At a surface level, most readers perceive a morally gray character as one who doesn’t fit the neat notions of good or evil. And more often, readers toss these characters into an “evil” adjacent category. After all, it’s easier to digest wrongdoing if you have a neat label.
But is all wrongdoing wrong?
Sure, morally gray characters may exhibit behaviours or make decisions that challenge conventional moral standards—not just in romantic ways. Their ambiguity and unpredictability can also make them dangerous on a base level, as it’s often unclear where their allegiances or values lie and what actions they may take next.
Who they may murder next…
And as readers, we like this ambiguity. It creates tension, suspense, and remarkably complex ne’er to well love interests.
Which is why you are here, right?
Although, at a surface level, many readers perceive morally gray characters as “bad,” the lines are far more blurred than are comforting, especially when they force their readers to confront their values and judgments. This makes them compelling subjects and forces readers to confront their ideas of what “right” may mean.
These characters may also do questionable things for noble reasons or even perform virtuous actions with selfish motives. So…what is heroic? What is villainous?
It’s usually not as apparent in the end. And more importantly, not all morally gray characters are created equal. This is why I have created some fantasy recommendations for you based on the shades of gray that readers like to sink their teeth into.
So, without further ado, let’s see which in-between you might prefer…
Morally Gray Characters that will captivate your heart
The Tragic Figures
When I think of tragic figures in fantasy, I think of characters who are often forced to grapple with moral ambiguity in their choices, internal conflicts, and personal circumstances.
I’ve chosen a few books I think you’ll love based on this classic character archetype.
YA Fantasy: Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Kaz Brekker is a classic choice, and you’ll find him in Leigh Bardugo’s Six Of Crows duology. A master thief and gang leader, he operates in the morally gray underbelly of Ketterdam. However, despite his cruelty, he harbours deep-seated wounds and vulnerabilities that shape his actions and relationships. Especially with a certain slow-burn romance that we know you’ll love…
Adult Fantasy: Empire Of The Vampire by Jay Kristoff
While you may think this is less of a romance and more of a grimdark choice, and you’d be right, I’d argue that you will not find a better tragic figure in fantasy fiction than Gabriel, a complex character marked by loss, betrayal and more than a healthy thirst for vengeance. As a vampire hunter in a post-apocalyptic mediaeval world, Gabriel grapples with his choices, morality and the darkness within him. And while not specifically a romance, the love story you’ll find inside is as powerful as any.
Spicy Fantasy: The Serpent And The Wings Of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Raihn from The Serpent And The Wings Of Night is the antidote to your ailing need for a tragic, morally gray figure. He’s a little bit dangerous, a bit violent and just the right amount sweet, which isn’t too much. Raihn is someone you’d feel comfortable stabbing before making out with him in a dark corridor. Heart-wrenching, romantic, dark and bloodthirsty, there’s just something about vampires…
The Anti-Villains
Anti-Villains are characters who, despite their antagonistic roles, sometimes possess sympathetic qualities that blur the lines between villainy and heroism. Some of these characters sway more one way than the other, but all of them are sometimes a bit of a villain.
They’re also my second favorite archetype and for good reason.
YA Fantasy: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Jude Duarte is a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie. Ambitious, cunning and more than a bit determined. She challenges notions of heroism and villainy, offering a nuanced portrayal of a protagonist who navigates the murky moral landscape of Faerie and finds it wanting.
Adult Fantasy: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Paige Mahoney is a clairvoyant living in a dystopian world where individuals with supernatural abilities are hunted and imprisoned. Forced to make difficult choices, Paige forms alliances with shady people and resorts to questionable methods. However, she fights for what she believes is right, even if her process of getting there is a bit unethical…
Spicy Fantasy: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
In Darkfever, you’ll find Barrons, and lucky you. Mysterious, powerful, complex and morally ambiguous. He operates in the shadowy underworld of Dublin, where he’s known for his cruelty and cunning.
But he meets his match in MacKayla Lane, who draws out his more vulnerable nature. This is a complex and enticing early romantasy that readers will love.
The Reluctant Opportunists
Reluctant opportunist characters find themselves in situations where they must make morally ambiguous decisions to survive, achieve their goals, or protect their loved ones…despite their reluctance to engage in devious activities.
These books contain my favorite reluctant opportunists. After all, I love to see a character suffer. Just on the page, of course.
YA Fantasy: An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Laia is a member of the oppressed Scholar class in a brutal and authoritarian society inspired by ancient Rome. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia reluctantly joins forces with a resistance to spy on the empire in exchange for help rescuing him. She is reluctant to act and faces many internal conflicts as she struggles to reconcile her fears and doubts. Her journey is one of courage, resilience and discovery through ambiguous means.
Cause we can’t all be heroes.
Adult Fantasy: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
In The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, you’ll find Yeine Darr, who is thrust quite unexpectedly into a position of power and influence. She becomes embroiled in the political elite's power struggles and complex politics. A reluctant opportunist to the heart, she must seize the opportunity to protect herself and her loved ones in a world of intrigue.
Jemisin’s intricate world-building and character development are the best in fantasy, so I know you won’t be disappointed.
Spicy Fantasy: Neon Gods by Katee Robert
A modern retelling inspired by Hades and Persephone, Neon Gods features a reluctant mortal Persephone who becomes entangled with the gods. Despite her reluctance to become involved, Persephone is drawn to them.
As she grabbles with growing feelings and becomes a pawn in the power struggles of gods, Persephone navigates a world of intrigue, betrayal and forbidden romance. Ultimately, she must confront her fears and her insecurities and seize the opportunities placed before her.
What do you think? Have you read any of these books, and would you agree? Or do you have some other recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
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