Aight be gentle... who did I forget?

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 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

I know he's the 1,073rd side character, but I really like Androl's story. Then you forgot Lan. :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

A small character I really enjoyed was Androl he won't make a list but will be remembered.

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.. 😁😍😘

Nynaeve because of every scene she's in she owns.

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."

Asmodeon was my favorite forsaken until he wasn't.

Loial. That is all.

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.

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.

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

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

Fortune prick me! You did forget to include Bayle Domon. My aged grandmother would no have left him off this list!

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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Pay attention to Verin Mathwin in a reread. Her behind the scenes manipulation is SO integral to the story.

I want to watch this so bad, but I'm only on Lord of Chaos

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

Perrin was always my fav person to follow. Loved his reluctance and final acceptance of his wolf side.

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

In my head canon, Nymaeve eventually finds a way to reconstruct Aviendha's busted up feel and legs.

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 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.

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

Thank you for that Spongebob red carpet for Mat. lmao

17:41 No mention of Talmanes? That guy was Mat's sounding board for most of the second half of the series.

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.

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.

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!

Androl Genhald is way up on the list for me... probably like a 5 or 4 (he is the ashaman with the traveling ability)

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.

Comments : 70% mAtrIm caUtHrON 30% some other unmentioned character

I'd like to feature Androl here, because I really love him. Also, only found your channel recently. It's awesome

I normally shy away from top 10 videos on KZfaq, 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

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.

“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

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.

Dude, I can really feel the passion you have for this series around 22:25. Wow. Well said.. All of it.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Oh my gosh! Absolutely loved your intro for Matt. I laughed out loud

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.

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.

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).

Matt and Nynaeve were my absolute favorites in the entire series. Cadsuane was a close third.

I'm so glad I can actually watch those now without being scared of spoilers

Mate, that picture was Suan... I'm disappointed.

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

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.

Good stuff. Reminds me of how emotionally attached we get to these characters over the course of the series.

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! 👍

It's been ages since I read the series and I only read it once. Your passion makes me want to reread it.

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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!

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.

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.

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.

10.) Moraine 9.) Mat 8.) Moraine 7.) Mat 6.) Moraine 5.) Mat 4.) Moraine 3.) Mat 2.) Moraine 1.) Cadsuane

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.

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.

mats real introduction to the books...imo...is his fight against galad and gawyn. thats the first time i was like..."okay playboy...i see you" lol

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

Definitely a very accurate list.I loved it a lot

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.

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.

1. Rand 2. Matrim 3. Perrin 4. Nynaeve 5. Thom 6. Lan 7. Moraine 8. Logain 9. Siuan 10. Egwene

surprised Lan wasn't in the top 10 else I missed him. helped keep the 3 farmboys alive. my favorite series ever and Sanderson did a masterful job finishing the story. nice video. need to re-read the series. the interaction between Mat and Tuon had me laughing at times. nothing like a little slap and tickle.

(Spoilers throughout!) I know I'm late to the party on this, but I had to add my top 10 here. This is off-the-cuff and not researched at all, so this is just based on gut. For the ones that are on your list already, I won't add details to why because you nail it on the head with them already. For the rest, I'll add some context. Here we go: 10. Egwene - Agree that she should be on this list and probably higher, but it's hard for me to move the others around. 9. Demandred - Just for how much I wanted to know what the freak was this guy doing the whole time. Then that reveal right at the end just blew me away. He came in and went out with a big bang. Each sword fight he had one-on-one felt so visceral. His jealousy of Lews Therin was palpable throughout the last battle. Also, that's not even mentioning the whole Taimendred situation. 8. Ishamael/Elan/Moridin - Agreed 7. Lan - Just his influence on everyone else alone puts him on this list for me. I think Rand sums it up really well in the end, "... but you taught me how to stand." As well as, "that man still fights!" 6. Perrin - Agreed as well 5. Verin - 70 years of research all to pull the ultimate sacrifice to betray the Black Ajah. Her death was the example that forged the path for Egwene's sacrifice as well. To work undercover for that long and that well is unmatched. 4. Mat - Agreed 3. Nynaeve - Agreed 10 fold. I went from hating her to loving her throughout my first read. Second read, loved every minute with her from start to finish. And I know not everyone will agree with me, but she's amazing through and through. BUT! You didn't mention her helping Rand CLEANSING THE TAINT as well. So 3 major things that no one ever thought would be possible were done by her. Also, "My husband rides from World's End to Tarwin's Gap, to Tarmon Gaidon. Will he ride alone?" 2. Moiraine - Agreed. Her telling the story of Manetheren is what made me go, "Alright, I'm going to have to finish this entire series for sure." 1. Rand - Agreed! I first found Wheel of Time at the beginning of high school and finished it in my late 20's. So, in a lot of ways, I grew up with Rand and the rest (I know the series only covers a couple years, but still) and I can't imagine who I'd be without all of these characters. And just like you said, it's not a hard drop-off for #11 or even all the way down to #50. There are so many others. I found your channel just a little while ago and will be digging into everything you've got! ...and probably going to be rereading the series for the 5th or 6th time. Thanks for making this and keep at it!

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

I think Perrin's evolution is slow paced because of his personality. He takes things slowly.

16:29 is definitely how Mat would introduce himself/enter scenes IRL and you can’t convince me otherwise

This is great! thank you!

Dude, Lan! LAN! I just personally can't imagine not having him in my top ten. Shoot, top five even. I LOVE that guy!

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.