Everyone enjoys a trickster. A character archetype with roots in ancient mythology, the trickster is defined by their dependence on their own mind over either physical strength or moral standing. From such towering figures as Loki and Anansi, to classical figures like Odysseus and Robin Hood, to modern characters such as Bugs Bunny and (less heroically) the Joker, the trickster archetype has remained strong through the ages. These stories are as enjoyable as they are difficult to craft, and there’s nothing quite like being able to laugh along with a protagonist who’s won through trials and troubles with nothing but the aid of their wits.
These are five of my favorite books of all time. Each one holds their benevolent trickster protagonist front and center in the narrative. Some of these stories let the reader in on the plot from the start, while others choose to increase the suspense by keeping it hidden. Some of these tricksters are playful, wearing disguises and making quips, while others walk the world with a straight face and their fingers crossed. In spite of these book’s differences, however, I dare any reader to read one and not cackle with glee the moment the hero’s plans are made clear.
1. The Scarlet Pimpernel – Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Along with its sequels, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic example of the trickster archetype. A mixture of unconventional romance and Reign of Terror political thriller, this is a book full of secret identities, daring rescues, and many, many ridiculous disguises.
2. Captain Blood – Rafael Sabatini
Peter Blood is a surgeon accused of treason and sold into slavery. As he escapes to live a life on the high seas, he becomes an honorable pirate who outwits his foes more often than he outguns them.
3. Gypsy Rizka – Lloyd Alexander
A young girl who lives on the outskirts of town in her lone vardo, Rizka has a knack for getting people to dance to whatever tune she cares to play them. Luckily for the town, her efforts are more often than not focused on finding a home for the local kittens (this involves dressing up as a ghost) and driving business to the local inn (this involves a lengthly tale about trained fleas) than anything malicious.
So long as you ignore the Chicken Incident, anyway.
4. Going Postal – Terry Pratchett
Unapologetic con man and thief Moist von Lipwig is been sentenced to hang. The sentence is been carried out. Which is why he’s so surprised to find himself not only still alive, but being offered a job—as the Postmaster General. Between dodging assassins and trying to deliver years’ worth of piled-up, misaddressed postage, Moist has to put every principle of the con at work just to keep his head above water.
5. The Thief – Megan Whelan Turner
The first book in the recently completed Queen’s Thief series, The Thief introduces the character of Gen–a scrappy, unwashed urchin in possession of more bravado than sense. To all appearances, Gen is brash, uncultured, and utterly unsuspicious. When he’s pulled out of prison to help steal Hamiathes’ Gift—a relic of myth, capable of toppling kingdoms—he must remain that way. Because Gen has plans for Hamiathes’ Gift, and if he’s to keep the reins on this situation, he cannot let slip who—or what—he truly is.
So, there you have it! Five rollicking, crazy stories about heroes who can (and do) outwit everyone around them.
Have you got any favorite tricksters in fiction?
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