Greed is one of the most insidious and intoxicating vices in storytelling. Unlike the sheer malice of wrath or the eerie inevitability of death, greed is personal—it’s a slow, gnawing hunger that consumes characters from the inside out, often turning them into some of the most fascinating villains (and even tragic antiheroes).
With Slaughterhouse 3: Greed fresh in mind, it’s the perfect time to explore those greedy characters we love to hate. Whether their avarice drives them to power, destruction, or even redemption, these figures remind us just how far some are willing to go to get what they want.
1. Gordon Gekko – Wall Street
"Greed, for lack of a better word, is good."
Few characters embody raw, unapologetic greed like Gordon Gekko. He’s charismatic, cunning, and completely ruthless in his pursuit of wealth. His infamous speech about greed being the driving force of human progress is chilling because, in many ways, he’s right. But his relentless ambition comes at the cost of his morality, and watching his inevitable downfall is just as satisfying as his rise to power.
2. Smaug – The Hobbit
A dragon who lounges on a mountain of gold, refusing to spend or share a single coin? Smaug is the ultimate symbol of hoarded wealth, a creature so consumed by greed that he would rather die in fire than let go of his treasure. Unlike some villains whose greed stems from ambition or desperation, Smaug’s is pure gluttony—he wants gold simply because it’s his. And that makes his arrogance and inevitable downfall all the more delicious.
3. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish – Game of Thrones
Littlefinger’s brand of greed isn’t about money—it’s about power. He thrives on manipulation, deception, and playing people like chess pieces, all to claw his way to the top. What makes him particularly hateable (and fascinating) is how subtle his greed is. He doesn't boast like a king or hoard like a dragon—he whispers, he plots, and he waits. When his schemes finally catch up to him, it’s one of the most satisfying moments in the series.
4. Hans Gruber – Die Hard
A perfect blend of sophistication and greed, Hans Gruber is not your typical smash-and-grab criminal. He operates under the guise of a terrorist to disguise his true goal: stealing $640 million. His calm, calculating nature makes him one of the most iconic villains of all time. He’s greedy, yes, but he’s also smart, charming, and dangerously efficient—right until John McClane drops him off Nakatomi Plaza.
5. Tom Buchanan – The Great Gatsby
Greed isn’t always about gold and riches—sometimes, it’s about control. Tom Buchanan is a man who has everything—money, status, and power—but he still isn’t satisfied. His greed manifests in his treatment of others, whether it’s cheating on Daisy, belittling Gatsby, or using his wealth to dodge consequences. He’s a character that perfectly captures the entitlement of inherited greed, making him one of literature’s most despicable figures.
6. Slaughterhouse 3: Greed
Greed isn’t always about wealth or power—sometimes, it’s a hunger that devours everything, even the soul. Slaughterhouse 3: Greed brings this concept to life through the Wendigo, a creature born from insatiable greed. According to legend, those consumed by their own selfish desires transform into this monstrous being, doomed to an endless cycle of hunger and destruction. In the story, a band of thieves stranded in the mountains refuses to let go of their stolen loot, even at the cost of their own survival. When search and rescue arrives, they turn their guns on the rescuers, demanding to be led back to their lost cargo. But greed begets greed, and in their blind obsession, they become the hunted—stalked, captured, and ultimately claimed by the very force their avarice awakened.
Why We Love to Hate Greedy Characters
Greedy characters tap into something primal—our own fears, desires, and the darker corners of human nature. They remind us how easy it is to lose ourselves in the pursuit of more, and yet, we can’t look away. Whether they meet a fiery downfall or manipulate their way to the top, they always leave an impression.
Who are your favorite greedy characters to love and hate? Let’s talk in the comments!
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