Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
It’s a little weird to be saying it’s officially November but it is. It’s been one heck of a year with a lot of ups and downs personally and for those around me. I can honestly say I’m ready for 2022 to be over but at the same time, it’s felt like a blur in some ways too.
On that less-than-cheery note, let’s dig into this week’s TTT. I had to alter it a little as I don’t particularly care for unlikable characters (hence the unlikable) and frankly can’t remember them for that reason. So here’s to those villains that are definitely villainous in the context of the story yet are people I can’t help but like in some way. Maybe they’re redeemable?
1. Draco (Harry Potter)
I’ve been reading the HP books lately so Draco is top of mind when it comes to this list. He’s definitely problematic but a part of me believes he could’ve been different were he raised in different circumstances and not indoctrinated by the beliefs of his family. And after recently watching the Cursed Child play in my hometown last month, I’m inclined to think he really is redeemable and not just simply evil.
2. Nick (Only A Monster)
Characterized as the villain because our protagonists are the “monsters”, Nick is the “hero” in those stories who hunt monsters, thus fitting this role for this list. While I know many people ship our protagonist with her fellow monster, I’m a little torn with her initial connection with Nick as well. He’s only doing what he thought his destiny was, and yet he hasn’t killed her yet so…who knows what’s to come in the sequel.
3. The Darkling (Grishaverse/Shadow & Bone)
Disclaimer: I don’t ship the Darkling with the protagonist, Alina (sorry not sorry), but I do feel he’s more complicated than simply evil either. Personally I don’t love him, but I find him fitting for this list because I know many people really like him as a character. I can appreciate his conniving ways but stay away from Alina.
4. Jacks (Caraval/Once Upon a Broken Heart)
I think Jacks is everyone’s favourite villain. He’s by far not “good”, but he’s also not terrible. I don’t love him in the Caraval trilogy, but I’m definitely digging his whatever-ship with Evangeline in OUABH. He’s a spectacularly complex character and definitely earned his spot as headlining protagonist in the companion series as we learn more about his history and the mystery surrounding him.
5. Prince Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Okay, this series may not be a book at all, but having seen SO many fan fiction stories written about him over the years, I had to round out my list with Zuko. Talk about redeemable qualities. I loved his overall arc throughout the show’s seasons (I won’t talk about the romantic relationship that’s canon because I’m STILL bitter), and I truly believe he’s one of the original villains who are lovable.
Andddd that’s it for this week. A little shorter list as I suppose I don’t love unlikable or villainous characters all that often – gotta remind everyone again I’m a lawful good if that explains anything.
If you have anybody to add to the list, let me know in the comments below!
Down the Rabbit Hole 
I had forgotten about Draco. I wanted to see The Cursed Child in London, but it was too expensive and then I had my son. I doubt we will see it any time soon, but the book was great.
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
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Aww I do hope you get to see it live some day. It was definitely an experience! I hope you have a lovely week too!
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Draco is definitely a product of his environment!
Pam @ Read!Bake!Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/highest-rated-books-on-my-tbr/
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I’m glad you think so too! It’s probably why so many people are fascinated with his character.
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Aaah yes Draco! Can’t help feeling sorry for him….
Great list!
Elza Reads
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Thanks! Lol, he’s definitely top of mind for villains who are more than just inherently evil
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I agree with your thoughts about Draco. With better parents, he would have been a totally different person.
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-unlikable-characters-you-cant-help-but-love/
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Thanks Lydia. I’m seeing more people think the same about him
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A good villain is easy to love.
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Most definitely!
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I definitely found Jacks quite interesting as a villain so I’m looking forward to reading Once Upon A Broken Heart. Draco definitely would have been different had he had different parents, I’m sure.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2022/11/01/top-ten-tuesday-392/
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I hope you enjoy OUABH! He definitely made me like him more than what I knew of him in the Caraval books.
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I hope so too! Oh that’s good to hear 🙂
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I forgot about the Darkling, I’m still ambivalent about him
My TTT
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LOL actually same for me. I don’t love him but I don’t think I’d say I hate him either. He’s just a character although I know a number of people do find him lovable.
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I found this a difficult prompt this week too and give it a slight twist. Everyone seems to agree with you about Draco, as do I. I don’t know your other books so will take your word for it! 🙂
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/ttt-unlikable-characters
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I didn’t read the Caraval trilogy, but I really liked Jacks in OUABH 🙂
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I’m glad you did! I’m definitely excited for more of Jacks and Evangeline
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I feel the same way about Draco (and all evil kids, honestly). Their parents have way too much influence over them! They might be different if they were in a better environment.
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Right? Makes you wonder about nature versus nurture sometimes.
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Draco is the only character on this list that I’m familiar with and I agree, I think he’s a product of his parenting and environment. I don’t think he’s all bad, even though he definitely does cruel and evil things.
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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Thanks Susan! Definitely interesting to see so many agree about Draco. Glad it’s not just me. Hope you have a great rest of the week!
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