The Rogue archetype in high fantasy has always been my favorite - I suspect that's because in most books, only the rogue is ever allowed to evidence any sort of personality. Dirty jokes? Second thoughts? Acknowledgement of having a life outside the Epic Quest? All fall to the Rogue.
In high fantasy, the Rogue has a teaching role as well. If the Wizard is out there revealing the True Magical Nature of Things, the Rogue's role is often to show the Seedy Underbelly of the Way Things Are. The Wizard talks about big evils, the Rogue shows off the little ones.
Lots and lots of options here. Interpret broadly.
Standard rules apply - 5 picks until you pick again. Argument always encouraged.
I'm going to have to say Han Solo.
Posted by: David | November 19, 2009 at 10:57 AM
That's pretty much the best #1 pick anyone's had on any of these...
I'm going with Locke Lamora. Sure, his companions die a lot, but he's pretty personable & definitely knows how to have fun. Think of the dinners!
Posted by: Jared | November 19, 2009 at 11:09 AM
You can't have Locke. That's an entire book of rogues!
Father Chains is an entirely different matter.
Um, I'm rubbish at these drafts.
I'm going to go with Bellis Colwine from The Scar. She isn't a classic rogue, but she does live by her wits.
Posted by: Den | November 21, 2009 at 05:02 PM
I meant Locke from Locke Lamora. Not the whole book.
Bellis is a good one...
Posted by: Jared | November 23, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Bartimaeus! Does he count? (From Stroud's Bartimaeus trilogy.)
Posted by: Anne | December 06, 2009 at 03:41 PM