The most interesting characters of a story?

Question

I don't know if I am right, but the most interesting characters always has a sadness to them or should I say a sad story behind them. If not name me an interesting character that has does not have a sad background story within them. If you don't understand my question then just give the most interesting story or movie character you know.

I see that most of you agree that you have to be able to empathize with a character and sadness helps you sympathize with them, but would you be able to empathize with a character who feels for something you totally never thought of before.

Answer 1

The most interesting characters would be those that have two sides to them. They may be the ones who have good intentions, but often have to resort to evil means to achieve good. The tragic, tortured characters always make for a good read.

Answer 2

I find the most interesting characters generally to be the bad guys, but only in their interaction with the good guys. Any interesting film or story has to have tension, and the face off between the black hats and the white hats is universal and endlessly fascinating. Though I would agree that characters with sadness are easier to empathise with.
For a contemporary trio, I'd go for 24, second series, Jack Bauer, President Palmer and his ex-wife Sherry. None of them have value on their own, but combined they express so much of the breadth of human nature.
Verbal Kint in "The Usual Suspects" was a brilliant character, because he was all three at one time or another.

Answer 3

I'd have to agree with you. The sadness adds depth to a character and also explains some of their actions. I think J.K. Rowling did a great job with Harry Potter.

Answer 4

To me, the most interesting character is the one I know least about. Generally, it's the quiet friend/enemy of the hero, who doesn't really explain who he is, and why he's doing what he's doing. I like them in movies too. Captian Jack Sparrow is a good example. You don't really know what his plan is, or if he even has one, but you can't keep your eyes off him.

Answer 5

I think one of the most interesting characters was the one Bogart played in Casblanca - Rick - sad, tortured, strong, weak and principled.. but sad was the amazing trait that brought him to us all..

Answer 6

I would say the Ward from King Fortis the Brave, but you are right. When his true identity is revealed, you find that there is a lot of sadness in his true background.

Answer 7

Khan from Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan.

Answer 8

all of my favorite characters are the ones i can easily relate to. LoL or i would want to be like :-)
~harry potter
~indiana jones
~edmund dantes: from dumas's count of monte cristo
~orlando bloom- any movie he's in ;-P
just to name a few

Answer 9

i think that sarg. from the langston hughes short story was a sad character, although i don't remeber the story, his pain sticks in my mind. also the maximo from gladiators was a pained individual.