Brandon Sanderson is a powerhouse in the world of modern fantasy. He is known for his intricate world-building, clever magic systems, and deeply layered characters. As the mind behind series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson has crafted characters who feel as real and flawed as they are heroic. Each story showcases high-stakes plots and unforgettable journeys.
Let’s look at some of Sanderson’s most memorable characters—figures who linger with us long after the final page.
Why Are Brandon Sanderson’s Characters So Memorable?
What makes a character stick with us long after we’ve closed the book? For fans of Brandon Sanderson, it’s his skill in blending complex personalities with universal struggles. He digs into the heart of humanity and crafts characters with a precision that makes their journeys feel surprisingly real.
Sanderson writes with a style that’s both intricate and accessible. He captures moments of courage, doubt, and resilience that resonate deeply. His characters don’t just face epic battles; they struggle with inner turmoil, make mistakes, and strive for redemption. These experiences give them a multi-dimensional depth that feels authentic.
What sets him apart is his ability to explore personal conflicts within larger, fantastical worlds. His characters confront questions of trust, loyalty, self-doubt, and morality. They’re not flawless heroes but individuals who grapple with their own limitations and fears. But they’re also strong, driven, and willing to change, which is what makes their stories stick with you.
It’s not just the challenges they face—it’s how they grow through them. Sanderson taps into raw human emotions, and that’s what makes his characters remarkable. They’re relatable, they’re flawed. By the end, you feel as though you’ve been with them every step of the way.
Who Are The Most Memorable Characters Created by Brandon Sanderson?
Here are some of his most memorable creations:
1. Kaladin Stormblessed (The Stormlight Archive)
Kaladin begins as a shattered man. He is a former soldier sold into slavery. He struggles to find hope. But his transformation from a powerless slave to a legendary warrior makes him truly remarkable.
He faces deep internal battles with depression, which many readers can relate to. His journey is filled with moments of doubt, resilience, and courage. He teaches the strength to keep fighting even when all seems lost, and the power of protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
But how does someone who suffers so much still become a beacon of hope? The answer lies in his personal growth and the hidden potential he’s not even aware of at the start.
2. Shallan Davar (The Stormlight Archive)
Shallan appears to be a clever, witty scholar, but her character is much more than that. She hides a dark past even from herself. It was filled with trauma and painful secrets. Her story is one of self-discovery and healing. Here she uncovers the truth about herself while trying to keep her fractured mind together.
She’s standout because of her wit, artistic talent, and the way she uses humor to cope with her internal struggles. As she unravels more about her own powers and her family’s dark history, the line between truth and illusion blurs. You’re left wondering: how much more of herself can she unravel before it’s too much to bear? And what does it mean for her future?
3. Vin (Mistborn Trilogy)
Vin starts as an orphaned street thief in a world where oppressive rulers have taken control. Her rise from a mistrustful, fearful girl to one of the most powerful Mistborn (individuals with the ability to manipulate metals) is nothing short of notable.
Her growth is both physical and emotional. She struggles with her sense of belonging and trust. But gradually she learns to face her fears and embrace her own strength. Her strength lies not only in her abilities but in her determination to overcome a life that has tried to break her time and time again.
She’s resourceful, cautious, and deadly, but what makes her stand out is her vulnerability beneath the surface. Her story teaches us about the power of self-discovery and that even those who feel insignificant can change the world.
But there’s always a twist – what makes Vin so powerful? And what ultimate sacrifices does she have to make to save the world? Will she embrace her role fully, or will her fear of losing herself hold her back? Those are the questions that keep readers turning the pages.
4. Dalinar Kholin (The Stormlight Archive)
Dalinar is a warrior and a leader seeking redemption. Once known as a ruthless warrior, he now seeks peace and unity in a fractured world. But his violent past haunts him. Vivid memories of war and loss follow him. He struggles with whether he can ever truly change. As he steps into the role of leadership, the weight of his past choices threatens to crush him.
What makes Dalinar so fascinating is his gradual transformation from a guilt-ridden leader to someone who strives to be a symbol of peace. His story reveals that redemption is never easy and requires sacrifice. But, is Dalinar’s past ever truly behind him? Is redemption really possible for someone who has caused so much destruction? Sanderson leaves enough mystery to make you wonder what kind of leader he will become.
5. Kelsier (Mistborn Trilogy)
Kelsier is charming, charismatic, witty, and a leader full of energy. He’s the face of rebellion against a tyrannical empire. His ability to inspire others and his determination to overthrow tyranny make him one of Sanderson’s most dynamic characters. But behind his confidence, he’s also driven by his hatred for the ruling class. His methods sometimes push the boundaries of morality.
Kelsier’s legacy and actions are really noteworthy because they show that change often comes with a heavy cost. While his larger-than-life personality captivates readers, there’s always a sense that he’s hiding something deeper. His relentless pursuit of freedom leaves you wondering: just how far is he willing to go, and what price is he willing to pay?
6. Sazed (Mistborn Trilogy)
Sazed is a scholar and keeper of knowledge. He is outstanding just for his wisdom and quiet strength. He’s a man of deep beliefs. But after the events of The Well of Ascension and witnessing devastating losses, he faces a crisis of faith. He finds himself questioning everything he once believed in.
His inner struggle with the meaning of religion and hope is deeply relatable—how do you rebuild when everything you held as true is torn apart? Sazed’s search for meaning leaves you reflecting on your own beliefs.
7. Lift (The Stormlight Archive)
Lift is a quirky, food-obsessed character who doesn’t quite fit the typical mold of a hero. With her unique ability to turn food into magic, she brings humor and lightheartedness to the story.
But behind her playful exterior, Lift has a deep fear of being forgotten. Her mysterious connection to the larger magic system of the world makes you wonder just how significant she might become in the grand scheme of things.
8. Elend Venture (Mistborn Trilogy)
Elend begins as an idealistic noble with dreams of reforming his corrupt society. Over the course of the series, he transforms from a hesitant leader into a king. He is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.
His struggle to balance morality with the harsh realities of leadership makes him a compelling figure. Will his idealism survive the brutal world he’s thrust into or will power change him in unexpected ways?
9. Szeth-son-son-Vallano (The Stormlight Archive)
Szeth’s life is one of torment and duty. He is an assassin, burdened with a weapon of immense power and cursed by his sense of honor. His internal conflict between obedience and morality makes him one of Sanderson’s most tragic characters.
Szeth is a figure of relentless purpose, yet he’s haunted by the lives he’s taken and the weight of his blade. As he carries out his deadly tasks, you can’t help but wonder: can someone who has been forced to betray his own beliefs ever find peace?
10. Wayne (Mistborn: The Alloy of Law)
Wayne is the wildcard—funny, unpredictable, and sometimes downright bizarre. As Wax’s loyal partner, Wayne brings a much-needed comedic relief to the series. His quick wit and strange logic make him a beloved character.
But there’s more to him than just jokes. Beneath the humor lies a man with a tragic past and a moral compass that doesn’t always point in the usual direction. What keeps readers hooked is Wayne’s unique approach to life and his ability to find light in even the darkest situations. His balance of humor and depth makes you wonder: is he hiding more than just pain behind his jokes?
11. Adolin Kholin (The Stormlight Archive)
Adolin is a warrior and nobleman. He is known for his charm and loyalty. Unlike many other characters in The Stormlight Archive, Adolin’s struggle isn’t with power or dark secrets, but rather with living up to the expectations of his family and society.
His relationships and personal conflicts provide a more human, grounded aspect to the epic tale. But will Adolin’s straightforward nature survive in a world where secrets and shadows dominate?
Read The Stormlight Archive to know the Adolin’s journey. Discover how his choices shape not only his fate but also the fate of those he loves in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
12. Steris Harms (Mistborn: The Alloy of Law)
At first glance, Steris appears rigid, overly practical, and lacking in emotion. However, as her character unfolds, she becomes one of the most unexpectedly endearing figures in the series. Her meticulous planning and no-nonsense attitude hide a deep desire for stability and acceptance.
Readers grow to appreciate Steris’s sharp mind and quiet vulnerability. She’s proof that not all heroes need to wield swords or magic.
13. Jasnah Kholin (The Stormlight Archive)
Jasnah is a brilliant scholar and an atheist in a world filled with religious devotion. Her sharp intelligence and firm beliefs challenge both the characters around her and the reader.
Jasnah’s unapologetic approach to knowledge and power sets her apart, but there’s always the question of whether her logic-driven worldview will come crashing down when faced with the mysterious forces she encounters.
14. Navani Kholin (The Stormlight Archive)
Navani is an engineer, a queen, and a woman determined to hold her ground in a world dominated by war and politics. Her inventions and deep knowledge of fabrial technology have a major impact on the events in The Stormlight Archive.
What makes Navani memorable is her dual role as a mother and a ruler, balancing personal loss with the larger needs of her people. Her story leaves readers wondering: how far will her technological pursuits take her?
15. Hoid (Wit) (Cosmere Universe)
Hoid is perhaps the most enigmatic character in Sanderson’s entire Cosmere universe. He appears across multiple series, often as a storyteller, observer, or manipulator of events behind the scenes. Hoid’s presence is always a signal that something important is happening, yet his motives remain unclear. His wit and cryptic speeches leave readers guessing—what is Hoid truly after, and how much power does he really wield?
Final Words
Brandon Sanderson’s characters bring something unique to the table—whether it’s Kaladin’s struggle with mental health, Shallan’s battle with self-acceptance, or Dalinar’s quest for redemption.
His worlds are filled with heroes and antiheroes who redefine what it means to struggle, grow, and find purpose. If you’re looking for stories that offer both depth and excitement, Sanderson’s creations are waiting to pull you in, teach you valuable lessons, and leave just enough mystery to make you want to read more.