Top 10 Best Wheel of Time Characters
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- čas přidán 13. 02. 2019
- The top ten best wheel of time characters. Need I say more? I put together a list of my person choices from the wheel of time and I hope you all agree with most. Robert Jordan did a masterful job building these incredible characters up, and Brandon carried them to the end perfectly.
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WoT Artists to check out!:
Edsel Arnold
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Paul Bielaczyc
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Ariel Burgess
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Seamas Gallagher
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Joe O’Hara
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Amy Romanczuk
BookCzuk.blogspot.com
Jeremy Saliba
JeremySaliba.blogspot.com
Start The Wheel of Time here: amzn.to/2IQsnys - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Aight be gentle... who did I forget?
Honourable mention for Verin if you'd ask me. after her last scene my jaw was on the floor
No disrespect. I went with Siuan due to her impact on the entire arc. She allowed Rand to roam, she was there at the tower's breaking, she helped reforged the tower by successfully picking and positioning her own replacement as Amyrlin. She then provided Egwene with the tools and knowledge base that made her who she was as Amyrlin. Not to mention her connection with Gareth Bryne. Even after being stilled, Siuan was a force of nature.
I completely understand why they weren't on the list but...
1. Gaul: His relationships, while often confusing, are so damn interesting and intricate. Made me truly appreciate Aiel humour.
2. Abel Cauthon: Not nearly as flushed out as I wish, but well enough executed to really highlight where Mat comes from. Also, anyone who can best Tam with a bow, even once, deserves respect.
I can’t believe you had Galad ahead of Lan, Avienda, Suian
🤔
One of my favorite-things in WoT is that all three ta'veren are convinced the other two have a easier time with women.
It's one of my favorite giggles. "Rand would know what to do, he's great with women." Pretty sure Matt is th ed actual ladies man though, even though Rand has 3 wives.
Rand : Perrin knows the women. Mat knows women.
Mat : Girls moon over Rand and find Perrin's slow ways attractive.
Perrin : Rand and Mat knows what to say to the women.
IKR 😂😂😂
I love the "sex war" in the story overall. Great and funny tension breaker.
Matt seduced the Seanchan Empress, albeit before she became Empress, thus he wins the ladies man competition.👏👏
"It felt like Matt could really die, several times."
...uh...like when he died?
Or when he played dead?
Or when his heart stopped?
I'm a big fan of Talmanes
👐👐
When he mentions practicing his scowling! priceless. @@rizuki22
The prologue for "A Memory of Light" made me regret not having him as a viewpoint character more.
yes for a minor character I agree!
Indeed that would have been great. It would have been good having someone describing what it would be like to follow Matt in the Band. @@IamMeHere2See
After a reread one of my favourite characters is Verin Mathwin. For me she´s one of the greatest Aes Sedai of her time. She´s even stronger than Cadsuane. Cadsuane is just Cadsuane, strong powerfull, intelligent and a massive ego. Verin is all that while pretenting to be this grandmotherly friendly woman to some and a much darker person to others. The things that she does can only appreciated after a reread and then you see she has such a massive impact on the story and the lives of those around her. One of the best side characters in a fantasy series, I would love to read a book about her life.
Yeah, I agree. I had a feeling that she was a dark friend pretty early on, but was completely floored that she was actively working to defeat them from within. Absolutely amazing character.
She did what no other character could. Aes Sedaied the shadow with logic and subterfuge
I know he's the 1,073rd side character, but I really like Androl's story. Then you forgot Lan. :)
Androl's story arc in the memory of light was suprisingly good.
StrengthOdyssey the way he wipes out an army with travelling is awesome
@@abigailslade3824 One of the top moments of the book for sure. Also it was a cathartic moment for Androl's character...He was always looked down upon due to his power level but at that moment he was the most badass channeller on the field.
Hands-down my most favorite minor character. He's a one-trick pony as a channeler but he's great and creative with his one trick. Plus he's a fountain of practical knowledge, does anyone else in the WoT have Androl's skill-set?
Yeah I really like Androl as well.
Daniel: I'm not going to get too deep into Perrins story to avoid spoliers.
Also Daniel like 10 secs later: THE AMERLYN SEAT EGWENE AL'VERE.
This is like half way through the series.
@@siege1289 still a spoiler
@@cuchanu The series has been out for years. It is hard to call anything spoilers, if the story has been finished for a long time, and is established. The only way it can be a spoiler is if someone who hasn't finished the series watches this video, and at that point, they spoiled it for themselves, as they are watching a video about a series that finished years ago, and they haven't finished the series before watching it.
Literally prophesied in book 2 my man
Why are any of you whiners watching this or any other vid like this...just to whine like a little ***** about something?
No honourable mention for Verin Mathwin sedai..?? What she did is beyond imaganation... Greater than or equal to the horn of valere the Amyrlin Egwene Al'vere said that. She outsmarted them all even the dark Lord himself and that is not an easy feat to accomplished.. Not even the forsaken would dare doublecross the dark Lord.. well aside from Lanfear she's badass. Just sayin.. But I love them all..they are all worth it.. 😁😍😘
"The dress you're wearing is green, BTW."
Verin shocked me so hard! She became an instead favorite with that twist at the end.
Verin was an awesome character. Kept me wondering the entire time. "Until the hour of my death". Awesome.
minissa2009 best line
She was awesome.
You know, the pace of Perrin's storyline reflects his character really good. It's said from the start, that he is sometimes viewed as slow, because he likes to take his time to think things through.
Perrin's pacing matches his character he is slow and methodical it was good writing
@@billylion3073 Great writing, Jordan just purposefully made it to be frustratingly long I think
I also think he reflects normal people more... most of us dwell on things and the timeframe for the entire story isn't that long
He was less impulsive than most but because of his size people assumed him all brawn little brain. The way he maneuvered the asha’man and wise ones for help in forging his warhammer was a feat beyond imagination. He was already my favorite character but that moment cemented his spot in my hall of fucking awesome moments.
Well said!
A small character I really enjoyed was Androl he won't make a list but will be remembered.
His character was really interesting to me as well, and while I admit he isn't likely to earn a spot in a top ten list he will always be a honorable mention
I name video game characters after him often, cool dude that
That's really because sanderson took the wheel of time magic and went sanderson with it. He always puts interesting limits on the magic and creative ways to use it. Which always makes it interesting, granted hes practically a channeling Perrin but still a good character.
Don't forget Pevara. She's one of the most relatable Aes Sedai in my opinion.
I'm a HUGE fan of Rodel Ituralde. Even though he is introduced late in the story, he is definitely top 5 in my list. The dude's an absolute legend badass general man. His Maradon sequence so damn epic.
He was a good character for sure
Same here. He has a something that made him really relatable to me, as much as a middle age general can be. Maybe it's just the detail of him rubbing his beauty mark on his cheek that really clicked with me because I also do that, but I instantly took a liking for his character
I was taking notes while I was reading the books. I literally just wrote "Ituralde is a badass" 😂
The adventures or rather misadventures of Matt Cauthon were the lifeboats in some of the more slow, grinding books in the middle of the series. I would be reading and see "Matt..." and I would immediately light up because I knew this section was going to be interesting with a bit of easing of the tension. When I would go long periods without seeing Matt, the reading became too dense and too oppressive and I would literally have to stop reading, sometimes for weeks. When Matt shows up again, all of that is forgotten as Jordan reminds us this is just story and like all good stories, you can't take it too seriously. That is good advice for living as well, imo.
Agree. I think he actually saved this story because the middle of the serious is so bad that I think a lot of people would have stopped reading if it weren’t for mats chapters
There is a reason Path of Daggers is probably the least well received book of the series, and I think the absence of Mat is that reason.
I completely agree. There’s one book with NO MAT! Seriously, wtf? That was a tough one.
I finished book 8 about 6 months ago and have not started book 9 yet. Books 5-8 were difficult for me to get through. I too had to take several breaks from reading due to lack of interest. Then I would see Mat and I’d start paying attention. Mat seriously cracks me up. I especially enjoy it whenever Mat and Rand are together. They have a great brotherly bond.
Yep, there is one book without Mat. Also, one book without Perrin (well, he's kind of seen in a dream, but Egwene just does that). And one book mostly without Rand. I'm not saying that Sanderson is a better author than Jordan, but his three books were a lot better than the previous four. You seriously could have told the story of those four books in two.
He's the best character in the entire story.
The friendships everyone forms are great. Like when Mat and Rand try to out do each other with accomplishments and Mat just casually says"Well yeah I saved Moiraine."
I loved that moment. One of my favorites.
I loved the moment when Matt’s wife introduces herself and Matt jumps in at the end and says in a sing song way “ 🎶 May she live forever 🎶 “
Nynaeve because of every scene she's in she owns.
I absolutely love the character of Lan. We cannot over look that it was Lan who trains Rand to actually be worthy of the Heron mark blade Rand carried. And let’s not forget Lan’s duel with one of the Forsaken during the Last Battle. Lan’s absolute devotion to his duty is incredible. “Duty is as heavy as a mountain, death light as a feather”. A statement that transcends the story and echoes in the real world. From the moment his character was introduced, he became my favorite.
You are absolutely right.. when Lan was riding to the Last Battle I still tear a bit. He is an amazing character
Loial. That is all.
Whoa whoa slow down there! Get it? XD
Love him. My only gripe (and this is the usual result with poor editing) is that his "humans are hasty" litany that was cute the first 50 times and should have been included in any and all drinking games associated with WoT, plus it sounds really derivative of Treebeard. Really liked the whole Ogier race.
@@minissa2009 yeah, repetition is a continuous point of criticism. It can indeed be a bit annoying...
Still I also feel that this is sort of symptomatic of the cyclical nature of the whole universe, repetition is its jam. It sort of fits in a weird way, repetition without resolution or meaningful change...
But it's annoying still
@@fardareismai4495 You know, if I felt it was intentional, I'd admire it. But I think it's a sign of crap editing. I know I'd read interviews while RJ was still alive where he mentioned the time between his turning in some of the later manuscripts and getting on his book tour for that book was like a month. I've edited professionally and you don't get through a 1000 page book, have the author OK the change (this can be an iterative process), get the book to press, printed, publicized and shipped to the libraries and bookstores in that sort of time. Not being famous, I've gone over and over this lengthy fantasy series I have under contract to make sure I cut out all the dopey redundant stuff that would drive an editor nuts---even if you write quickly, there can be things you put in repeatedly because, golly gee, that was such a great line/concept/scene its brilliance eclipses your memory of having used it 5 times before lols! It's still a great series, and I'm probably due for a reread sometime soon!
@@minissa2009 That's so cool! Thanks for sharing your expertise, always a nice thing to find. Yeah, it is very likely a flaw of editing at least in some part, that is definitely true. I think I just read it like this because it keeps me from being too annoyed with it.
This series has its flaws, but it's so magnetic I just keep coming back to it, so maybe I'm being a little blind to it😂
After my finishing my first read-through today, Rand is definitely the best character for me. On his own, his chapters were always compelling. Even when he was mad and every decision he made made me cringe, it was still so hard to stop reading.
To have a character develop, and almost reinvent itself, in every book over 14 books was incredible to read.
Edit: Honourable mention to Androl - the most surprisingly interesting character
Was that the ashaman who was really good at making gateways? Cause he is absolutely in my top ten
@@erikcarp9359 Yep!
Asmodeon was my favorite forsaken until he wasn't.
I would have loved a redemption arc with him throughout the books but sadly Jordan lacked the imagination or desire to go there.
White ferret, you forget that there is always a price for breaking oaths to the dark one. Everyone who broke those oaths in the wheel of time died.
@@bozoforce Yes but he could've died a few books later then he did
@@whiteferret2605 I have a feeling that the Dark One might have succeeded breaking Rand if Asmodean was still around. He could have done what Aravine did and betrayed him at a critical moment even worse than what actually happened with Semirhage, or Aravine herself.
@@shauntempley9757 That... is possible. But still I wanted my man music industry's Dues EX Machina to be a little more present. Maybe he could have actually be kidnapped and then escapes and then rides with the Tua'than.
I agree with you with Rand at the first position
Many people prefer Mat, but honestly for me the development and evolution of Rand has been incredible
I'm in love with his character
Besides, who can't relate to him? He's an amazing character.
@@tlee656 On some forums I have read that some consider it too whiny
Well, I would like to see them if they were destined to go crazy and probably even die
Just so many layers. You can FEEL his arc
Yes! The Lord of the Morning is supreme. Truly an absolutely iconic character.
And the twist with him at the end is hilarious. ;)
Fortune prick me! You did forget to include Bayle Domon. My aged grandmother would no have left him off this list!
lol you owe me a keyboard dude. I snarted Coke over mine when I read that :(
It’s so rare to see people mention how nuanced Mat’s relationship is with Thom, and how wise and patient he is without ever taking credit for it or even admitting to it in how he gently picks him back up and pushes him forward to stand up again. Mat’s defining quality isn’t courageous or being a ride or die, it’s humility. He constantly does incredibly heroic and amazing things, and he absolutely rejects any praise or recognition. When he saves people, he never even tells them what he goes through to save them even when they’re ungrateful and rude to him for it. The one time he ever openly gloats about an accomplishment is as a joke to Rand. “I saved Moiraine.”
Book thirteen Rand is where Rand solidified himself as my favorite character. When he took on a whole Trolloc Army by himself (and the two Aiel women as guards) I lost my shit
Riiight???? Like holy shit!!! That completely blew my mind!
Mikah lmao you took the words right outta my mouth!!!!!!
And the journey that Rand goes through is one of the most amazing ones I've ever read. He starts out a country bumpkin and ends up becoming the saviour of the world. And boy its brutal. He has his whole life hijacked, turned upside down and beaten senseless. And I felt for him the whole way through. My only complaint is that in many of the books we don't get enough of him.
Verin mathwin is imo one of the best subtle manipulative charicters ever written. And the last scene she is in where it finally all comes out what her lifes mission has been and just how far she will go for the light will always give me goosebumps.
Egwaine annoyed me with her constantly going on and on about having to control Rand. Once she became powerful, she seemed to believe she knew best about everything, especially Rand. Annoying! I got tired of her Rand hating, and her trying to turn everyone against him.
Same. She shifted from one of my favorite characters to one of my least favorite. I felt she had turned into a semi-antagonist and had been swallowed by hubris instead of helping Rand unite the world. It really annoyed me, especially when you'd think Egwene and Rand's friendship would still mean something to her... but apparently it didn't.
That didn't start after she became powerful XD I'm rereading it now and she's very much like that from the start. I think she goes through a period while she feels like a perpetual pupil where she grows some temporary humility, but it was always there.
I never felt like she hated Rand. She definitely thought that she knew better than him but she always was doing what she could to try to protect him. At the same time she felt that same mountain of duty that Rand felt. She was doing what she thought was right, and yea sometimes it put her at odds with Rand but she was still trying to protect him, while also protecting the world from him. Her biggest problem was that while she knew that Rand was the Dragon Reborn, she always thought of him as a farm boy out of his element and it took a long time for her to realize that he had grown beyond that.
That’s why the only Aes Sedai Rand could trust in the end was Nynaeve and Moiraine. Sad.
Verin & Lan are the only two I would have on this list for sure. Both are just amazing characters that go through great arcs and have huge impacts on the overall story.
I totally agree with Verin sedai.. She should be on the top of the list
Lan could fight but he was having to be lead or controlled by a woman at every point in the books. It destroyed my respect for him.
He was one of my favorites from the beginning and I felt he ended up under-utilized. And then Nynaeve drops him at World's End and gateways all over the Borderlands telling people "My husband rides for Tarwin's Gap. Will he ride alone?" His development from there and the way that one arc flowed with people joining him (or who "just happened to be riding in the same direction") was deeply moving. And "I'm not here to win, I'm here to kill you" was pretty epic considering Demandred had just taken out two of the universe's best swordsmen.
I think I figured what's wrong with Perrin's arc:
He has several similar conflicts throughout the series:
-the wolf "taking over"
-the axe/hammer and enjoying fighting/killing
-refusing leadership
-dealing with his wife (and Berelain)
and instead of resolving them and moving forward, he kinda carries all of them all the time.
All of those only get resolved together in the last 2 books, though some do get advanced somewhat over the series.
If he simply dealt with those one at a time and advanced through them over the series, his arc might have been much more fun to read, instead of (sometimes) feeling stagnant and boring.
Now I only wonder in what order should he have gone through his issues to have the most satisfying arc?
Make this comment go higher
This is exactly it. Perrin was one of my favorite POV’s in ToM and aMoL because he *finally* went through with his arc and resolved his internal conflicts, which were very interesting, but many of which could have been resolved in book 9 or 10 in my opinion, allowing him time to honestly just do more stuff around the world (the guy spends three chapters shopping for grain in CoT, I believe).
The best part about Nynaeve is when she is being told about the arches in the Aceppted test and the Aes Sedai is using their usual high-brow language explaining the magic etc with the Wheel metaphors et al. Her response: "That tells me nothing". Gotta love her.
The problems I have with Egwene are twofold.
1). Everyone around her has to be dumbed down for every one of her multiple arcs to work.
2). She's consistently horrible to everyone around her, especially Rand and to a lesser extent Mat, Perrin and Nynaeve.
Just for an example, they had to destroy Elaida's entire character and turn her into a mistouche twirling cartoon in order for Egwene to defeat her.
KRS wasn’t Elaida that from the start though? I’m trying to remember her doing something clever and not just throwing her weight around and I’m struggling to think of anything.
I liked her story, but I also agree with you. However this re-read when Perrin goes to the tower in the dream while she's fighting there. She talks down to Perrin, but from her perspective the world is dangerous and he a farmboy who hasn't worked with dreamwalkers is in serious danger. (Of course then she tries to tie him up to hold him there which is absolutely stupid) however Perrin also throws some talking down (or rather thinking i'm pretty sure it was all unspoken) dialogue back at her. I can't remember the exact words but it was then I realized it was supposed to be a mutual "this world is dangerous what are you doing here you need to leave" moment. Each saying that in their own words to the other. Egwene comes off as more arrogant and less skilled because of the balefire Perrin stops.
Egwene was my least favourite character for the vast majority of the series (for pretty much the reasons you give) but Brandon Sanderson did such an amazing rescue job on her that by the end she's perhaps my favourite female character of all. That man is really gifted at writing women (Vin in Mistborn being a great example) and he really brought that to bail out Egwene.
Ikr she was even more full of her self before she became Aisedia
I got into the series through Perrin. I was in a small book shop near my university and was looking for a new series to read. I looked at the blurb and it had an excerpt of Perrin talking with Hopper. My last name is Hopper so I thought ‘cool, I’ll give that a go’ and I’ve been hooked since. So Perrin for me and Lan obviously because, well, swords and shizzle.
Perrin was always my fav person to follow. Loved his reluctance and final acceptance of his wolf side.
And all of rev cool stuff he could do in the dreaming. He made the Aiel who spent lots of time in the dreaming look inexperienced.
One small scene that sticks to me with Mat was when he was angered seeing Egwene walking with 'the women', and they let her walk alone while talking to themselves. He just wouldn't have it if people treated someone that way, like an outcast in public, separated, alone and in the spotlight, even if they weren't aware of doing it.
As a person with social anxiety, this was a morbid fear, but Mat being truly outraged about it and saving her, was something that boosted my love for him. And until now whenever my colleagues don't 'walk beside me', I think about that book moment.
I totally agree this why I fell in love with Mat. Very ironic how he was treated the same way after Nynaeve and Elayne departed with Mat. This is why my hate grew towards the two wonder girls. Although Elayne doesn't change much she at least grows to be fond of Mat and Nynaeve even though she doesn't say it straight out to bolster his ego, she totally respects him. Mat doesn't try to tie strings around his friends and does what it's right even though he complains a lot. Mat is life Mat is love and Mat is best character.
Pay attention to Verin Mathwin in a reread. Her behind the scenes manipulation is SO integral to the story.
Galad is actually pretty good in terms of his transformation at the end and his realization that things are not just black and white.
I've only just finished the series, so my view is influenced to the most part by the last few books, but I really loved Rodel Ituralde and Tam al'Thor
I want to watch this so bad, but I'm only on Lord of Chaos
Andrew Evenson DO NOT WATCH. Full of spoilers.
Dude, Lord of Chaos has one of the best endings in the series. In my opinion.
Andrew Evenson my favorite book of the series!!!
Smart of you to avoid. It'll be so worth it I promise 🖤
This is the one series I'm trying to keep 'pure' I've enjoyed it so much I don't want to ruin it.
I am currently reading the sixth book of the series. For me one of my favorite female characters is Siuan Sanche. I place her just a step down from Moiraine. My opinion is probably unpopular and it might change when I finish the series.
She has a neat arc. Great character, definitely underrated.
Totally agree about Perrin, I'd actually put him lower. He irritated the crap out of me. At times I'd rather have Couladin than Perrin XD
Absolutely
Exactly. Heck, Thom is easily in my top 2 (Behind Mat and before Rand). Elyas Machera is also a really underrated character.
Thank you for this video. I just watched it after your History of WOT. This has been my favorite series for years and years and you have done this "story" a huge credit. Thank you!
Here are my top 20:
1. Rand al'Thor
2. Mat Cauthon
3. Moiraine Damodred
4. Nynaeve al'Meara
5. Ishamael
6. Egwene al'Vere
7. Aviendha
8. Birgitte Silverbow
9. Thom Merillin
10. Perrin Aybara
11. Min Farshaw
12. Tam al'Thor
13. Tuon
14. Logain Ablar
15. Siuan Sanche
16. Galad Damodred
17. Verin Mathwin
18. Rodel Ituralde
19. Elayne Trakand
20. Loial
I normally shy away from top 10 videos on CZcams, but this was incredibly well done. Your character analysis was brilliant. Each felt like a character study for the character being mentioned, and while I didn't like that Perrin was so far up the list, I begrudgingly have to agree with the arguments you made for that placing. Your love and passion for the series really came through in the video and as a fellow fan I felt myself really connecting with you on that level. When you mentioned Egwene going out like a boss I felt that bittersweet mix of triumph and heartbreak we all felt when we first read that scene in AMoL.
I've been meaning to reread the Wheel of Time series for a while now and after watching a few of your videos I bought the book on my Kindle and I'm hardcore looking forward to jumping back into the series again. I read the series from 2004 to 2014 and for ten formative years of my life, through trials, hardships, and both good and bad times, Rand and co were always there as a solid pillar in my chaotic life. Thank you thank you thank you for giving me the urge to read the series again.
“Stories have power. Gleemen's tales, and bards' epics, and rumors in the street alike. They stir passions, and change the way men see the world.” - Thom Merrilin
I adore Mat. I am totally in awe of Verin. And, I really like Nyneave and enjoyed watching her grow as a person. Of course, I do like/love most of the other characters, too.
Androl Genhald is way up on the list for me... probably like a 5 or 4 (he is the ashaman with the traveling ability)
“Duty is heavier than a mountain, and death lighter than a feather”
Big runners up for me are Berelain, Lanfear, and Rhuarac. They are all very well written and nuanced with how they impact the story.
10) Asomedean
9) Verin
8) Moiraine
7) Perrin
6) Avienda
5) Nyneave
4) Thom
3) Rand
2) Lan
1) Matt Cauthorn
Mat is my fav character. Followed by Elyas Machera Edit: I really wish we could have seen Elyas VS Lan in a sword fight. I know this would be out of story, but teacher vs student would have been so epic. I wish, in general, Elyas got a bit more of the limelight with his fighting skills. I mean, he single handedly defeated several warders. This dude was one of the most underrated bad-asses in the whole series (in my opinion obviously)
I'm sad. No love from Mr Greene :(
i'm curious and I can't recall exactly if elyas and lan ever really met again in the series..
@@BonafiedGangstaATL They didn't, unless they met offscreen after the Last Battle at Thakan'dar
Lan was the greatest swordsman of his age and, maybe any age! His defeat of Demandred helps to cement this. It would have been a great fight with Elyas without a doubt but I believe that Lan would win.
@@keithmorris2879 Lan would not go there to win. He would go there to kill Elyas. Death is lighter than a feather.
17:41 No mention of Talmanes? That guy was Mat's sounding board for most of the second half of the series.
Dear Daniel, since I found your channel. I love your book reviews and opening my mind to new books to read. Your cat is so cute. Plus your tips in writing, has help me relive my dream in creating and writing my own story. I look forward in one day to read your book. I love to hear your thoughts on Star Wars too. Keep videos coming. Robert
Moiraine Damodred is the key to everything. Consider the portal stone sequence from the Great Hunt before the Battle at Falme'. Literally every timeline where Moiraine didn't go to Emond's Feild ends HORRIBLY. I would go so far as to say she belongs tied with Rand sl Thor for the #1 spot.
In my head canon, Nymaeve eventually finds a way to reconstruct Aviendha's busted up feel and legs.
Once again, I find watching your videos to be a curious experience. I only read about half the books when they first came out, I'm not that interested in the series, and I haven't heard of half the character you mention... but I really appreciate your style of very cerebral critical analysis. Listening to you describe how Logain(sp?) manages to be a compelling character without a POV is a fascinating thing to think about, even though I know nothing about the character.
i always felt Robert Jordan Showed us and expanded up on all these characters, Knowing that every reader has their own personality and ideals..... and so , each character has a different personality and ideals for the reader to grasp and hold on to. A character that we connect to in some way, or most ways. It keeps us reading and I love it. Thank you for the video.
This made me emotional lol. I connect so much with these characters and it really is a series where re-reads make all the difference when understanding and caring for them. Nynaeve really became my favourite character equal to Rand after I re-read the books because I felt like I understood her so much more. I agree about Egwene too.. she's a very frustrating character, but I also respect and care about her. The ending to her arc is also the most intense thing... I'll never forget what I felt when I read that.
Oh and now that you've said that about Logain I'm going to pay more attention this read haha.
Comments :
70% mAtrIm caUtHrON
30% some other unmentioned character
Honestly I don't think I'd put Egwene on the list. As a character I do think she's great, in terms of how she's written and her impact on the series. But the more I re-read these books the more I realize that she was an arrogant brat right from the beginning of the series and never really grew out of it. She almost learned humility with the Aiel but as soon as she went to Salidar she forgot about all that and just became a brat again. Her sections of the books really drag for me almost as badly as the HELLA boring Elayne plot in Caemlyn.
Interestingly, I had almost the exact opposite experience with Nynaeve. I hated her the first time I read the books but on subsequent re-reads she really grew on me and I learned to appreciate her as I understood more and more the motivations behind who she is. Now she's probably in my top 3 female characters just below Min and Moiraine.
It's been so long since I've read them I'd forgotten Min! It's time to read it again!
To be honest most womans in this series are Like this
same...
She was so great until her conflict with nynaeve and salidar. It turned me right off her
She's paired up with the worst male character. They're a garbage power couple!
Oh my gosh! Absolutely loved your intro for Matt. I laughed out loud
I'd like to feature Androl here, because I really love him. Also, only found your channel recently. It's awesome
I wish he had figured into the series from an earlier point. He was a terrific character, and his relationship with Pevara had so much unexplored potential.
Dude, I can really feel the passion you have for this series around 22:25. Wow. Well said.. All of it.
I know lan is not the complex character but especially later in the series he shines. Not one of the top characters compared to major players but definitely top 5 favourite side characters
Plus we get a ton of back story for him in New Spring. It gives him a chance to shine, away from the others.
Started reading the series because of your passionate and very informative reviews/ videos in general regarding the wot . I am enjoying them very much, just started the shadow rising . Keep up the great work! 👍
High point of the series, although it remains strong through the next one, The Fires of Heaven. That title is so cool---they even have chapter titles that reflect the fire motif of the title.
What about the guy who melted his best working tool (not the second best mind you) to make a weapon?
He's the real MVP
Chad
Thank you for that Spongebob red carpet for Mat. lmao
I'm so happy to hear , someone else like these charateres so much as do I .I totally agree wth you on all point to your top 10 list
Ah, it's so lovely to find others who love the Wheel of Time series.
Edit 1: Good golly, just listening to you talk about WoT makes me want to reread the series all over again (it would be my third time doing so lol).
I had no idea people hated Nyneave! I started reading the books when I was 11 or 12 and she was always my favourite. I think I loved that she got to be angry and grumpy and powerful. There are definitely frustrating moments with her character but I always attributed that to the general problems Jordon has with writing women.
Gosh it's been years since I read this series (new to the channel). I always loved Aviendha, yet I never hear her mentioned much. She's hilarious.
Good stuff. Reminds me of how emotionally attached we get to these characters over the course of the series.
It's been ages since I read the series and I only read it once. Your passion makes me want to reread it.
10.) Moraine
9.) Mat
8.) Moraine
7.) Mat
6.) Moraine
5.) Mat
4.) Moraine
3.) Mat
2.) Moraine
1.) Cadsuane
Well that was a fast response. 😂
@@DanielGreeneReviews it's been ages since I read the series but I still kind of remember of favorite characters.
@@matcauthon9669 shouldn't you be higher on your own list luck wearer?
You forgot to mention Mat and Moraine.
LOL 😂
Great list! I would have included Avienda for similar reasons you give for Egwene. Egwene helps us learn about the Aiel from the reader's "outside" perspective. Avienda does that for with the wetlanders-through her we see them as they can't see themselves. Her struggle with falling in love with Rand does drag on a little bit but when they finally seal the deal and you can see how both she and Rand become integral in their maturity and fulfillment of their own parts of the pattern.
I also find Siuan's arch to be fascinating and the way she somehow finds a way to empower herself after being brought down as the most powerful woman in the world.
And Asmodean. I find myself really pulling for him and almost inspired by his almost redemption and return to the Light. His murder even adds to that and I want to believe that at the end of his storyline the Light accepted his return.
Mate, that picture was Suan...
I'm disappointed.
My favorite chapters all have dice at the beginning of them. They could have done more with the Tuon relationship but still an exceptionally executed character.
Everyone loves Mat. Who the hell can call themselves a WoT fan without loving Mat?
I hated Mat. I don't see why people like him so much. He's a womanizer, which is supposed to somehow make him charming or relatable it something but just makes him extremely annoying (honestly hands down the most annoying character) and he starts off as a completely uninteresting character who randomly gets handed a bunch of skills that he doesn't have to work for. The whole "ok so now Mat is the greatest general ever born" just because it's convenient for the story just feels like lazy writing. His constantly doing random shit around the Seanchan and it just so happens to be a genius move? Super lazy.
Moraine, I can say with confidence, was the Gandalf of this tale. She was the guide and advisor. Between her and Lan they were the biggest influences on Rand, and I do hope that the series brings this out
She was so Galndalf she even had the same fake death and return. Gandalf was believed to have been killed by the Balrog plummeting into the heart of Moria while Moirane was believed to have been killed by Lanfear plummeting through the gateway arch. I don't think that was a coincidence.
Watched a lot of your videos, but this( along with why you should read WOT) is my favorite. The way you talk about Moridin stood out. Like to see you in the serious context
Don't have much of an opinion as I am in dire need of a re-read, so I will comment on your picks.
Galad is ok. I came around on him. Him following his own philosophy is just amazing and I was always impressed by the lengths he would go to follow it.
Logain is an amazing character. His foreseen Glory made him very interesting from the beginning. And how he developed is just as amazing to witness. Him laughing upon seeing Rand? Just perfect.
I am honestly surprised that Thom is this low. I honestly don't know where I would put him. I would have liked more on his backstory, but that is what I get for not reading New Spring, I guess?
Elan is so good. Him and that one Philosopher who spoke of the Cycles of the Wheel got me really thinking about the deep lore. Plus his interactions with Rand, direct or indirect, expand so much on the World.
Perrin fell during his chase of the Shaido. His friendships are amazing, can't argue with that, and his becoming God in the World of Dreams was very gentle. I like his character on a philosophical level too, but yeah, I can agree with that placement.
Egwene's biggest flaw is Gawyn. I literally have nothing else to criticize about her. She is beautifully written in all other aspects and she deserves everything that she got. I actually suffered when we switched to Egwene during The Last Battle that last time because I instantly knew that she would die. And how she died. She got real emotions out of me and I still tear up a bit when remembering it.
Nynaeve went through a journey with me. I disliked her in the beginning. But somewhere along the way, during the development you described, she became very dear to me and I just love her now. Her romance really is one of the best in the story, probably the best, and is a lot like how I want my relationships to become.
Matrim is my second favorite of the boys. And it is a really close call. You just have to experience him to understand it. He has such an enormous heart of gold and I love him for it. The Gambler and The Silver Fox were an amazing duo and the Daughter of the Nine Moons added an interesting dynamic to his character.
Moiraine is the story. Hands down. Without her the story wouldn't exist. She is one of the best characters, ever. I just can't say anything you didn't.
Rand was so close to my own heart when I read most of it during my Year of Depression. He is such an amazing character arc that I just can't do justice with words. I said you had to experience Mat to understand it? Rand will get to you very quickly. Maybe not while they are in the Two Rivers or in Caemlyn. But he will get to you. You will feel his despair upon channeling the first time, You will feel the madness creeping in on him. His later passages are the ones where I stopped listening to "Wheel of Time" by Blind Guardian time and time again as Lews Therin grew stronger and almost took control permanently more than once. He is the best. Like it or not, but this male character will be very hard to trump over. I have seen powerful characters that went through countless hells that I would describe as bigger than his ever were, but they always were powerful from the beginning. Not so Rand al'Thor. He had to struggle to come to his power. He is hindered by everyone in many ways. Only Moiraine and Thom nurture him in a way that he stays himself. Cadsuane wanted him to become something he wasn't and for Min everything was better than what he was then, although she wanted him to become himself again. I could go on and on, but I will stop now.
I'm a Perrin guy myself. Yes, he stagnated in the middle books but when Sanderson got his hands on him - my goodness- my mind was blown.
I'm a Perrin fan too... But, thinking back to the books, I think the slow pace of his story could have been deliberate... Perrin is slow and methodical in his thinking, thinking things through before acting - he's the one that keeps the other two boys grounded. He is reason. Played off in the beginning of the story as the 'big, dumb brute' - not very bright because of the fact that he wasn't always so hasty in his decision making. So, to me, it would make sense that his story arc and progression would be slow and methodical as well. Compared to Rand and Matt, Perrin is a simple man, wanting only simple things. I think his story arc shows that even maintaining these simple ideas can be as difficult as the more complicated realities and circumstances that his friends face. But, in the end, having made his decision he completes his arc and is where he needs to be. He commits to the decision, is loyal to his friend and does what is needed.
I didn’t know most people put Perrin that far down the list, but every time I see a list that’s about where he’s at. I haven’t read the whole series in quite a while now, but just started re-reading and finished the third book. And Perrin I remember was my personal favorite, and as of the third book on my re-read he still is. I get what you are saying about his story. I think I just related to him best personally. I’m not strong at all, but I’m a chunky dude so when they say he’s bigger on top of his story reminding me of certain things in my life, he resonated with me. I guess it’s his mannerisms and how he is emotionally, but he’s probably still going to be my number one after I finish my re-read. We will see
Matt and Nynaeve were my absolute favorites in the entire series. Cadsuane was a close third.
I shall add this to the catalog of videos that I will watch when I finish Wheel of time. Finishing Shadow rising now! Thanks for the book reviews!
A well thought out and very well presented video apart from the over long intro to Matt (lol). Truly a great Fantasy journey with so many great characters and facets of storyline.
I have to say I completely agree with your number 2 pick. I am so much in awe of RJs writing because as a reader you 100% mirror the Two River’s characters feelings about her and only upon series completion do you realize how vital her character was throughout
19:04 I approve full-heartedly of your 2nd pick, growing to know Moiraine through the series and even reading that optional prequel book about her days as an apprentice in the white tower kinda broke my heart seeing Rand basically call her a lying witch and low-key threatening her with death.
Nynaeve is also the one woman not romantically linked with Rand than he seems to trust absolutely. Egwene is more loyal to the white tower but Nynaeve is always loyal to the Two Rivers people first and foremost. She also assisted with cleansing the male half. She didn’t even seem to question Rands plan to do it. I don’t know what other character would have done that.
No love for Moghedein?
While all followers of the shadow are selfishly 'evil', Moggy takes it to extremes and in a way that is a far more realistic to a genuine 'evil' person as she is truly self-serving rather than slavishly following the shadow.
Her back and forth with Nynaeve is also just hilarious.
Mog disappointed me. She's supposed to be the ultimate planner and TAR user and should have been a fitting final boss for Egwene. Instead she gets her ass kicked almost every time we see her, gets r*ped, does nothing of consequence for the Shadow, and (spoiler) (spoiler) (spoiler) survives TG only to get collared and shoved offscreen. She's a joke. *Alviarin* did more for the Shadow.
I disliked Nynaeve so much at first. I didn't realize how invested I was in her until her breakthrough in Ebou Dar. At which point I broke into tears with as much relief as she must have felt. She has a wonderful arc.
The Battle of Dumai's Wells is one of my favourite moments in the series, hands down. Hell, that whole book might be the best I think.
Definitely a very accurate list.I loved it a lot
Loved your video as always, but I would argue that paren’s character arc slow pace is fitting for the boy who always thought everything through
I'm so glad I can actually watch those now without being scared of spoilers
Agreed with you, and finally Mat gets the intro he deserves. I did worry Mat would die, quite a lot. Wanted more of him in the series. I could talk about him all day.
And I love Moiraine. Without a doubt these were my favourites.
It takes quite a bit for me to sub to a channel. Just looking around for some WoT explanations and discussions (this is my second time through) came across your videos and loved your thoughts on WoT. But holy shit your channel is so much more. Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author and come to find out you like many of his books too (ive only just started on your channel so im sure i just need to delve deeper.) I wish you success on this platform as you deserve it and your content is thought out and very entertaining.
It's hard to rank them, since every character we spend time with is interesting and complex in their own way.
Nynaeve, however, is far and above my favorite character. She's a fascinating character who does amazing things in her own right and according to her own principles.
But beyond that, she is my favorite because she reminds me so much of my mom. She holds strongly to her convictions, even when it's inconvenient for her, and always acts in the best interest of those she loves, even when those people find it infuriating. She gives all of the fucks, when no one else does. She sees when people are in pain, and does everything in her power to fix it. And no one will stop her.
She will always be my favorite.
Egwene could’ve taken some lessons from Nynaeve about loyalty.
I think Perrin's pacing was intentional because he was the character that always took a long time to think things through. So his story was told much slower.
Never seen your channel before, but I have to agree with your number 1. Good video, although I am sad no Min on the list.
verin is one of the best written characters in all of fantasy, at least in my opinion.
So I read the wheel of time for the first time last year and finished reading it in November. Then in December I started a reread and I'm now near the end of the Dragon reborn. I've never felt this way about a book series before, well apart from Tolkien but I have to thank you Daniel because of your wheel of time videos I have discovered this amazing series so thank you. Now I don't know where to start with top 10 favourite characters because there's so many but my favourite character is Perrin. Now I will admit at first it was because he could talk to wolves because wolves are my favourite animals, but as the series went on Perrin started to remind me of me. Apart from being a blacksmith but his internal struggles and people thinking he's slow wit. So reading about him helped me come into terms of my personality so yeah. Also he's a BADASS!! Plus Gaul he doesn't get much love as he deserves
The one thing Ill say about Perrin's story line being slow, I think it fit in with his character very well and was intentional. We learn very early on that Matt and Rand were the more rash of the three and were quicker to take action when they were kids. As Perrin always says he isnt slow he just like to think things through, so to me it makes alot of sense that he would have a much slower story arc than the other two Two Rivers boys. His slower story arc is great way to show his more patient and thoughtful mannerisms, which is what sets him apart from Rand and Matt alot of the time.
Nynaeve's climatic scene in the boat has always been inspiring. I told the story to my daughter once when she was frustrated and struggling and stubborn...and it somehow worked.
I dont know why I keep answering since they are like nearly a year old but.... that's probably the single coolest thing I have ever heard . Way to be a great parent!!!!
I think Perrin's evolution is slow paced because of his personality. He takes things slowly.
My gripe about how the Unending Plot of Doom was written is that it seemed like every section from Perrin POV ended with "Nothing was more important than Faile. Nothing. Well, maybe something. No, on second thoght---wait a minute---no, nothing." Because the entire series was experiencing horrific bouts of redundancy by the time that plot arc came up, it was just maddening. For those of us who got into the series early and waited years for books that covered practically no time (TPoD covers only 4 days) due to 10 zillion characters, each with painfully detailed descriptions (2200 is the figure I've heard quoted for named characters), it was truly horrible. Plus I got real sick of hearing about how Faile smelled at any given moment. I think it's obvious TOR didn't really bother with an editor once the series was established and the books would sell no matter what, but the series could easily have been shortened by 2-3 volumes if a good continuity editor had gone over them. Yes, Loial, we know you think humans are hasty, and yes, Rand/Mat/Perrin, we know each of you thinks the other two of you are better with women, and yes, from multiple character POVs, we know Lan's blue eyes are like ice or rocks.
Well done, great reasoning. I would change a few of your order but I agree with all you said. Matt is my favorite but the weight of Rand and Moiraine earn their spot
Dude, Lan! LAN! I just personally can't imagine not having him in my top ten. Shoot, top five even. I LOVE that guy!
Lan wanted to go after Nynaeve when she didn't come back fast enough after freeing the horses, and Moiraine said, No. ? That was brutal, just brutal..