Explore a comprehensive ranking of the most influential and powerful characters from Brandon Sanderson's vast Cosmere universe. Discover Shards, Heralds, Elantrians, and other beings with unique abilities who have shaped the destiny of multiple worlds. This list considers their plot impact, complex development, and resonance among the saga's fans. Dive into the debate about who the true pillars of this epic fantasy narrative are.
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Kelsier
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Natural leader
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Kelsier is a pivotal figure in the Cosmere, leading a rebellion that reshaped Scadrial's destiny and leaving a legacy that echoes through the ages. His complex personality, blending a thirst for revenge with the ability to inspire hope, makes him an unforgettable and profoundly influential character in Brandon Sanderson's universe.
Vin is a central character whose transformation from a vulnerable youth to a powerful Mistborn and the slayer of the Lord Ruler makes her a legendary figure. Her role in overthrowing tyranny and her subsequent veneration as the Ascendant Warrior establish her as one of the most influential personalities in Scadrial's history and, by extension, the Cosmere.
Kaladin is a pivotal character in the Cosmere due to his constant desire to help others and his unwavering sense of honor, which drives much of "The Stormlight Archive" narrative. His complex struggle with depression and his evolution from slave to leader and Knight Radiant resonate deeply with readers, showcasing significant character development and a lasting impact on Sanderson's universe.
Dalinar Kholin is a pivotal character whose evolution from a brutal warlord to a redeemed leader profoundly impacts the Cosmere narrative. His journey of accepting responsibility and striving for unity makes him a moral and strategic pillar for many other characters and factions. His influence extends through the events of "The Stormlight Archive" and beyond, drastically altering the Cosmere landscape.
Jasnah Kholin is a formidable scholar and one of the most powerful and influential figures in Roshar, wielding significant impact on Cosmere politics and knowledge. Her role as Queen of Alethkar and a Knight Radiant of the Elsecallers positions her as a key force in "The Stormlight Archive" narrative.
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Hoid
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Influences people who alter history
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Hoid is a pivotal figure in the Cosmere, whose presence and actions influence key events across multiple worlds and timelines. His extensive knowledge of Cosmere magic and history, coupled with his role as an observer and manipulator, makes him a constant catalyst for change and mystery within the narrative.
Vasher is a crucial character due to his deep connection with Cosmere magic, being able to use both Breaths and Stormlight, demonstrating unique versatility. His immortality and vast experience over centuries grant him a perspective and knowledge that directly influence key events and characters across multiple worlds.
Szeth-son-son-Vallano is a pivotal character whose trajectory directly impacts major events on Roshar and across the Cosmere. His role as the Assassin in White and subsequent evolution as a Radiant demonstrate profound influence on the narrative and the development of other key characters.
Susebron is a central figure in Nalthis's cosmology, embodying the power and tradition of the Returned. His existence and the ritual of Breaths that sustain him are fundamental to Hallandren's social and religious structure, directly influencing the lives of its inhabitants. His role as God King makes him a key character for understanding the magic and politics of the Cosmere.
The Lord Ruler is a pivotal figure in the Cosmere due to his millennium-long rule over Scadrial, which fundamentally shaped the planet's society, culture, and history. His actions, though tyrannical, were driven by a deep understanding of cosmic threats, making him a character with a lasting and complex impact on Brandon Sanderson's universe.
Can take on the form of someone as long as he has their bones
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TenSoon is a pivotal character in the Cosmere due to his moral evolution and impact on Scadrial's history. His decision to break his contract and aid Vin demonstrates agency and development that challenge his species' nature, directly influencing key events in Mistborn Era One and beyond.
Elend Venture is a pivotal character whose transformation from scholarly nobleman to emperor and Mistborn is critical to Scadrial's survival. His leadership and personal sacrifices, including giving up his own identity to save his world, demonstrate a profound influence on the Cosmere's destiny. He serves as an emotional anchor for Vin, enabling her to fulfill her crucial role in saving the day.
Lightsong is an influential character in the Cosmere due to his profound development and emotional impact on readers. His narrative arc, culminating in a significant sacrifice, explores themes of morality, duty, and self-discovery in a poignant and memorable way.
Shai is an exceptional Forger whose ability to rewrite the history of objects, and even souls, challenges perceptions of reality and identity within the Cosmere. Her personal journey and mastery of a unique form of magic on Sel establish her as a figure of profound philosophical and magical influence.
This ranking evaluates the influence of characters within Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, considering their impact on the story, magic, and interconnected events across different worlds.
Users can participate by voting for their favorite characters on the list or by suggesting new characters they deem influential, provided they are supported by the Cosmere's context.
The results reflect the community's perception of character influence, based on their narrative relevance, power, or role in key Cosmere events. It is not a definitive ranking, but a snapshot of popular opinion.
Yes, the ranking aims to include characters from all series that are part of the Cosmere, from Mistborn to The Stormlight Archive and other interconnected works.
How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing
Our methodology for determining the most influential characters in the Cosmere is based on a combination of narrative relevance, plot impact, and the perception of the fan community. We aim to reflect the importance of characters within Brandon Sanderson's vast universe.
A character's relevance is assessed by their role in the main events of their respective series and how their actions impact other worlds or the overall Cosmere narrative.
Impact on Cosmere magic systems, such as Investiture and Shards, is considered, as well as how characters interact with or influence these fundamental forces.
Popularity and recognition within the Cosmere fan community are also significant factors, reflecting which characters resonate most with readers.
Character evolution and development throughout their stories are considered, as well as their potential for future narratives or crossovers within the Cosmere.
Characters must have demonstrated significant influence on the plot of at least one Cosmere series, whether as protagonists, antagonists, or key figures.
Priority is given to characters whose actions or existence have a direct impact on the magic, politics, or fate of the Cosmere worlds.
Characters known for their power, wisdom, ability to manipulate events, or their role as 'worldhoppers' are included.
A character's ability to generate discussions, theories, or strong emotional attachment within the fan community is an indicator of their influence.