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While the term 'badass' may be a recent addition to our vocabulary, the archetype itself has been around for centuries. Writers of all kinds—novelists, poets, and playwrights—have long been fascinated by the irresistible charm of strong and rebellious characters. Below are some prime examples. Of course, there are other lesser-known literary badasses, which I plan to feature in a follow-up list that highlights more modern characters like those from the Harry Potter series or Lord of the Rings. If you feel I've left out any iconic tough characters from classic literature, feel free to let me know!
Note: I am not aiming to push any specific worldview here, and I wish to make clear that my perspective is simply my own. The use of biblical references within this post is intended to honor the Bible as both a sacred text and a work of profound artistic value.
10. Sherlock Holmes - Various Conan Doyle Novels
The quintessential model for the archetype of the ‘super-sleuth,’ Holmes is unrivaled in two areas: deduction and sheer toughness.
Holmes possesses a level of cranial brilliance that is unmatched. As a private detective, Sherlock doesn't choose his cases based on potential gain, risk, or who asks for his help – instead, he tackles those that intrigue and push his intellect. He’s known for drawing conclusions from the most minute and intricate details, such as the subtle scratches on the rim of a man’s pocket watch.
Not only is our first entry a brilliant mind, but he's also highly skilled in physical combat, as showcased in a memorable slow-motion scene from a recent blockbuster. He’s well-versed in using pistols, swords, hand-to-hand combat, including martial arts, boxing, and even singlestick (which, in simple terms, means whacking someone with a walking stick).
And then, there’s the iconic deerstalker hat. While often linked with Sherlock Holmes, he actually never wears one. The closest he gets is donning a 'close-fitting cloth cap' in The Boscombe Valley Mystery. Happy to clear that up for you.
Badass rating: 7.4
9. Heathcliff - Wuthering Heights
One of the few true wild cards in this list.
In his younger years, Heathcliff shows some weakness. He is often ostracized due to his rough nature and his status as an adopted child, spending more time complaining than anything else.
However, upon his return after a long absence, Heathcliff has transformed. He has amassed a fortune during his time away (and it's hinted that he may have been in the military) and uses his newfound wealth to take control of the household and the very people who once tormented him. He even gets his revenge by physically confronting his childhood tormentor, Hindley, locking him out of Wuthering Heights and threatening him with a gun. While he loses points for being abusive to his wife and nearly allowing a child to fall to their death (if memory serves), he gains serious badass credit for simply being known by one name.
While it's true that Heathcliff, the Byronic hero, isn't the most obvious choice, you can't deny that the 19th-century emo character has some undeniably badass qualities, even if they don't exactly align with traditional moral standards.
Badass rating: 6.6
8. Tybalt - Romeo and Juliet
Known as the 'Prince of Cats,' Tybalt is a fiery troublemaker, and that's exactly what makes him such a badass.
Mercutio characterizes Tybalt as a highly skilled duelist, but his most striking feature is his sharp tongue. He’s essentially a Renaissance version of Arnold Schwarzenegger, full of memorable one-liners like:
“Peace? I despise the word. As I loathe hell, all Montagues, and thee. Prepare yourself, coward.”
Tybalt, unknowingly angered by Romeo, finds himself caught up in trouble due to the young lover’s actions with his powerful uncle at a large event. True to the nature of a true badass, Tybalt seeks revenge. He ends up killing the noble Mercutio before meeting his own end at Romeo’s hands.
Badass rating: 7.0
7. Hedda Gabler from the play of the same name
My second wildcard.
Hedda, created by Henrik Ibsen, stands as a formidable feminist figure. Throughout the course of the play, she is linked to three tragic deaths: her own, her unborn child’s, and her former lover’s, all within a span of no more than three days.
Much like Sherlock Holmes, Hedda has a deep fascination with firearms. Known to spend her time in her backyard, she casually fires off rounds from her late father’s revolvers, sending them into the horizon out of sheer boredom. Her actions often leave unsuspecting visitors terrified, and her husband George seems consistently fearful of her. Ultimately, Hedda takes her own life with a gunshot to the temple. While it might be seen as controversial, taking one’s own life in such a manner undeniably requires immense courage, earning her additional badass points.
Badass rating: 7.5
6. Macbeth from the play of the same name
Macbeth is one of my all-time favorite Shakespeare plays. It follows a general who, after meeting a trio of witches with prophecies, gets fed up with being in the background and decides to seize control of Scotland with nothing but his "brandished steel, smoked with bloody execution."
The battle-ready Macbeth, pushed by his wife, cleverly invites King Duncan of Scotland to his home, then casually kills him in his sleep. Regicide? Serious badass points. Sneaky tactics? More badass points. Epic tough-guy dialogue? Once again, Shakespeare delivers. Even more badass points. Extreme violence? At one point, he’s described as slicing someone "from the nave to the chops." Yep, definitely more badass points.
Macbeth gems:
“I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell.”
“Lady Macbeth: Are you a man? Macbeth: Yes, and a bold one at that, who dares to face what even the devil might find terrifying.”
After spiraling into a nihilistic rant following his wife’s death and having a breakdown over his hallucinations, Macbeth still puts on a fantastic performance when the rebel army comes knocking at his door. Channeling his inner Tony ‘Scarface’ Montana, this Shakespearean badass meets his end in a less-than-glorious, but epic, battle.
Badass rating: 8.9
5. Beowulf from the epic poem of the same name
Beowulf is a Viking, which alone guarantees him a badass rating of at least 9.0.
From tearing demons’ arms off to celebrating with feasts, Beowulf is a true legend. Likely our oldest example of a literary badass, Beowulf was composed sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries, mostly in Old English. And if you’ve never attempted to read Old English, trust me, it’s not worth the effort.
You thought Leonidas was tough for dying in battle against the Persians? Beowulf met his end from injuries caused by a dragon. But not before he killed the beast. The badass meter is through the roof!
Badass rating: 9.7
4. Lucifer, a character of many faces, has been portrayed in numerous works, including John Milton's *Paradise Lost*.
Lucifer is often referred to as the embodiment of the antichrist.
If you look up the word ‘bad’ in a dictionary, you might come across images of Lucifer in all his varied forms, illustrating the term.
Lucifer’s rebellion against God is a daring act, requiring immense boldness. (I should note that I do not support or endorse such rebellious actions, especially not leading an army against God.)
Badass score: 6.66
3. Jesus Christ of Nazareth, as described in The Holy Judaeo-Christian Bible.
Was Jesus Christ a controversial figure?
In his brief 30 years, The Messiah demonstrated some truly remarkable acts, none more famous than his return from the dead. It is an achievement that no one has ever replicated, before or after.
Along with Macbeth, Jesus stands as one of the few badasses we can genuinely confirm existed, worshiped by millions across the globe. As the Savior of humankind (though I hesitate to make this comparison, but think of him as a New Testament version of the Terminator), I believe the Messiah truly deserves the top spot on this list.
2. Achilles, prominently featured in Homer’s *Iliad*, among other works.
Homer’s characters don’t possess surnames; they are defined by their traits. Achilles is frequently described as swift-footed or godlike – both terms fail to capture his true nature.
Achilles, a demigod, was immersed in the river Styx to gain invulnerability. However, the only vulnerable spot was where his mother, Thetis, held him by his heel during the ritual.
In the end, Achilles meets his fate when an arrow strikes his vulnerable heel, giving us the modern expression ‘Achilles' heel’ – a weakness. However, this does not diminish his badass reputation. As depicted in the movie *Troy*, Achilles (played by Brad Pitt) plays a pivotal role in the Trojan War, leading his famed Myrmidons in the Greek army.
After defeating Hector, one of the Trojans' greatest warriors, in a duel, Achilles dishonorably drags Hector’s body behind his chariot, a bold but dishonorable act that costs him some respect.
Badass rating: 9.5
1. Sir Lancelot, a central figure in Arthurian legend.
Sir Lancelot was first introduced into the Arthurian legend by a French author, long after the initial tales had already circulated.
Lancelot's weapon is literally in his name. Nothing more needs to be said.
He sleeps with the king’s wife. Simply because he can.
Lancelot discovered his name beneath a rock, after defeating a group of ten knights, and then twenty.
Later in life, however, Lancelot became more peaceful and took on the role of a priest.
Badass score: 9.1
