Fictional Characters of Arrogance: Who Emanates Confidence to the Extreme?

The question of which fictional character best embodies arrogance is a fascinating one, with a wide array of choices across various genres and mediums. From Disney’s animated classics to Shakespearean tragedies, certain characters have managed to stand out as archetypes of pride, self-importance, and superiority. Let us explore several such characters, each with their own unique brand of arrogance.

Characters of Arrogance in the Magic Kingdom

Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston from Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast is a prime example of an arrogant character. Gaston’s confidence borders on hubris, and his self-centeredness drives much of the plot of the film. He is convinced that he is the most attractive and capable man in the village, which leads to his dismissal of the Beast and his pursuit of Belle. This arrogance is a key element in the development of the story, pushing events in a direction that shapes both the plot and the characters’ growth.

The Bard’s Classic: Iago in Othello

In William Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago represents a different kind of arrogance. His cunning and manipulative nature, combined with a deep-seated belief in his superiority over others, make him a master of creating chaos and destruction. Iago’s arrogance is not just a display of confidence but a calculated strategy to take down those he believes to be beneath him. His relationships—especially with Othello—are fuelled by his superiority, often leading to disastrous consequences.

StarCraft 2: Alarak, Unparalleled in Arrogance

From the StarCraft 2 franchise, the character of Alarak stands out as a formidable expression of arrogance. In the games where he appears, the arrogance of Alarak is palpable. His use of language is dripping with arrogance, and his actions are marked by a belief that his words and power alone are enough to command respect and fear. Alarak’s arrogance is not just a trait; it is a central aspect of his character that drives the conflict and the narrative of the games.

The Dark Side of Arrogance: Star Wars’ Anakin Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine

In Star Wars, the choices for characters embodying arrogance are numerous. While Anakin Skywalker can be seen as embarking on a path of arrogance, it is more nuanced. His arrogance stems from a desire to save lives at all costs and an overestimation of his own capacity to control events. Emperor Palpatine, on the other hand, represents a more overt and malevolent form of arrogance. Palpatine’s ambition and manipulative nature are driven by an unwavering belief in his own superiority and the desire to rule with an iron fist. His power is based on the destruction of his enemies and the quieting of dissent through fear and control.

The Anime King of Arrogance: Gilgamesh from Fate/Grand Order

Gilgamesh, the character from the popular anime series Fate/Grand Order, is perhaps the epitome of arrogance. His arrogance is not just a trait but a fundamental aspect of his being. He addresses all living beings, from revered heroes to ordinary people, as 'mongrels' or 'curs'. He considers everything to be his property, from the earth to the future, and faces challenges with a sense of weariness and contempt. Gilgamesh’s arrogance is so intense that it borders on the absurd, making him a fascinating and fearsome character to behold.

Quotes from Gilgamesh

The arrogance of Gilgamesh is further illustrated in the following quotes:

“You would question me, you filthy mongrel. Me—the one true king. If you cannot discern my identity even in the presence of my magnificent glory then your ignorant blindness will seal your doom.”

“Fool… I belong among the heavens, and yet you would have me trod upon the ground. Your impudence has guaranteed your death! Mongrel! When I am through with you, nothing will remain of your corpse.”

“Mongrels though they may be, they are still figures of some slight renown. However, they are still worth less than a flea to me.”

These quotes reveal the depths of Gilgamesh’s arrogance and his unwavering belief in his superiority. His very presence exudes a sense of omnipotence and invincibility, making him a terrifying and awe-inspiring figure in the franchise.