Honestly maybe I should have made it a top 20 list, this was way too hard and I feel bad for those that got left out Secret Project #2 Spoiler Free Video is already live on the second channel! Link in the Description. Don't forget to check out the Legends and Lattes Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/wraithmarked/legends-and-lattes-limited-pin-collection
I love her too! Don’t get it why everyone seems to hate her. Especially as I relate a lot to her. A friend once said her Humor is so much like mine and then I found out that almost everyone thinks her humor is cringe x_x at least I am only one person I guess and not four
My favorite is Syl, no question. She's just so adorably ignorant in the beginning but then as the books go on she becomes such an integral part of keeping Kaladin on track. Absolutely LOVE her.
I think Dalinar is to men what Vin/Lift/Spensa is to you. He's a husband and father who failed but refuses to lie down and quit completely. "Each time I fall, I will rise a better man." He's 110% my most inspirational Cosmere character. Also, I think my top ten would go something like this: 1. Dalinar 2. Taravangian 3. Kelsier 4. Hoid 5. Kaladin 6. Vin 7. Jasnah 8. Navani 9. Sazed 10. Hrathen
Shallan is my favorite and who I relate to the most and I. Am. WOUNDED. 😂 After that in no particular order, Vin, Kelsier, Breeze, Marasi, Wayne, Navani, Jasnah, Kiin, and Lightsong.
@@Nortarachanges That duo have some of *the* funniest and thought provoking and silliest and most philosophical conversations. Blushweaver comes in an exceedingly close 3rd. All 3 refuse their respective pigeonholes in the most unexpected ways and ... Lightsong steals every scene he's a part of. He can't help having easily one of the funniest character concepts going. But it helped tremendously to have those two foils to play into.
@@peterdavis7557 oh all three are amazing! Yes Lightsong is such an interesting character!! But *spoilers for Warbreaker* Priest who kind of stopped believing in his gods gets his faith back because he believes so much in his brother, a new god, is just sooooo cool to me. And I aspire to that man’s kindness and patience! XD
Wayne. He's the one. Every letter written about him makes me cry with tears of gratitude (to the author). It's lake you finaly find something/someone really yours. He's my boy, my laughter, my tears, my admiration. My everything. It's cathartic experience to read and reread about him. I've never felt anything like this about any literature character in my whole life. His incredibly amazing and amazingly incredible. Yes, I'm blabbering
@@abdulaziz203 It broke my heart. I cried my eyes out so my husband had to comfort me. But at the same time I think it's the most suitable ending. And incredibly beautiful with all those stars, wind and all endless things
My top ten in no particular order: 1. Lightsong 2. Szeth 3. Nightblood 4. Kaladin 5. Vin 6. Elend 7. Rock 8. Hoid 9. Vasher 10. Susebron Your video has made want to jump into Stormlight. I had to take a break from reading the series after Oathbringer but I feel like it’s time to start Rhythm of War.
Haha I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that felt it was warranted to take a break in between oathbringer and rhythm having just finished rhythm I have a feeling your list is gonna change pretty soon 😅
Wayne is absolutely hysterical in every scene he is in. Especially in Bands of Mourning. His wit, his charm, never ceases to make me laugh out loud. My wife thought I was reading a straight comedy. So many great characters, but I adore Wayne.
I love the characters who show up in the story and you immediately feel relief, like the GOAT has arrived, my favorite characters are saved! Whether it’s because they’re very strong or really smart. Kaladin, Hoid, Jasnah, Vin, Kelsier, Vasher, Wax etc.
@@monkpato Yep, all the Stormlight books have a "leading" character. I think It is confirmed that Jasnah's book is the 10th. Edit: Here, by Brandon itself in a Q/A: "Yes. Eshonai, book four. (Even though, you know...) Szeth is book five. Six is Lift. Seven is Renarin. Eight is Ash. Nine is Taln. Ten is Jasnah."
Thank you Merphy for being so diligent and helpful with making sure not to spoil anything for us! I've only read Mistborn Era 1 & 2 and am in the third Stormlight book and have only dabbled in Steelheart so far so your thoughtfulness is extremely appreciated ❤
I’ll be honest: Steris is the first character that has had the same problem I do about being super off-putting but trying so hard to be nice and good and yet failing to connect with people. The best part was watching the characters go through the realization the few people who have actually given the time to get to know me have gone through. I struggle with people, but I do try. Steris is the same. She seems abrasive at first and hides herself behind her rules and stipulations and I knew then she was just like me. The first page I read of her I was so happy: “Finally someone like me!”
I love Vin’s wolfhound so much that I literally started taking mental notes on why I liked him so much so that I could understand how to write my own compelling characters. I was determined to dislike him bc I do not like animal sidekicks, but he won me over so much. Amazing character.
Here's my Top10, and you were right, it was soooo hard to do... Cheat Slot: Rand Al'Thor (what ?...) 10- Navani 9- Vin's Wolfhound 8- Breeze 7- Lift & Szeth 6- Hoid 5- Vin 4- Sazed 3- Wayne 2- Adolin 1- Dalinar
I've only read The Stormlight Archive, Elantris and The Final Empire so here's my list: 1-Kaladin (obviously, he is one of my favorite characters of all time, in any medium of fiction. I would follow him into a bridgerun and he is signlehandedly the reason why i'm getting through biology in school rn. As i look into muscles and bones to memorise stuff i have to constantly remind myself that Kaladin did the same.) 2-Syl (again, obviously, although i don't know why i love her so much, it just feels like she and Kaladin shouldn't be seperated. Also her loyalty to Kaladin plays a big part in it. "Kaladin wasn't just some human, she'd chosen him out of millions and millions of people." Cue me crying.) 3- Kelsier (he was the star of The Final Empire and his relationship with Vin is one of my favorites. He was such a delight to read about even at his very extremes and he could eat all the nobles as a 3 course meal for all i care, i'd be there with my pompoms to cheer.) 4- Dalinar (this. character. ugh. I am not only fascinated by his story, i actually love him, because he is a very different kind of strong, but to change the way he did, he is very strong. It was so sad to read his story, but also i knew he had it coming, it was his punishment for the horrible things he did, and his wife too, she also had it coming in a tiny twisted way, but i believe she deserved much better nonetheless.) 5- Pattern (i love cryptics and i need a cryptic in my life.) 6- Adolin (he shined in the rhythm of war, his role in this story is one of the most important and i think i'd be most eager to have him in my life. 7- Szeth (the way i am so sure he will go up next to syl after book 5.) 8- Sarene (she is SO RELATABLE. I related to her so bad. I love her so much. Her chapters were amazing. Her group of noblemen were the most enjoyable part of that book. Raoden and Sarene are such a power couple.) 9- Hoid (i felt like he shouldn't be so up in the list because we don't know about him like we do the other characters. But the way i'd also be going down with you because of the blimd trust i put in this man.) 10- Jasnah and Navani together here. I really agree with everything you said about them. We won't be agreeing with anyone's actions 100% in our lives, but that doesn't matter especially when it comes to fictional characters. I find these two to be similar to myself in some senses, and i like people similar to myself. But they are mostly characters that i really appreciate, enjoy, and in some senses, try to be like in a way. Because i'm also into STEM etc. I am glad sanderson wrote both of them, i canNOT wait for a Jasnah book. It might be useful to remember sometimes that these _are_ fictional characters and we love them as that. We love them nonetheless haha. Anyway I think Jasnah and Navani are special. Honorable Mentions: DEFINITELLY Lift and Wyndle. The Lopen, Teft and Rock all also deserve a place here. The delightful crew of Kelsier and Vin, i love Vin. Raoden and Hrathen, Hrathen's chapters were so funny to me for a big chunk of Elantris, i was living for his overconfidence. Sarene's noblemen crew too. I really like Shallan too, i also find her enjoyable to read. There's just this tiny thing that keeps her from being in my top ten and that's because i find her unreliable. Like she feels like a big liability in the story because she doesn't feel like she's on our side completely? So i guess in conclusion: The characters i'd die for, no questions asked: Kaladin, Raoden, Taln (can't wait for his book as well), Adolin. Characters i'd die for, some questions asked: Hoid, Kelsier, Dalinar, Szeth, Vin.
Sarene *was* Elantris!! Raoden and Hrathen were busy having religion struggles and Sarene was doing the plot for most of that book! And I’m saying this as someone who loves all three of the POV characters (though Galladon, Karata, and Sarene’s crew deserve all the love, too) ^_^
@@Nortarachanges I felt like that too! Homegirl went to marry a dead prince and dethroned the whole country 2 times in span of 2 months. I think she is one of my favorite female characters ever, she is so good! Her chapters were an absolute delight. I love Raoden too, the second he stepped into Elantris i was just so ready for him to adopt everyone in there and change their ways. He is like a mixture of Kaladin and Adolin that's just right.👌 Also Galladon is like my spirit animal.
@@zynpkrdg Galladon is sooo good!! The way he loves Raoden and makes him stronger while also checking him any time he thinks Raoden needs it. Truly the best friend anyone could ask for ^_^
I think Vin will always be my personal favorite Cosmere character. She was my introduction to the Cosmere, and was probably the first one where I really felt "seen." I could relate to her anxieties, insecurities, and traumas, because a lot of them are mine; and it was amazing to see her grow and struggle through them, and ultimately transcend them. (Minus the war crimes and tyrannical husband, but you know, you make mistakes when you're young.)
Interesting! The way you see yourself in Spensa/Vin/Lift is the same way I see myself in Shallan. On so many layers of who she is as a person, I deeply relate to Shallan. That coupled with her amazing story is what makes her my favorite cosmere character. My other favorites are Vin, Kaladin, Hoid, Sazed, Wayne, Navani, Elend, Adolin, and Steris. Honorable mentions for bridge four and Taravangian. Loved the video :)
Loved hearing your reasoning behind why each character made the list! Also kinda funny hearing your little rant about Shallan as she's the top of my list for similar reasons Spensa/Vin/Lift are for you haha Personally her severe impostor syndrome, feeling like she needs to be someone else to be worthy (which manifests in me as being a massive people pleaser) and her general awkwardness are things I struggle with, and I find her to be quite endearing and relatable because of it. Also, as someone doing a PhD in wildlife conservation/ecology her interest in natural history and her introduction with the skyeel made her an instant fave But my top 10, in no particular order except for Shallan: Shallan Vin Sazed Tensoon Adolin Siri Vivienne Dalinar Kaladin Tress
So glad you mentioned the Shallan - Pattern dilemma. I tried telling my friends why I hate Shallan’s mannerisms (they all love her), and they genuinely didn’t understand. I feel validated
Haven't read all of the Cosmere yet, mostly Mistborn Era 1 and all of Stormlight, but to date it's clearly Kelsier. Amazed me from page one, the guy did.
A top 10 cosmere list sounds easy until you try 🤣 I think that mine are: 1. Kal 2. Dalinar 3. Kelsier 4. Sazed 5. Lightsong 6. Vin 7. Adolin 8. Wayne 9. Wax/Steris 10. Hrathen
My 10 favorites list (in no particular order): Shai (The Emperor's Soul) -- love the way this imaginative, creative heroine is written Silence (Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell) Navani (The Stormlight Archive) Rock (The Stormlight Archive) -- love that he makes your list! Kaladin (The Stormlight Archive) Steris (Mistborn Era 2) Hrathen (Elantris) Syl (The Stormlight Archive) Rysn (The Stormlight Archive) Teft (The Stormlight Archive) Yes, I'm pretty biased in favor of the Stormlight characters. Even my runners-up are mostly Stormlight characters.
1. Vin 2. Kaladin 3. Kelsier 4. Hoid 5. Jasnah 6. Lift 7. Rysn 8. Tensoon 9. Adolin 10. Taravangian Honorable mentions: I really really love the Parshendi we get to know-Eshonai, Venli, and Raboniel.
I think Lightweavers have this "power" as part of their combined surgebindings is they make people more agreeable to them. We see this a lot in Shallan's journey through Words. Which would also explain Merphy's thing about people always telling Shallan she is so smart. When it's her combined surges are making people more open to her instead of her actually being that witty.
I have always loved Eland. I love a broken character as much as anyone, but in modern fantasy it sometimes feels like it is all about who can write the most broken character possible, and so having a genuinely good character is a breath of fresh air. Additionally, I love his character development of learning the balance behind ideal goodness and practical, necessary leadership in order to do the most good. It has always resonated with me
My pretty basic top 10 Cosmere characters: (loosely in order) 1. Jasnah 2. Kaladin 3. Wit / Hoid 4. Kelseir 5. Rock 6. Vin 7. Light song 8. Szeth 9. Pattern 10. Marasi Honorable mentions because I'm far too undecisive to narrow it down to 10... Lopen, Hesina, Wayne, Axies the collector, MeLaan, Shallan, Syl, I am a Stick, Eshonai, Steris, Rabonial, and Jenet the horse girl
I'm glad you included Rock! The scene where he "skipped across the battlefield," only to call it "it manly dance" was easily my most laugh out loud moment of anything in the Cosmere. This is a hard list to make!
Dalinar is my favorite character in all the Cosmere. Has he always made the right decisions? Obviously not. But his backstory was by far the most interesting for me. I do have to say, Warbreaker has some of my favorite characters in the Cosmere. That was one of those where, about halfway through, I started to get apprehensive because I knew at least one of the characters we had been introduced to would be bad, and I loved every single character we had met.
The top 10 Cosmere Characters for me (with my own cheat) are: 1) Kaladin 2) Sazed 3) Vin 4) Hoid 5) Lightsong 6) Raoden 7) Adolin Kholin & Dalinar Kholin 8) Tress 9) TenSoon 10) Jasnah Kholin Honorable Mentions (in no particular order) Taravangian, Raboniel, Navani Kholin, Marasi Colms, Marsh, Vasher, Wax, Shallan Davar, Kelsier, Szeth I’m fascinated by and drawn to complex and flawed characters who could be defined as having a lot of heart (defined as, but not limited to: empathetic, inspirational, determined, unyielding, passionate, and caring).
My Top 10 Cosmere Characters: 1. Lightsong 2. Dalinar 3. Teft 4. Kaladin 5. Elend 6. Sazed 7. Adolin 8. Vasher 9. Szeth 10. Renarin (I could honestly include any of them! I also love Navani, Steris, Shai, and Marsh)
1. Sazed 2. Moash (in book 2-Sanderson did him dirty in books 3-4) 3. Kelcier 4. Jasnah 5. Sadeas (love to hate him) 6. Eshonai 7. Kaladin 8. Szeth 9. Vin 10. Pattern
Jasnah is a anomaly but I think she's gonna have her "Robin moment"(One Piece). There seems to he something underlying as to why Jasnah acts the way she does and I think once she becomes vulnerable she'll become a fan favorite. Elend from Mistborn is very underrated IMO
Damn I love Spensa but for very different reasons. I like her being the underdog and also her drawing strength and inspiration from hero tales of old is just so much fun. And her interactions with the other pilots is great. And yeah also her opening up to them over a period of time. Ah man love a lot of the other picks as well. Navani is absolute best girl. Happy she gets some love. She will actually move Roshar forward, same as for masari, which is also one of my favorite. And also cant wait for Jasnah's backstories. One character seriously misses tho... where the fuck is Wayne!!
I honestly think Vivenna is high up on my list. The way she's characterised in the beginning vs how naive she proves to be felt very realistic. Though I think her homeless stint was a bit much in the way it was described. Also Wayne. The moments after Wax's "death" immediately shot him up the list. That quick peak into his brain and how he sees the world and humans.
I think Shallan and Pattern are made exactly as they are intended. I agree with you on her personality, and that's how she (I feel) is meant to be. Almost embody the rich/entitled/arrogant/stuck up/etc type of personas we witness in our culture. With Pattern providing the contrast.
I identified so hard with Shallan in book 1: scholar, artist, girl trying to find her own way in the great big world (I was a freshman in college out of state when I first read WoK), but it was really hard for me when we began to see the depths of her struggles, as I felt I couldn’t identify with her in the same way anymore. But with the incredible cast of characters in stormlight, I will always be able to see glimpses of myself and relate to other characters (and their struggles) in different ways, and I am still incredibly interested in how Shallan’s story continues to play out. Thanks for the fun and thoughtful video!
I would say as of right now (meaning I have only read Mistborn era 1 and 2 (and the other Mistborn stories) and Stormlight 1-3) my top 10 would be: Kaladin, Kelsier, Vin, Shallan, Sazed, Zane, Hoid, Wayne, Spook, Ruin or Odium or Taravangian.
I think Hrathen from Elantris is super underrated. He's very complex and while Sanderson's character work was still rough around the edges in his early works, I think Hrathen is the perfect morally-grey character!
I love Hrathen soooo much!! *spoilers for Elantris* “My problem is with Wyrn, not God” and “nothing about me is for show” had me actually cheering! Like he had so many insecurities and wonky priorities, but I believe him coming around at the end. Sorry I reread Elantris recently, and I’m all keyed up about him ^_^
Have to agree about putting Lyft at the top of this list! She is so fun and adorable. And her own strange brand of vulnerability that pretends to be a hard outer shell is such an interesting characteristic.
I wholeheartedly agree with your discussion of Shallan and Pattern. Shallan is insufferable and her "wit" almost invariably falls flat. The one exception is when she tells Adolin he's not as brave as the men who clean his suit. That made me laugh out loud.
Haven't read any more than Stormlight Archive and first two mistborn books so Im limited, but. 10 Vin 9 Navani 8 Ham 7 Szeth 6 Composite Shallan 5 Adolin 4 Kelsier 3 Breeze 2 Kaladin 1 Dalinar
I dunno, Kaladin is pretty well-written, but the problem is that everytime I read a chapter of his, I always end up feeling really sad for the absolute hell that is his life, to the point where I actually dread reading his chapters. (I'm so early in The Way of Kings, I'm about to end part 1, I just wish this guy could get a small victory already.) (And I also wish people warned me of how dark stuff surrounding Kaladin got before recommending me this book.)
1. Vin 2. Dalinar 3. Jasnah 4. Lightsong 5. Raboniel 6. Hoid 7. Kelsier 8. Tensoon 9. Vasher 10. Adolin I keep changing the order and reordering but that’s somewhat correct for me. Lol it’s so hard
Great list! Here’s mine I think, based mostly of whose perspective I get most excited about… 1. Wit 2. Taravangian 3. Renarin 4. Jasna 5. Kelsior 6. Szeth 7. Kaladin 8. Dalinar 9. Narvani (mostly because of RoW) 10. Rysn
Murphy you are correct about Shallon. She isn't witty. But she is clever! The scene of her in the bookstore. The way she utterly crushes the ego of the condescending store owner is epic! Not witty, but devilishly clever!
My personal ten faves 1) Kaladin, 2) Steris (yes, Steris), 3) Vin, 4) Tress, 5) Sazed, 6) Kelsier, 7) Vivenna, 8) Dalinar, 9) Silence (minor character, but her story was so good, 10) Taravangian Elend Venture was teenage me.
I felt the same way about shallan for the first few chapters. Her personality grew on me really fast though. Even rereading those first few chapters is really enjoyable for me now.
Kaladin has to be my number 1 just because his struggles, outlook, and experience of the world are just so similar to my own. Take out all of the war and slavery from it and that’s me. Never seen someone translate my experience to a page so directly.
I love basically all off Sandersons charcters but some of my favorite are: Hoid, Wayne, Vasher/Nightblood, Vin, Breeze, Renarin and Bridge 4 (can't pick one but Rock and Lopen are up there)
I know my Top 3 are Shallan, Lightsong and Shai. I never thought of Top 10 but I will figure it as I write the comment - so from 4th to 10th its gonna be Adolin, Sazed, Tindwyl, Marasi, Tensoon, Nightblood and Szeth.
Oooooo, thanks for throwing in some Shalan shade, especially in the last few books where she is a hot mess and no one seems to be calling her out for that. Pattern is a fantastic character to add to your list!
The Lord Ruler from Mistborn was fascinating, especially in retrospect as the following books gave context for his actions. This is probably more for reasons particular to my taste, as I personally really enjoy it when the author can shift your view on a character (or even a concept) in a way which feels natural and intriguing, like a puzzle piece clicking into place that reveals a hidden whole (Knights of the Old Republic II has a similar dynamic with Revan and the Force).
Not sure about the order, but Spensa, Wayne, Hoid, Marasi, Navani, Jasnah, Pattern, Lopen, Steris and Sarene. On the top of my head, but there are so many characters I might forget some that I would put in here in stead of others.
100% agree on Shallan Insufferable. What I think is happening, and I would love someone to ask Brandon this, is that he is trying to show us how boring, dry and proper their society is using Shallans "wit". There are people who are far funnier and wittier than her, but they keep it to themselves, so when she comes out with her one liners everyone says it is witty because they can't punch her. And because of her need for affirmation she thinks she is witty.
Honestly maybe I should have made it a top 20 list, this was way too hard and I feel bad for those that got left out
Secret Project #2 Spoiler Free Video is already live on the second channel! Link in the Description.
Don't forget to check out the Legends and Lattes Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/wraithmarked/legends-and-lattes-limited-pin-collection
Up next is Murphy’s least favorite cosmere characters. 4 of which are Shallan
She's my favorite cosmere character! I see these comments all the time and it's always a knife to the heart! 😂
@@rebeccaroy3751 I hated her until the very end of TWoK when she finally caught my attention. WoR made her a favorite.
I love Shallan so much haha
I love Shallan, but this joke is good...
I love her too! Don’t get it why everyone seems to hate her. Especially as I relate a lot to her. A friend once said her Humor is so much like mine and then I found out that almost everyone thinks her humor is cringe x_x at least I am only one person I guess and not four
My favorite is Syl, no question. She's just so adorably ignorant in the beginning but then as the books go on she becomes such an integral part of keeping Kaladin on track. Absolutely LOVE her.
I'm surprised to see no mention in the comments or video on Sazed. I loved his character arc so much.
I know, i love Sazed so much.
Sazed is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever read, definitely tops my favorite Sanderson characters list.
CERTIFIED CHAD
I've currently only read Mistborn era 1 and Elantris, but Sazed is easily my favorite, hands down. Ore seur is a close second though.
Sazed is my favorite Mistborn character and for sure one of the best cosmere ones
I think Dalinar is to men what Vin/Lift/Spensa is to you. He's a husband and father who failed but refuses to lie down and quit completely. "Each time I fall, I will rise a better man." He's 110% my most inspirational Cosmere character.
Also, I think my top ten would go something like this:
1. Dalinar
2. Taravangian
3. Kelsier
4. Hoid
5. Kaladin
6. Vin
7. Jasnah
8. Navani
9. Sazed
10. Hrathen
I love Pattern. I don't feel like he gets talked about enough. He's hilarious without trying to be funny. He's just precious.
100%. is why i got him tattooed
NO MATING
Yess! And other sprens are pretty cool too, the one who used to be a Gardener is also pretty hilariois and relatable
Pattern is a goody!!!
he's adorable :)
Shallan is my favorite and who I relate to the most and I. Am. WOUNDED. 😂
After that in no particular order, Vin, Kelsier, Breeze, Marasi, Wayne, Navani, Jasnah, Kiin, and Lightsong.
Kelsier, Vasher, Kaladin, and Hoid are always warring for some of my favorite book characters of all time
1 Kaladin 2. Sazed 3. Vivenna 4. Ten Soon are my favorites!
Jasnah is one of those characters that I love in fiction, but would rather die than be around in real life.
If you disagree with her strongly enough she'd kill you anyways.
Perfect way to describe her, haha.
I know a Jasnah in real life 😂
Um why? Id love to know someone like her irl 😂
I feel this way about Wayne from Mistborn. Hilarious character but he would drive me MAD if he were a real life person.
I'd also like to add that I feel Lightsong and Nightblood deserve more placements on these type of lists!
Yes! Light song was such a great character
I love Lightsong, but he’s tied with Scoot for fav from Warbreaker. Their convos are the best ^_^
Lightsong was easily the was compelling Sanderson character.
@@Nortarachanges That duo have some of *the* funniest and thought provoking and silliest and most philosophical conversations. Blushweaver comes in an exceedingly close 3rd. All 3 refuse their respective pigeonholes in the most unexpected ways and ... Lightsong steals every scene he's a part of. He can't help having easily one of the funniest character concepts going. But it helped tremendously to have those two foils to play into.
@@peterdavis7557 oh all three are amazing! Yes Lightsong is such an interesting character!! But *spoilers for Warbreaker*
Priest who kind of stopped believing in his gods gets his faith back because he believes so much in his brother, a new god, is just sooooo cool to me. And I aspire to that man’s kindness and patience! XD
Lift is such an underrated and underappreciated character.
My guess is people are just jealous of how awesome she is.
She's basically an anime protagonist.
Wayne.
He's the one.
Every letter written about him makes me cry with tears of gratitude (to the author). It's lake you finaly find something/someone really yours.
He's my boy, my laughter, my tears, my admiration. My everything. It's cathartic experience to read and reread about him. I've never felt anything like this about any literature character in my whole life.
His incredibly amazing and amazingly incredible.
Yes, I'm blabbering
What did you think about The Lost Metal's ending?
@@abdulaziz203 It broke my heart. I cried my eyes out so my husband had to comfort me.
But at the same time I think it's the most suitable ending. And incredibly beautiful with all those stars, wind and all endless things
My top ten in no particular order:
1. Lightsong
2. Szeth
3. Nightblood
4. Kaladin
5. Vin
6. Elend
7. Rock
8. Hoid
9. Vasher
10. Susebron
Your video has made want to jump into Stormlight. I had to take a break from reading the series after Oathbringer but I feel like it’s time to start Rhythm of War.
Yes you do. Soooo much changes and so much is explained
Lightsong ❤️❤️❤️ couldn't love that dude more!!!
Haha I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that felt it was warranted to take a break in between oathbringer and rhythm having just finished rhythm I have a feeling your list is gonna change pretty soon 😅
Just started the video, but if TenSoon isn't here I'm calling Mistborn slander
X2
I really wanted him & Vin to meet again.
Shoutout to Kate Reading, her performance of Pattern makes the character so memorable!
Foreal
Teft is easily one of the best characters in Cosmere.
Too soon
I was bracing for the Shallan slander 😔 and as expected , Merphy did not disappoint😂
Adolin would definitely make my top 10! I love him so much.
I think Szeth is one of the strongest characters. He unyieldingly adheres to his moral code to the cost of quite literally anything else.
Just curious, would you consider yourself a skybreaker?
@@MrDrakeSirlit Dustbringer, myself. You?
@@longshot9757 I think it was almost 50/50 between windrunner and edgedancer
Wayne is absolutely hysterical in every scene he is in. Especially in Bands of Mourning. His wit, his charm, never ceases to make me laugh out loud. My wife thought I was reading a straight comedy. So many great characters, but I adore Wayne.
I will never forget the hotel scene
I love the characters who show up in the story and you immediately feel relief, like the GOAT has arrived, my favorite characters are saved! Whether it’s because they’re very strong or really smart. Kaladin, Hoid, Jasnah, Vin, Kelsier, Vasher, Wax etc.
The fact that most likely we will get the backstory of Jasnah in book 10 of Stormlight kills my soul. I want to know MORE about her right now.
Book ten??!! Say it ain't so!
@@monkpato Yep, all the Stormlight books have a "leading" character. I think It is confirmed that Jasnah's book is the 10th.
Edit:
Here, by Brandon itself in a Q/A:
"Yes. Eshonai, book four. (Even though, you know...) Szeth is book five. Six is Lift. Seven is Renarin. Eight is Ash. Nine is Taln. Ten is Jasnah."
@@BlanckOne thank you and also yikes! >.
Hey, it means she probably survives!
Though I'm not actually sure what could kill her outside of one of those fancy daggers, or sword-nimi.
@@davidwilson6577
Not necessarily, Eshonai is book 4 and she's very dead haha
Dalinar and Hoid are my absolute favourites!
Thank you Merphy for being so diligent and helpful with making sure not to spoil anything for us! I've only read Mistborn Era 1 & 2 and am in the third Stormlight book and have only dabbled in Steelheart so far so your thoughtfulness is extremely appreciated ❤
I’ll be honest: Steris is the first character that has had the same problem I do about being super off-putting but trying so hard to be nice and good and yet failing to connect with people. The best part was watching the characters go through the realization the few people who have actually given the time to get to know me have gone through. I struggle with people, but I do try. Steris is the same. She seems abrasive at first and hides herself behind her rules and stipulations and I knew then she was just like me. The first page I read of her I was so happy: “Finally someone like me!”
I love Vin’s wolfhound so much that I literally started taking mental notes on why I liked him so much so that I could understand how to write my own compelling characters. I was determined to dislike him bc I do not like animal sidekicks, but he won me over so much. Amazing character.
10soon?!
Brandon sanderson animal like companion are one of the best I've seen TeenSoon, Syl and Pattern are an outstanding and charming characters.
Here's my Top10, and you were right, it was soooo hard to do...
Cheat Slot: Rand Al'Thor (what ?...)
10- Navani
9- Vin's Wolfhound
8- Breeze
7- Lift & Szeth
6- Hoid
5- Vin
4- Sazed
3- Wayne
2- Adolin
1- Dalinar
I've only read The Stormlight Archive, Elantris and The Final Empire so here's my list:
1-Kaladin (obviously, he is one of my favorite characters of all time, in any medium of fiction. I would follow him into a bridgerun and he is signlehandedly the reason why i'm getting through biology in school rn. As i look into muscles and bones to memorise stuff i have to constantly remind myself that Kaladin did the same.)
2-Syl (again, obviously, although i don't know why i love her so much, it just feels like she and Kaladin shouldn't be seperated. Also her loyalty to Kaladin plays a big part in it. "Kaladin wasn't just some human, she'd chosen him out of millions and millions of people." Cue me crying.)
3- Kelsier (he was the star of The Final Empire and his relationship with Vin is one of my favorites. He was such a delight to read about even at his very extremes and he could eat all the nobles as a 3 course meal for all i care, i'd be there with my pompoms to cheer.)
4- Dalinar (this. character. ugh. I am not only fascinated by his story, i actually love him, because he is a very different kind of strong, but to change the way he did, he is very strong. It was so sad to read his story, but also i knew he had it coming, it was his punishment for the horrible things he did, and his wife too, she also had it coming in a tiny twisted way, but i believe she deserved much better nonetheless.)
5- Pattern (i love cryptics and i need a cryptic in my life.)
6- Adolin (he shined in the rhythm of war, his role in this story is one of the most important and i think i'd be most eager to have him in my life.
7- Szeth (the way i am so sure he will go up next to syl after book 5.)
8- Sarene (she is SO RELATABLE. I related to her so bad. I love her so much. Her chapters were amazing. Her group of noblemen were the most enjoyable part of that book. Raoden and Sarene are such a power couple.)
9- Hoid (i felt like he shouldn't be so up in the list because we don't know about him like we do the other characters. But the way i'd also be going down with you because of the blimd trust i put in this man.)
10- Jasnah and Navani together here. I really agree with everything you said about them. We won't be agreeing with anyone's actions 100% in our lives, but that doesn't matter especially when it comes to fictional characters. I find these two to be similar to myself in some senses, and i like people similar to myself. But they are mostly characters that i really appreciate, enjoy, and in some senses, try to be like in a way. Because i'm also into STEM etc. I am glad sanderson wrote both of them, i canNOT wait for a Jasnah book. It might be useful to remember sometimes that these _are_ fictional characters and we love them as that. We love them nonetheless haha. Anyway I think Jasnah and Navani are special.
Honorable Mentions:
DEFINITELLY Lift and Wyndle. The Lopen, Teft and Rock all also deserve a place here. The delightful crew of Kelsier and Vin, i love Vin. Raoden and Hrathen, Hrathen's chapters were so funny to me for a big chunk of Elantris, i was living for his overconfidence. Sarene's noblemen crew too. I really like Shallan too, i also find her enjoyable to read. There's just this tiny thing that keeps her from being in my top ten and that's because i find her unreliable. Like she feels like a big liability in the story because she doesn't feel like she's on our side completely?
So i guess in conclusion:
The characters i'd die for, no questions asked:
Kaladin, Raoden, Taln (can't wait for his book as well), Adolin.
Characters i'd die for, some questions asked:
Hoid, Kelsier, Dalinar, Szeth, Vin.
Sarene *was* Elantris!! Raoden and Hrathen were busy having religion struggles and Sarene was doing the plot for most of that book! And I’m saying this as someone who loves all three of the POV characters (though Galladon, Karata, and Sarene’s crew deserve all the love, too) ^_^
@@Nortarachanges I felt like that too! Homegirl went to marry a dead prince and dethroned the whole country 2 times in span of 2 months. I think she is one of my favorite female characters ever, she is so good! Her chapters were an absolute delight. I love Raoden too, the second he stepped into Elantris i was just so ready for him to adopt everyone in there and change their ways. He is like a mixture of Kaladin and Adolin that's just right.👌 Also Galladon is like my spirit animal.
@@zynpkrdg Galladon is sooo good!! The way he loves Raoden and makes him stronger while also checking him any time he thinks Raoden needs it. Truly the best friend anyone could ask for ^_^
I think Vin will always be my personal favorite Cosmere character. She was my introduction to the Cosmere, and was probably the first one where I really felt "seen." I could relate to her anxieties, insecurities, and traumas, because a lot of them are mine; and it was amazing to see her grow and struggle through them, and ultimately transcend them.
(Minus the war crimes and tyrannical husband, but you know, you make mistakes when you're young.)
Am I the only person on the planet who actually likes Elend 😭
Interesting! The way you see yourself in Spensa/Vin/Lift is the same way I see myself in Shallan. On so many layers of who she is as a person, I deeply relate to Shallan. That coupled with her amazing story is what makes her my favorite cosmere character. My other favorites are Vin, Kaladin, Hoid, Sazed, Wayne, Navani, Elend, Adolin, and Steris. Honorable mentions for bridge four and Taravangian. Loved the video :)
Agreed with everything pattern. “SHALLAN! nooooooooo mating!” Especially the audiobooks make me laugh so hard in that scene
Loved hearing your reasoning behind why each character made the list! Also kinda funny hearing your little rant about Shallan as she's the top of my list for similar reasons Spensa/Vin/Lift are for you haha
Personally her severe impostor syndrome, feeling like she needs to be someone else to be worthy (which manifests in me as being a massive people pleaser) and her general awkwardness are things I struggle with, and I find her to be quite endearing and relatable because of it. Also, as someone doing a PhD in wildlife conservation/ecology her interest in natural history and her introduction with the skyeel made her an instant fave
But my top 10, in no particular order except for Shallan:
Shallan
Vin
Sazed
Tensoon
Adolin
Siri
Vivienne
Dalinar
Kaladin
Tress
Also the *wolfhound* is by far the reason the well of ascension is such a compelling book
"You could be fire"
- Shallan/Pattern/Dalinar probably
Top 10 list:
1) Shallan
2) Cephandrius
3) Dalinar
4) Jasnah
5) Navani
6) Vin
7) Kaladin
8) Steris
9) Szeth
10) Elend
So glad you mentioned the Shallan - Pattern dilemma. I tried telling my friends why I hate Shallan’s mannerisms (they all love her), and they genuinely didn’t understand. I feel validated
Haven't read all of the Cosmere yet, mostly Mistborn Era 1 and all of Stormlight, but to date it's clearly Kelsier. Amazed me from page one, the guy did.
same, he's unforgettable
A top 10 cosmere list sounds easy until you try 🤣 I think that mine are:
1. Kal
2. Dalinar
3. Kelsier
4. Sazed
5. Lightsong
6. Vin
7. Adolin
8. Wayne
9. Wax/Steris
10. Hrathen
My 10 favorites list (in no particular order):
Shai (The Emperor's Soul) -- love the way this imaginative, creative heroine is written
Silence (Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell)
Navani (The Stormlight Archive)
Rock (The Stormlight Archive) -- love that he makes your list!
Kaladin (The Stormlight Archive)
Steris (Mistborn Era 2)
Hrathen (Elantris)
Syl (The Stormlight Archive)
Rysn (The Stormlight Archive)
Teft (The Stormlight Archive)
Yes, I'm pretty biased in favor of the Stormlight characters. Even my runners-up are mostly Stormlight characters.
Vin and Kelsier are not just my favorite cosmere characters, they are in my top 5 of all time from anywhere.
1. Vin
2. Kaladin
3. Kelsier
4. Hoid
5. Jasnah
6. Lift
7. Rysn
8. Tensoon
9. Adolin
10. Taravangian
Honorable mentions: I really really love the Parshendi we get to know-Eshonai, Venli, and Raboniel.
We know everyone's favorite Stormlight character: Moash, of course
I think Lightweavers have this "power" as part of their combined surgebindings is they make people more agreeable to them. We see this a lot in Shallan's journey through Words. Which would also explain Merphy's thing about people always telling Shallan she is so smart. When it's her combined surges are making people more open to her instead of her actually being that witty.
I have always loved Eland. I love a broken character as much as anyone, but in modern fantasy it sometimes feels like it is all about who can write the most broken character possible, and so having a genuinely good character is a breath of fresh air. Additionally, I love his character development of learning the balance behind ideal goodness and practical, necessary leadership in order to do the most good. It has always resonated with me
My top 10:
10) Kaladin
9) Hrathen
8) Vasher
7) Jasnah
6) Lightsong
5) Vivenna
4) Khrissala
3) Hoid
2) Sazed (Harmony)
1) Vin
My pretty basic top 10 Cosmere characters: (loosely in order)
1. Jasnah
2. Kaladin
3. Wit / Hoid
4. Kelseir
5. Rock
6. Vin
7. Light song
8. Szeth
9. Pattern
10. Marasi
Honorable mentions because I'm far too undecisive to narrow it down to 10...
Lopen, Hesina, Wayne, Axies the collector, MeLaan, Shallan, Syl, I am a Stick, Eshonai, Steris, Rabonial, and Jenet the horse girl
I'm glad you included Rock! The scene where he "skipped across the battlefield," only to call it "it manly dance" was easily my most laugh out loud moment of anything in the Cosmere. This is a hard list to make!
Dalinar is my favorite character in all the Cosmere. Has he always made the right decisions? Obviously not. But his backstory was by far the most interesting for me.
I do have to say, Warbreaker has some of my favorite characters in the Cosmere. That was one of those where, about halfway through, I started to get apprehensive because I knew at least one of the characters we had been introduced to would be bad, and I loved every single character we had met.
I love your opinions!
I haven't read all of Cosmere books yet, but here's my top 5:
Kaladin
Vin
Kelsier
TenSoon
Tress
The top 10 Cosmere Characters for me (with my own cheat) are:
1) Kaladin
2) Sazed
3) Vin
4) Hoid
5) Lightsong
6) Raoden
7) Adolin Kholin & Dalinar Kholin
8) Tress
9) TenSoon
10) Jasnah Kholin
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Taravangian, Raboniel, Navani Kholin, Marasi Colms, Marsh, Vasher, Wax, Shallan Davar, Kelsier, Szeth
I’m fascinated by and drawn to complex and flawed characters who could be defined as having a lot of heart (defined as, but not limited to: empathetic, inspirational, determined, unyielding, passionate, and caring).
My Top 10 Cosmere Characters:
1. Lightsong
2. Dalinar
3. Teft
4. Kaladin
5. Elend
6. Sazed
7. Adolin
8. Vasher
9. Szeth
10. Renarin
(I could honestly include any of them! I also love Navani, Steris, Shai, and Marsh)
1. Sazed 2. Moash (in book 2-Sanderson did him dirty in books 3-4) 3. Kelcier 4. Jasnah 5. Sadeas (love to hate him) 6. Eshonai 7. Kaladin 8. Szeth 9. Vin 10. Pattern
Jasnah is a anomaly but I think she's gonna have her "Robin moment"(One Piece).
There seems to he something underlying as to why Jasnah acts the way she does and I think once she becomes vulnerable she'll become a fan favorite.
Elend from Mistborn is very underrated IMO
My list:
1. Dalinar
2. Hoid
3. Jasnah
4. Sazed
5. Taravangian
6. Kaladin
7. Vin
8. TenSoon
9. Navani
10. Kelsier
Honorable mentions:
Vivenna, Vasher, Lightsong, and Steris
Can I just put the entirety of Bridge 4 in one spot? That'd be great xD
Damn I love Spensa but for very different reasons. I like her being the underdog and also her drawing strength and inspiration from hero tales of old is just so much fun. And her interactions with the other pilots is great. And yeah also her opening up to them over a period of time.
Ah man love a lot of the other picks as well. Navani is absolute best girl. Happy she gets some love. She will actually move Roshar forward, same as for masari, which is also one of my favorite. And also cant wait for Jasnah's backstories.
One character seriously misses tho... where the fuck is Wayne!!
I honestly think Vivenna is high up on my list. The way she's characterised in the beginning vs how naive she proves to be felt very realistic. Though I think her homeless stint was a bit much in the way it was described.
Also Wayne. The moments after Wax's "death" immediately shot him up the list. That quick peak into his brain and how he sees the world and humans.
I think Shallan and Pattern are made exactly as they are intended.
I agree with you on her personality, and that's how she (I feel) is meant to be.
Almost embody the rich/entitled/arrogant/stuck up/etc type of personas we witness in our culture.
With Pattern providing the contrast.
I identified so hard with Shallan in book 1: scholar, artist, girl trying to find her own way in the great big world (I was a freshman in college out of state when I first read WoK), but it was really hard for me when we began to see the depths of her struggles, as I felt I couldn’t identify with her in the same way anymore. But with the incredible cast of characters in stormlight, I will always be able to see glimpses of myself and relate to other characters (and their struggles) in different ways, and I am still incredibly interested in how Shallan’s story continues to play out. Thanks for the fun and thoughtful video!
I would say as of right now (meaning I have only read Mistborn era 1 and 2 (and the other Mistborn stories) and Stormlight 1-3) my top 10 would be: Kaladin, Kelsier, Vin, Shallan, Sazed, Zane, Hoid, Wayne, Spook, Ruin or Odium or Taravangian.
I think Hrathen from Elantris is super underrated. He's very complex and while Sanderson's character work was still rough around the edges in his early works, I think Hrathen is the perfect morally-grey character!
I feel like everyone forgets about Hrathen but he's honestly the best character in Elantris.
I love Hrathen soooo much!! *spoilers for Elantris*
“My problem is with Wyrn, not God” and “nothing about me is for show” had me actually cheering! Like he had so many insecurities and wonky priorities, but I believe him coming around at the end. Sorry I reread Elantris recently, and I’m all keyed up about him ^_^
Alright, I've followed you since the one piece thing, but in the last three months I've read all of cosmere, so I'm here for this now
Have to agree about putting Lyft at the top of this list! She is so fun and adorable. And her own strange brand of vulnerability that pretends to be a hard outer shell is such an interesting characteristic.
Top 10:
10. Steris (Mistborn)
9. Vasher (Warbreaker)
8. Dalinar (Stormlight)
7. Kelsier (Mistborn)
6. Wax (Mistborn)
5. Szeth (Stormlight)
4. Shai (Emperor's Soul)
3. Vin (Mistborn)
2. Sazed (Mistborn)
1. Lift (Stormlight)
I wholeheartedly agree with your discussion of Shallan and Pattern. Shallan is insufferable and her "wit" almost invariably falls flat. The one exception is when she tells Adolin he's not as brave as the men who clean his suit. That made me laugh out loud.
Haven't read any more than Stormlight Archive and first two mistborn books so Im limited, but.
10 Vin
9 Navani
8 Ham
7 Szeth
6 Composite Shallan
5 Adolin
4 Kelsier
3 Breeze
2 Kaladin
1 Dalinar
Thanks for making these videos, Merphy. Your takes on the cosmere are very interesting.
All the best 💙
I need a transcript of the rant on Shallan to put on my wall to help power through all the Shallan chapters. Also Dalinar would be number 1 for me :)
I dunno, Kaladin is pretty well-written, but the problem is that everytime I read a chapter of his, I always end up feeling really sad for the absolute hell that is his life, to the point where I actually dread reading his chapters.
(I'm so early in The Way of Kings, I'm about to end part 1, I just wish this guy could get a small victory already.)
(And I also wish people warned me of how dark stuff surrounding Kaladin got before recommending me this book.)
Top 5 for me: Vin, Vin, Vin, Vin and Vin
1. Vin
2. Dalinar
3. Jasnah
4. Lightsong
5. Raboniel
6. Hoid
7. Kelsier
8. Tensoon
9. Vasher
10. Adolin
I keep changing the order and reordering but that’s somewhat correct for me. Lol it’s so hard
Great list! Here’s mine I think, based mostly of whose perspective I get most excited about…
1. Wit
2. Taravangian
3. Renarin
4. Jasna
5. Kelsior
6. Szeth
7. Kaladin
8. Dalinar
9. Narvani (mostly because of RoW)
10. Rysn
Murphy you are correct about Shallon. She isn't witty. But she is clever! The scene of her in the bookstore. The way she utterly crushes the ego of the condescending store owner is epic! Not witty, but devilishly clever!
My personal ten faves 1) Kaladin, 2) Steris (yes, Steris), 3) Vin, 4) Tress, 5) Sazed, 6) Kelsier, 7) Vivenna, 8) Dalinar, 9) Silence (minor character, but her story was so good, 10) Taravangian
Elend Venture was teenage me.
My boy Adolin needs some love.
I felt the same way about shallan for the first few chapters. Her personality grew on me really fast though. Even rereading those first few chapters is really enjoyable for me now.
Kaladin has to be my number 1 just because his struggles, outlook, and experience of the world are just so similar to my own. Take out all of the war and slavery from it and that’s me. Never seen someone translate my experience to a page so directly.
In no particular order:
1. Hoid
2. Shallan
3. Navani
4. Sazed
5. Vivenna
6. Vasher
7. Rock and Lopen
8. Vin
9. OreSeur
10. Taravangian
I love basically all off Sandersons charcters but some of my favorite are:
Hoid, Wayne, Vasher/Nightblood, Vin, Breeze, Renarin and Bridge 4 (can't pick one but Rock and Lopen are up there)
In no specific order, my favorites are Kaladin, Sazed, Ten Soon, Marsh, Navani, Jasnah, Renarin, Hoid, Teft, and either Rock or Lopen or Szeth lol
Not murphy dragging my fav character😭😭 (shallan) haha alls good tho🥲
I don't know if you will see this I just wanted to thank you. You got me into reading the Mistborn books.
1. Dalinar
2. Kaladin
3. Vin
4. Elend
5. Vasher
6. Kelsier
7. Navani
8. Taravangian
9. Hoid
10. Sazed
I know my Top 3 are Shallan, Lightsong and Shai. I never thought of Top 10 but I will figure it as I write the comment - so from 4th to 10th its gonna be Adolin, Sazed, Tindwyl, Marasi, Tensoon, Nightblood and Szeth.
Oooooo, thanks for throwing in some Shalan shade, especially in the last few books where she is a hot mess and no one seems to be calling her out for that. Pattern is a fantastic character to add to your list!
I relate so much to your point on Shallan. I don’t like her either but she has a great story. Luckily we have Pattern.
I really like reading Wayne. I enjoy his logic and train of thought.
The Lord Ruler from Mistborn was fascinating, especially in retrospect as the following books gave context for his actions. This is probably more for reasons particular to my taste, as I personally really enjoy it when the author can shift your view on a character (or even a concept) in a way which feels natural and intriguing, like a puzzle piece clicking into place that reveals a hidden whole (Knights of the Old Republic II has a similar dynamic with Revan and the Force).
Oh man, this is hard. Lightsong is definitely on my top 10. Sazed, just for his character arc in the second half of the Well of Ascension alone
Not sure about the order, but Spensa, Wayne, Hoid, Marasi, Navani, Jasnah, Pattern, Lopen, Steris and Sarene. On the top of my head, but there are so many characters I might forget some that I would put in here in stead of others.
my faves are hoid and kal and DALINAR. dalinar is SO COOL. can we TAKE A SECOND
I enjoyed serect project 2. Looking forward to you talking about it!
100% agree on the Shallan take.
Also, I think Hrathen is a great character that I don't see mentioned a lot here.
I need more representation for my man Spook
1 Kaladin
2 Dalinar
3 Hoid
4 Taravangian
5 Lightsong
6 Shallan
7 Szeth
8 Vin
9 Adolin
10 Vasher
My favorites are Lightsong, Szeth, Sazed, Nightblood, and Vin.
1. Lightsong
2. Kaladin (& Syl)
3. Adolin
4. Kelsier
5. Szeth
6. Wax/Wayne
7. Dalinar
8. Siri
9. Teft
10. Taravangian
100% agree on Shallan Insufferable. What I think is happening, and I would love someone to ask Brandon this, is that he is trying to show us how boring, dry and proper their society is using Shallans "wit". There are people who are far funnier and wittier than her, but they keep it to themselves, so when she comes out with her one liners everyone says it is witty because they can't punch her. And because of her need for affirmation she thinks she is witty.
All of the qualities you admire in Kaladin I think show through more with what he goes through in book 4
1. Kaladin
2. Syl
3. Rock
4. Vin