Top 10 Most Complex Fictional Characters

In fiction, some characters are very simple and can be described in a few words. Others, however, have layers upon layers of intricate backstories, character development, and traits that make them complex characters.

Not to mention, many characters can change so much that, by the end of their story, they are not the same character they were at the beginning. Let's see which are the best and most complex characters across fiction.

The Top Ten

Two-Face (Batman)

Two-Face, also known as Harvey Dent, is a fictional villain in the DC Comics universe. He was once one of Gotham City's most respected district attorneys until half his face was disfigured by acid, an event that triggered his descent into criminality under the name Two-Face. The character has been portrayed... read more
Zarbon (Dragon Ball Z)

Zarbon is a high-ranking commander in the Frieza Force and serves as Frieza's right-hand man. He works alongside Dodoria and plays a major role in advising Frieza on strategic matters, including the destruction of the Saiyan race. Zarbon assists in collecting the Namekian Dragon Balls and carrying out... read more

Most complex character ever crafted. Hamlet, Raskolnikov, and Griffith weep at his throne.
Michael Corleone (The Godfather)

Michael Corleone is the main character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather and the three films based upon it, all directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He is portrayed by Al Pacino and undergoes a dramatic transformation from a reluctant outsider to the ruthless leader of the Corleone crime family. Michael... read more

Michael Corleone is cold-blooded, ruthless, smart, and determined. His ability to think clearly under fire, to be decisive, and to command respect makes him an excellent Godfather. He wasn't always this way, however, and that's what makes him a complex character with great character development.
He was an optimistic and loving man, but once the love of his life and their child died, he became a completely different person.
The Joker (Batman)

The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

There are perhaps no other characters more complex than The Joker. For years, fans never even knew what the character's true identity was or how The Joker came to be. His actions and motives are never easy to understand either. One thing is for sure, though: he is obsessed with Batman.

Hardly any other character can compete with The Joker. The guy is unpredictable and insane.
Carnage (Spider-Man)

Carnage (Cletus Kasady) is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #361 in April 1992. Carnage is the offspring of the Venom symbiote and is infamous for his violent, homicidal... read more
Reptile (Mortal Kombat)

Reptile is a character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias for Midway Games. He first appeared in the original Mortal Kombat as a hidden opponent. He later became a playable character in subsequent titles and has appeared in related merchandise and media... read more
Darth Maul (Star Wars)

Darth Maul is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. Trained as Darth Sidious's first apprentice, he serves as a Sith Lord and wields a distinctive double-bladed lightsaber. Darth Maul first appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and later featured in Star Wars: The Clone Wars... read more
Brendan Filone (The Sopranos)
Larry Purvis (Alien: Resurrection)
Ronald Barlog (Oz)

The Newcomers

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Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)

Jason Voorhees is a fictional character from the Friday the 13th horror film series. He first appeared in the original 1980 movie as the young son of the killer, Mrs. Voorhees. Over the course of the series, Jason became the central antagonist, known for wearing a hockey mask.
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Ada McGrath (The Piano)

The Contenders

Spider-Man (Marvel)

Spider-Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, set within its shared universe. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in the anthology comic book Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) during the... read more

Spider Man, real name Peter Parker, is easily one of the most recognizable comic heroes of all time, a layered and complex character with a rich history from both movies and comic books. Peter displays a great deal of internal conflict.
He is always torn between his duties as Spider Man and his wants and needs as Peter Parker, who is just a normal, feeling individual.
Brian Moser (Dexter)
Margos Dezerian (The Shield)
Rene Lenier (True Blood)
L (Death Note)

L Lawliet, known primarily by the mononym L, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note. He was created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. L is a highly intelligent and eccentric detective who takes on the challenge of capturing the mysterious killer known as Kira.
Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle)

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Referring to himself as a "consulting detective" in the stories, Holmes is known for his expertise in observation, forensic science, and logical reasoning that often seems almost superhuman. He solves complex... read more
Roy Batty (Blade Runner)
Marceline (Adventure Time)

Marceline Abadeer, also known as Marceline the Vampire Queen, is a fictional character in the American animated Cartoon Network television series Adventure Time, created by Pendleton Ward... read more
John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

John Marston is a central character and the main protagonist of Red Dead Redemption and its expansion, Undead Nightmare. He is portrayed by actor Rob Wiethoff. Marston is a former outlaw seeking redemption and a new life for his family on the American frontier.

John Marston has so far been able to develop as a character in both games of the Red Dead series made by Rockstar. In the first game, he is a character with purpose and strong will, determined to do everything for the well-being of his family.
But in RDR2, which takes place before the first game, he wasn't very bright, wasn't sure he wanted the responsibilities of being a father, and seemed very lost.

In the video game world, definitely one of the best and most complex characters.
Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Darth Vader is a Star Wars character who serves as the main antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy and as the central figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where he is known by his original name, Anakin Skywalker. Initially trained as a Jedi Knight, Anakin defects to the Sith under the influence... read more

Darth Vader is considered by many to be the greatest character in science fiction. This character had the chance to develop through movies, TV shows, and comic books. The movies gave him a mysterious and menacing aura, while the comics go more in-depth with his backstory and his inner conflicts.
Batman (DC Comics)

Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. On film, Batman has been portrayed by Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery... read more
Ragnar Lothbrok (Vikings)

Ragnar was a complicated character. He was a natural leader, clever, courageous, and family-oriented. Although he is a bloodthirsty warrior, Ragnar is also completely dedicated to his family members, even to those who might not deserve it, like his brother Rollo.
Ragnar is also loyal to his friends and values his warriors greatly. As the show progressed, the higher status he enjoyed and the more success he reaped, the deeper he sank into depression and despair.
David 8 (Alien: Covenant)
Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

Lelouch Lamperouge is the alias used by Lelouch vi Britannia, the protagonist of the anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion created by Sunrise. He is a former prince of the Holy Britannian Empire who seeks to overthrow the oppressive regime using his alter ego, Zero. The series explores themes... read more
Rinaldo Pazzi (Hannibal)