity or wanting to show growth in their own characters.

• Loki’s arc proves research matters. From Norse myth to emotional struggles, the writers covered every base.

• The community behind Loki is proof: Give the audience a voice, and your lesser-known character can own the spotlight.

• Results? Loki graduated from secondary villain to headline his own show. That’s the result of flexible storytelling based on fan feedback.

If you want your characters to grow with your audience, follow Loki’s lead. Build in depth, give them room to transform, and pay attention to what fans respond to.

The strongest characters aren’t fixed points—they’re catalysts for their worlds and their audiences.

Want to build characters that connect across cultures, genres, and mediums? WriteSeen gives you the tools to showcase your work, get real feedback, and collaborate with creators and industry pros worldwide. Share your characters. Shape your story. Join the global creative network.

2. Peter Parker / Spider-Man (Marvel Comics)

Spider-Man is a universal touchpoint. He’s not perfect—he fails, he doubts. Still, he never quits. That’s powerful. When you hit a creative rut or feel imposter syndrome, Parker’s blend of resilience and vulnerability is the blueprint.

Let’s break down why Spider-Man resonates across generations:

• His “everyman” status makes his wins and mistakes relatable. Readers themselves see the struggle behind the mask.

• The core value—“With great power comes great responsibility”—spurs tough plots, ethical debates, and authentic character work.

• He’s constantly reinvented. From Peter Parker to Miles Morales, creators keep the character timely and inclusive.

If you want a character that can move between formats—comics, movies, games—follow Spider-Man’s model: keep their core values, but evolve their circumstances and relationships for every new context.

3. Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

Steve Harrington wasn’t meant to save the day, but viewers changed his path. His arc flips the classic “jock” on its head. He went from being a background antagonist to everyone’s favorite babysitter and unexpected hero.

Here’s what you can steal for your next project:

• Steve’s turnaround is a gold standard for character redemption. Let someone start flawed—then earn their growth.

• Fans loved Steve’s bond with Dustin. Secondary relationships can surprise you. Give them space.

• Listening to your creative community pays off. Harrington’s expanded role was shaped by audience demand.

For creators building universes, Steve proves side characters deserve a second look. Sometimes the real star is the one you nearly overlooked.

4. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)

Vegeta sets a standard for evolving rivals. He started as the proud prince, a pure antagonist. Now, he’s a multi-layered leader, wrestling with pride, guilt, and a need for validation. This journey built an army of dedicated fans.

Key lessons to use:

• Redemption isn’t a single act—it’s a series of choices. Vegeta keeps fighting inner and outer battles.

• His rivalry with Goku gives the series momentum. You don’t need a clear-cut villain to generate excitement. Conflict drives growth.

• Vulnerability makes your most intimidating characters memorable. Vegeta’s struggle with family and self-worth feels real and meaningful.

Your characters shouldn’t just win—they should struggle, fail, and get back up. Just like real people.

At WriteSeen, we champion that kind of storytelling. Upload your creative projects, get authentic community feedback, and connect with collaborators who value depth, growth, and originality. Showcase your characters and refine your craft.

5. Donkey (Shrek)

Never underestimate comic relief. Donkey brings more than laughs to Shrek. His humor pairs with deep loyalty and unexpected insight, making him central to the heart of the story.

Here’s how Donkey wins over all ages:

• He balances Shrek’s gruff side with warmth and hope. Great dynamics make characters pop.

• The memorable quotes stick. “You might have seen a housefly, maybe even a superfly, but I bet you ain’t never seen a donkey fly.” Humor creates staying power.

• Donkey’s optimism isn’t just for kids. It connects across generations, making your story stickier.

Takeaway: Let your supporting cast shine. Sometimes, they’re the soul behind your story’s laughter—and heart.

6. Kronk (The Emperor’s New Groove)

Kronk shows what happens when a secondary character steals the show. He’s simple, kind, and honestly confused by evil plans—which is what makes him unforgettable.

Smart moves for building breakaway hits:

• Kronk’s moral dilemmas—represented by his shoulder angel and devil—are entertaining, but also show inner conflict simply.

• His skills (cooking, animal talk) prove versatility is valuable. Unexpected variety deepens your characters.

• Kronk’s gentle wisdom sticks, even as he fumbles. Audiences appreciate characters who dare to fail.

If you want characters that spark spin-offs or memes, give them quirky skills and a touch of innocence. Audiences reward what feels authentic.

7. Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Toph flips expectations. She’s a blind, sarcastic earthbender, yet nothing about her is defined by limitation. Toph made her own martial art—metalbending. She lets no one write her story except herself.

Build characters like Toph when you want to:

• Challenge stereotypes. Toph’s disability doesn’t hold her back; it becomes a core superpower.

• Celebrate independence. She’s young, yet leads and mentors with unfiltered honesty.

• Inject diversity with purpose. Toph’s lived experience pushes inclusion while keeping your world grounded and memorable.

In today’s creative world, characters like Toph show the impact of authentic representation. Include voices and traits your audience rarely gets to see at the center.

8. Roland Deschain (The Dark Tower)

Roland Deschain is pure grit. The Gunslinger chases his quest across worlds, never once losing focus. Creators who want to blend classic with original should look at Roland’s DNA: part western legend, part existential searcher.

Why he’s worth your attention:

• Roland’s blend of duty, loss, and hope delivers real suspense. His resolve is contagious.

• His relationships with companions reveal the high cost—and power—of leadership.

• Roland’s evolving journey mirrors the relentless creative process: always moving, always reevaluating, never static.

Bring this spirit into your own work. Commit to growth. Stay open to new paths, but never lose sight of your endpoint.

9. Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire)

Writers admire Tyrion because he shines where others would fold. He survives on wit, empathy, and strategic brilliance. Tyrion proves that marginalized voices can shape entire worlds, not just support them.

Here’s how Tyrion’s complexity sparks results:

• His transformation from outcast to power player shows smart risk pays off.

• Tyrion drives story with both flaws and virtues—creating moral tension at every turn.

• His sharp dialogue and resilience inspire creators who want characters that endure.

For your next project, challenge what side characters can do. Give them the tools and flaws to rewrite the world around them.

The best characters break free of their roles and force the narrative to change around them.

WriteSeen helps you do the same. Join a global creative network where your boldest characters—and the stories they shape—get seen, tested, and refined. Connect with peers and industry pros ready to collaborate on what’s next.

10. Drizzt Do’Urden (Forgotten Realms)

Drizzt takes the outcast trope and turns it heroic. He rejects his people’s darkness and finds family in unlikely places. For storytellers, Drizzt’s arc outlines how to make identity a core plot engine.

Quick wins from Drizzt’s journey:

• Integrity over origin. Drizzt refuses to let his bloodline define him.

• His friendships and doubts humanize the most high-fantasy of settings.

• Drizzt’s devoted fandom proves the appeal of complicated outsiders.

If you’re crafting worlds, embed tough questions about belonging and acceptance in your leads. Let them wrestle with darkness. Readers care about perseverance, not perfection.

11. Sabriel (Old Kingdom Trilogy)

Sabriel brings something rare: a female hero whose whole story is about confronting legacy and responsibility head-on. As an Abhorsen, she faces death—literally—every day.

What sets her journey apart:

• Sabriel’s focus on protecting others over personal glory raises the stakes.

• The blend of magical duty and real family builds meaningful tension.

• She forges her path, drawing on strength and compassion, not just power.

For creators tired of stereotypes, Sabriel is a masterclass in complex, empowered protagonists who still make room for vulnerability.

12. Asha (Wish, Disney)

Asha rejects the formula. Her story is about hope and community, not romance. She leads with compassion and ambition, forging connections across her world.

Why Asha matters for your process:

• Her leadership flows from empathy, not authority.

• Avoiding traditional tropes, Asha’s story invites creative risk.

• She’s designed to inspire new waves of diverse creators and audiences.

We see echoes of Asha’s mindset on WriteSeen—experiments, teamwork, sharing the spotlight. If you want your stories to reach global, engaged communities, start here.

13. James Bond (Fleming Novels, Film Series)

James Bond’s real superpower? Evolution. He reinvents himself for every age, every crisis. Bond is style and action—but he’s also a mirror for changing cultural standards.

How Bond wins the long game:

• Consistent reinvention keeps the character and brand alive.

• Bond’s flaws and relationships reflect shifting audience expectations.

• The global reach of his adventures sets a standard for accessible, captivating storytelling.
  
  

Legacy characters don’t just last. They adapt. Let Bond teach you how to build worlds that outlive trends.

What Makes a Character Truly Incredible?

Incredible characters move people to action. They challenge old ideas, invite empathy, and prove that authenticity goes further than ambition.

Elements of truly incredible characters:

• Contradiction drives engagement. Make them ambitious and flawed.

• Flexible values let them evolve with culture and audience feedback.

• Layered motivations make them tools for teaching, not just entertaining.

• Inclusion isn’t a trend—it’s essential for stories that resonate worldwide.

Want your work to have impact? Build characters that don’t just fill roles but break molds. Invite your audience to care, question, and contribute. That’s how you create legends.

Conclusion

Incredible characters don’t just entertain—they transform the way audiences think, feel, and connect. Whether they challenge norms, spark emotional shifts, or grow alongside your readers, these figures prove that complex characters drive unforgettable stories.

The real secret? Intentional creation. When you blend vulnerability with growth, and voice with vision, you build characters that don’t fade with trends—they shape them. Let contradiction, evolution, and feedback shape your strongest protagonists.

At WriteSeen, we champion fearless, layered storytelling. If you're ready to bring your characters to life and get them seen by collaborators and industry professionals, join WriteSeen today and start creating with impact.