Hell Hath No Fury...

Like a woman scorned.  At least according to the playwright William Congreve.  But this commom turn of phrase could also be applied to my next leading lady.  She's not really a main character, but she does play an interesting role in both Warcraft III and World of Warcraft.  Players of WoW would recognize her as the leader of one of the creepier factions--the Undead.

Sylvanas Windrunner

Sylvanas makes her first appearance as the defiant ranger-general of the elves of Silvermoon.  As Arthas and his undead legions threaten to invade the elven lands, Sylvanas leads her troops in a last ditch attempt to keep Arthas from reaching the Sunwell--a legendary source of magical power sacred to the elves.  Sylvanas stubbornly refuses to give up in the face of defeat and rather than simply executing her Arthas turns her into an undead abomination, a banshee, that is forced to obey his will.  But even in death Sylvanas opposed Arthas and was able to reclaim her body (through the banshee's power of possession).  After the power of the Lich King waned, she worked to band together a group of rebel undead with the goal of defeating Arthas's Scourge.  Sylvanas seethes vengeance and you can really feel her hatred of Arthas.

One of the more interesting moments in World of Warcraft occurs when you turn in a quest that is started by finding a locket (Horde only--drops randomly in the Blood Elf starting zones).  You are told to take the locket to Sylvanas and upon turning it in she summons a few banshees who then break into a mournful song.  Sylvanas sings of the fall of the High Elves in the "Lament of the Highborne."  It's a beautiful and mournful tune that indicates that she still feels a connection to her elven roots.

I love Sylvanas for her hatred and defiance and the fact that you admire her but also question her ruthlessness.  Here's to the Dark Lady.