1. Voldemort from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Voldemort is one sexy villain. Not literally, of course. He's pretty scary-ugly, in that case. But he's got charm, charisma, intelligence and power that are totally attractive. Shame he's crazy.
2. Soames Forsyte from The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy: Soames is such an interesting character. Brought up to believe in the value of possessions in an era when women were seen as exactly that, he just doesn't understand how to treat his forward-thinking, freedom-seeking wife. He loves her dearly, but he can't express that love in healthy ways, driving him to some pretty horrible acts. Still, you can't help but feel for him.
3. Uriah Heep from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: Ugh, Uriah Heep makes my skin crawl. He is so disgusting and devious, with his "'umbleness". But he's so wonderfully constructed, I really love his character, even though I really, really hate him.
4. Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: Pretty much every single character in this book is horrible, but Heathcliff is the worst. He's the "hero" of the novel and yet he's quite evil, using and abusing those around him to suit his own sick schemes. The love that exists between him and Cathy is so twisted, it hurts everyone that comes into contact with them. He's by no means heroic, but he sure is compelling.
5. Captain Hook from Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie: He may be a murdering, thieving pirate, but hey, he's a gentlemen about it. He's a stickler for "form" and enjoys the finer things in life. And really, who could blame the guy for having it in for Peter Pan, the boy who leaves a trail of fairy dust and mischief wherever he flies... not to mention the little incident with Hook's hand.
Which characters do you love to hate?
