What makes certain characters the most powerful in all of fiction?

Well, for some vampires like Akasha in 'The Vampire Chronicles', it's their age. Being one of the oldest vampires, she has had time to develop her powers to a great extent. She has telepathic abilities that can reach over vast distances and can control other vampires with ease.

Technology is often a key factor. For example, the Asgard from Stargate have advanced technology like energy shields and beaming devices which give them an edge. Their knowledge of physics and engineering is far beyond that of humans. Another aspect is unique biological abilities. The Na'vi from Avatar have a strong connection to their planet's ecosystem, which gives them special powers like being able to control certain animals. Also, mental abilities matter. The Psi - Corps from Babylon 5 are made up of telepaths, and their mental powers give them a lot of influence and power within their universe.

Cruelty is a big factor. For example, Joffrey in 'Game of Thrones' is so hated because he takes pleasure in being cruel to others. He publicly humiliates people and has no remorse for his actions. Another aspect is self - centeredness. Characters like Umbridge only care about their own power and status, and they'll trample on anyone to get what they want. Lack of empathy also plays a role. When a character doesn't care about the feelings or well - being of others, like Scar from 'The Lion King' who doesn't care about the suffering of the Pride Lands under his rule, they become hated.

Power can be defined in many ways. For some, it's raw physical strength like Hulk's in the Marvel universe. He can smash through almost anything with his brute force. But it could also be about intelligence. Characters like Sherlock Holmes have a different kind of power - the power to solve the most complex mysteries. So, a combination of different abilities like strength, intelligence, magic (if in a fantasy setting), and the ability to influence others can make a character the most powerful.

Raw physical strength can be a factor. For example, characters like the Hulk in the Marvel universe have incredible strength that allows them to overpower most opponents. His strength increases as he gets angrier, making him a very powerful force.

The most powerful characters often have unique abilities or powers that set them apart. For example, Jean Grey as the Phoenix in X - Men has telepathic and telekinetic powers on a cosmic level. Her Phoenix Force gives her the power of creation and destruction, allowing her to reshape reality.

Thor's power is linked to his godly status and his enchanted hammer Mjolnir. Dracula's powers are often associated with the dark magic that made him a vampire in the first place. Neo's power is due to his realization that the Matrix is an illusion. Once he breaks free from that mental block, he can manipulate the code of the Matrix, which gives him his seemingly limitless abilities.

Another extremely powerful character is Doctor Strange. He is a master of the mystic arts. He can manipulate time, space, and dimensions. He has faced off against some of the most powerful threats in the Marvel universe with his vast magical abilities.

Well, for some like Iago in 'Othello', it's their manipulation. Iago plants false ideas in Othello's head, leading to tragic outcomes. He's cunning and uses people's weaknesses against them. That's what makes him one of the worst. He has no real reason for his actions other than his own twisted envy.

Well, for characters like Goku from 'Dragon Ball Z', it's his ability to constantly increase his power level. He can go through different transformations, each making him stronger. His Saiyan heritage gives him an edge with his natural fighting instincts and the ability to recover quickly from injuries.