"Superlatives" is a sophisticated and engaging collection of literary essays by Grant Cochran Knight that examines the most extreme and memorable figures in the history of fiction. Knight delves into the concept of the "superlative" character-those literary creations who stand out as the definitive examples of specific human traits, whether they represent the height of villainy, the peak of romance, or the depth of tragedy.By analyzing iconic protagonists and antagonists through a critical lens, Knight explores how authors craft enduring personalities that resonate across generations. The work serves as a deep dive into characterization, offering readers a unique perspective on the art of the novel and the psychological dimensions of storytelling. From the most heroic to the most pathetic, these character studies provide invaluable insight into the writers' craft and the universal archetypes that define Western literature. "Superlatives" remains an essential read for students of literature, aspiring writers, and anyone fascinated by the enduring power of fictional icons.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.