Top 10 Best Fate Series Characters

I've made a list of the best males. I've made a list of the best females. I've made a list of the strongest. And I've made a list of the most badass. Now it's time for a list of the best of the best. Being that I am a huge fan of the Fate series (well, mostly the anime installments), I know quite a lot about the characters and the lore surrounding the universe of one of Type-Moon's most popular franchises.

If you don't know this, Type-Moon (also known under the name as Notes., Ltd. for its publishing and corporate operations) is a Japanese game company that is best known for its visual novels, co-founded by author Kinoko Nasu and illustrator Takashi Takeuchi. So now I've made a list compiling the best characters in the Fate series. This list is based both on popularity and a bit of my personal opinion, so if you feel like adding a character that I may have missed, be sure to add it if I don't. Otherwise, I hope people will like this list and discuss each and every character they come upon on this list in a civil manner.

P.S. This list is not limited to Fate/Stay night characters. Characters from Fate/Zero, Fate/Kaleid liner Prisma Illya, Fate/Extra, Fate/Apocrypha, Fate/Grand Order, etc. can be submitted as well.
The Top Ten
1 Saber Saber is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon and its prequel, Fate/Zero, by Type-Moon and nitroplus. She is the the Saber-class Servant of Kiritsugu Emiya during the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero and the Saber-class Servant of Shirou... read more

Saber's one of the coolest and most badass swordswomen in anime! She's beautiful, courageous, strong-willed and determined, and she's proved to us that women can be just as strong as men. She is the perfect combination of a beauty and a warrior, and is very deserving of the title "King of Knights".

Saber, or Arturia, and the perfect image of the knight in shining armor. She's strong, selfless, dedicated, loyal, and determined. Even if Lancelot doesn't believe her to be a good ruler, I sure do.

A Girl, who has been bearing a heavy ideal to change the fate of a nation. Her experience makes me perfer hoping a better life for her to feeling sorrow.

2 Kiritsugu Emiya Kiritsugu Emiya is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon and its prequel, Fate/Zero, by Type-Moon and nitroplus. He is only mentioned and seen in flashbacks in Fate/stay Night, but is one of the main protagonists of Fate/Zero.

Kiritsugu Emiya is actually my favorite anime character. He really reflects the true meaning to be a hero. He's willing to carry the burden of the sacrifices made to achieve a peaceful world, and he's determined to reach that goal. He'll stick his hands in the dirt to dig out the buried treasure. He's had the most tragic, depressing life a hero could have, but he pulls through. He pulls through for the sake of the world, for the sake of the future. He doesn't care about being respected, or honored, or even liked. Fame isn't important to him. He just wants to be a hero of justice. And I think he deserves the title.

3 Kirei Kotomine Kirei Kotomine is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. He is the main antagonist of Fate/Zero and the general main antagonist of Fate/stay night. In Fate/stay night, he plays an important role in the unfolding events in all three routes,... read more

It's not every day that you see a martial arts expert, Black Key-wielding, badass church priest as a major antagonist! Kirei Kotomine, if I do say so myself, is a very daunting and foreboding villain in the Fate series. There are many things surrounding him in terms of his secrets and past in Fate/stay night and so much moments of ideological clashes and development as to how he became the bad guy that we all know and love to hate today in Fate/Zero. Driven by a desire to seek fulfillment in his life, it's no wonder he instantly becomes Kiritsugu's archenemy in Fate/Zero since the latter already has his own goals that he wishes to achieve. It was also interesting to see how Gilgamesh had a hand in making Kirei the baddie that would come to be in Fate/stay night. Speaking of Fate/stay night, he's still shown to be the same badass that he was in Fate/Zero, with the whole story behind him in Fate/Zero waiting to be unraveled in the Heaven's Feel route. Though he's basically the guy that you just know is pulling all the strings in Fate/stay night, his malevolence and dark desires for seeking fulfillment in the Holy Grail makes him an unforgettable villain.

4 Archer Archer is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. He is the Archer-class servant of Rin Tohsaka during the Fifth Holy Grail War in Fate/stay night.

"I am the bone of my sword. Steel is my body and fire is my blood. I have created over a thousand blades. Unknown to Death, nor known to Life. Have withstood pain to create many weapons. Yet, those hands will never hold anything. So as I pray, unlimited blade works." That has got to be the most badass and legendary chant I've ever heard in my life. Aside from that, Archer is a pretty complex and likable badass. Acting as the Servant of young magus and heir to the Tohsaka clan, Rin Tohsaka, Archer is a cynical yet well-meaning individual. That, and it's been said that his personality is very contradicting, given that he is nihilistic yet devoted to helping his Master achieve victory. But other than his cool-headed exterior, I think what most attracts me to Archer is his enigmatic nature. He may not lie, but he can keep secrets and tell half-truths as well. This mixes in well with his mysterious motivation in Fate/stay night to kill Shirou as he does not approve of his ideal of becoming a hero of justice. I could probably go on and on about Archer's tragic backstory and what his connection to Shirou is, but I don't want to give away too much spoilers (that is, unless you've watched the Unlimited Blade Works T.V. anime adaptation). So I'll just end it there.

5 Gilgamesh Gilgamesh is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. He is the Archer-class servant of Tokiomi Tohsaka and a secondary antagonist during the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero. He reprises his role as a secondary antagonist during the Fifth... read more

Gilgamesh has so much depth as an antagonist. Over the course of many fate titles, you get to see him as an arrogant King Of Heroes; with a confusing sense of morality and frightening noble phantasm! And then how you get to see his nicer side in Extra/CC and in FGO... Gilgamesh really made fate series so enjoyable for me personally.

Well, he's definitely going to shoot up with Fate Grand Order : Absolute Demonic Front : Babylonia series. I love him a million times more thanks to this on going series. He has matured so much as Caster class Gilgamesh and his story with Enkidu will make a lot of people tear up.

6 Rin Tohsaka Rin Tohsaka is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. She is the main heroine of the Unlimited Blade Works route.

Behold, the heir to the Tohsaka clan, Rin Tohsaka herself. Brave, resourceful, self-confident, caring, and intelligent, Rin Tohsaka is not to be underestimated. She can utilize gems for combat, knows the art of martial self-defense, and is very determined. While already being a strong individual since she was little in Fate/Zero, she still maintains such a resilient nature in the events of Fate/stay night. On the topic of Fate/stay night, her most prominent role is in the Unlimited Blade Works route, which mainly focuses on her and Archer. In Fate/stay night, she forms a tight bond with her Servant Archer and eventually forms a truce with Shirou at one point when they need to cooperate with each other to take down one of the Masters assaulting their school. Now this is probably not important to any of you considering that what we all really love her for is her personality and strong character. And don't deny it. You have to admit it's a little cute when we see the young magus's cheeks blushing. Otherwise, she's an awesome character!

7 Kariya Matou Kariya Matou is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/Zero, by Type-Moon and nitroplus. He is the son of Zouken, the brother of Byakuya, and the uncle of Sakura and Shinji, and is the master of a Berserker-class servant during the fourth Holy Grail War
8 Iskandar (Rider)

*Screams a hearty battle cry* Make way for the King of Conquerors, Iskandar of Macedonia! Known by many names, this manly warrior knows what it truly means to lead his people as a king! While he may come off as greedy and reckless, especially with his master Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero, he also proves to be inspirational to others, always acting jovial and valuing the bonds he has with his followers from his Noble Phantasm Ionian Hetairoi and with his own master Waver as well, who he sees not just as a master, but even as his best friend as well. For a duo that fights in a series that revolves around tragedy, Iskandar sure manages to light things up with not only some humorous comic relief, but also some of the most motivating and awe-inspiring speeches and battles as well! Iskandar, you are our king.

9 Irisviel von Einzbern Irisviel von Einzbern is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon and its prequel, Fate/Zero, by Type-Moon and nitroplus. She acts as the proxy master of Saber in Fate/Zero. She is the mother of Illyasviel von Einzbern and is married to Kiritsugu... read more

She's an homunculus, and yet she might be the most human character of the series. I love her.

10 Diarmuid Ua Duibhne Diarmuid Ua Duibhne or Diarmid O'Dyna, was the son of Donn and one of the Fianna in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. One of his most notable depictions in popular culture is in the light novel and its 2011 anime adaptation Fate/Zero as the Servant "Lancer", wielding his two spears Gáe Buidhe and... read more

I love him the first time that I saw him. Don't know maybe the way he wield his weapon and he respected his opponent. great character indeed..

The Contenders
11 Maiya Hisau
12 Tokiomi Tohsaka Tokiomi Tohsaka (遠坂時臣, Tōsaka Tokiomi) is the father of Rin Tohsaka and Sakura Matou, two of the heroines from Fate/stay night.
13 Luviagelita Edelfelt Luviagelita Edelfelt is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/hollow ataraxia by Type-Moon.
14 Illyasviel von Einzbern Illyasviel von Einzbern is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. She is also the main protagonist of an alternate universe spin-off of the Fate/stay night visual novel by Type-Moon called Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya.

Now let's talk about the lol- er, I mean Illyasviel von Einzbern. Two things. One, she's adorable in Fate/Zero! Two, best Fate girl tied with the other three. Though she was originally supposed to have her own route in the original visual novel, it was ultimately scrapped and merged with the Heaven's Feel route due to time constraints. Despite that, she still remains quite an interesting character. She may look little, but she composes herself as an elegant woman like her mother Irisviel. Fun fact: Despite her childish appearance in Fate/stay night, she's actually 18 years old! Even older than Shirou and Rin themselves! Anyways, a lot of people like her for her personality and bond with Berserker (though, the latter is more of one of my main reasons as to why I like her). Plus, given the events of Fate/Zero, it's interesting to see how Illyasviel wishes to see her adoptive brother Shirou so as to learn about why her father Kiritsugu abandoned her. Oh, and she even has her own spin-off series called Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya where she becomes a magical girl! But yeah, I really like Illyasviel.

15 Rider Rider is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. Rider can refer to two different Rider-class servants: Iskandar from Fate/Zero and Medusa from Fate/stay night.
16 Berserker Berserker is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. Berserker can refer to two different Berserker-class servants: Lancelot from Fate/Zero and Heracles from Fate/stay night.
17 Souichirou Kuzuki
18 Shirou Emiya Shirou Emiya is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon.

Shirou is a tortured soul who has lost his view of self worth. He puts all others before himself and will do anything in his power to protect as many people as possible. The fire in Fuyuki was what started his spiral downward into a state of longing to be like his father, Kiritsugu, who wanted to become a hero, yet failed so badly. Shirou's mixture of survivor's guilt, which was mentioned in the visual novel as being so bad that he couldn't even enjoy a normal day, and his warped idea oh heroism, which mad him "want to save everyone", make him a very hypocritical character. Shirou is a great character because of his weakness and growth, as well as his maintaining of his ideals, no matter how broken they are.

19 Lancer Lancer is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon. Lancer can refer to two different Lancer-class servants: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne from Fate/Zero and Cú Chulainn from Fate/stay night.

Say hello to the luck of the Irish! Well, an Irish mythological hero, to be exact. Lancer, also known by his true identity as Cu Chulainn in Fate/stay night, is one honorable Servant. He initially appears to be a bad guy starting at the beginning of Fate/stay night when he nearly kills Shirou for seeing him fight against Archer at his school at night. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear Lancer isn't really the bad guy as some may have perceived him to be. In basically most of the routes, he's shown to be a chivalrous man of honor who plays fair and lives by a good moral code of justice. If you really want to know where he's at his most heroic, just watch the Unlimited Blade Works anime and you'll know what I mean. But I think all in all, I've pretty much summed up what's so good about Lancer and why I admire and respect him a lot. Oh, and he cracks me up in Carnival Phantasm as well ("Lancer died! You're not human! ").

20 Lancelot (Berserker)
21 Jeanne d'Arc (Ruler) Jeanne d'Arc is a Ruler-class Servant from the Fate series. She is the Ruler-class Servant of the Great Holy Grail War in Fate/Apocrypha. She is also one of the Servants of the Protagonist of the Grand Order conflicts of Fate/Grand Order.

Ooh, I think I'm seeing some Jeanne d'Arc fans right now! While I've only seen her as a cameo in Fate/Zero, I've heard about her major role in Fate/Apocrypha and she's pretty cool in Fate/Grand Order and Fate/Extella. I wish I could go into more detail about her, but she hasn't appeared in any major role in an anime installment yet. Perhaps the Fate/Apocrypha anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures that's set to release this year will do her some justice.

Jeanne d'Arc is the new Saber. She is steadfast in her resolve to remain neutral in the war unless the situation deems it necessary. She is one of the most beautiful characters to exist. You will have to watch the new series to understand, and when you do you will give her the number 1 spot.

22 Bazett Fraga Mcremitz

Bazett is SO DAMN COOL! Literally, she's extremely strong and logical; always thinking of brilliant battle strategies. She even utilises the supposedly 'weakest servant'; Angra in battle so well! And on top of that, she has AMAZING ties to Fate Stay/Night's Lancer- she too is of Celtic descent... SHE EVEN HAS A NOBLE PHANTASM DESPITE BEING JUST A HUMAN!

Her noble phantasm originates from Lugh. That in itself is freaking cool.

Also she has some of the most amazing hand combat skills.

Outside of battle she can sometimes be quite surprising. As she can be very direct sometimes, she is so cool but not a mary sue as she herself struggles with issues such as self-esteem, morality and relationships.

I want to see more Bazett and Lancer screentime those two are so cool together...

23 Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald

Uh... Kayneth is a pretty awesome belligerent in Fate/Zero, but... top 10? Don't get me wrong, I like him, but I just feel that there are other characters who deserve to be in the top 10 besides him like Nero Claudius.

24 Mordred

While I'm not particularly a big fan of Fate/Apocrypha (it's okay if others like it), probably my most favorite character in the spin-off was Mordred. While Mordred used to be relegated to a brief flashback in Saber's memories of the Battle of Camlann in the 2006 Fate/stay night anime, Mordred's character evolved significantly over the years to give us the one we all know and love now. The illegitimate "son" of King Arthur, the Knight of Treachery herself fascinates me in all her lore, tomboyish personality, and almost Berserker-level power she possesses even as a Saber-class Servant. From her relationship with her Master Sisigou to her kickass moments as the Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Mordred is one tough cookie. Overall, Mordred is just awesome.

25 Nero Claudius (Saber)

Praise Red Saber! While many people are quite familiar with the just and courageous British king that is Arturia Pendragon, or simply Saber, a lot of people seem to also know about another famous Heroic Spirit from the Saber class, which is none other than Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus! Or as I said earlier, Red Saber. I don't know much about her other than her major role in Fate/Extra and Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star along with her appearances in Fate/Grand Order and certain other forms of Type-Moon media like Carnival Phantasm, but from what I've seen from a few clips of her, she's one feisty Roman emperor! Boisterous, flamboyant, energetic, hyperactive, and always begging for attention, Nero Claudius manages to make herself a unique and very memorable Servant in the Nasuverse, even if she does look like a simple clone of the original Saber that is King Arthur. Hopefully, with that Fate/Extra Last Encore anime that's supposed to come out in 2017, we'll be able to see her in her own spotlight theater as we see her bursting personality and power burn in all its glorious essence!

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