In most works of fiction, the most interesting characters, whether villain or hero, are the most powerful ones. They dominate their scenes and captivate readers and viewers. They force audiences to imagine the limits of their capabilities. And, if so inclined, such characters possess the ability to alter the courses of the worlds they live in. The plot of each story hinges on their willingness to act.

Edmond Dantès, in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” stops at nothing to build an empire with the resources to bring Hell to his enemies. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s criminal mastermind, Professor James Moriarty, employs intellect and ruthlessness to engineer a bafflingly massive illicit enterprise. Moriarty’s only formidable obstacle is Sherlock Holmes and his unabashed talent.

Do not wonder why, besides an outstanding performance by Heath Ledger, the Joker is such a striking antagonist. Even before Nolan’s “Dark Knight,” the Clown Prince of Crime was an intriguing persona. He is a man with unbelievable proficiency in the art of destruction. That devastating strength impresses the viewer. It enraptures them. We would have been disappointed if the Joker was defeated in the second act of “The Dark Knight,” knowing that he did not reach his true potential.

There are two indications that help reveal the greatness of a character. First, the character does not lie to himself. He is aware of his own desires and endeavors to reach them. He lays his cards on the table and plays his strongest hand without the impairment of false pretenses. Second, the character can only measure his strength against the strength of a worthy adversary. Without one such as Moriarty, Holmes would never have been pushed to the limit. In “Inglourious Basterds,” Hans Landa is the only character with the cunning to reduce Aldo Raine’s bold assassination attempt to failure. Without him, Raine would have easily ended World War II, without suspense or revealing his true colors.

While on the topic of World War II, I must mention Winston Churchill. I must mention Erwin Rommel. And last, but certainly not least, I must recognize General George Patton. These gentlemen prove that, throughout history, powerful individuals described in the realm of fiction exist in real life too. They, all three of them, fought to win. And all three of them shared many things in common. They were capable, and they were willful. Erwin Rommel mobilized a German force efficiently and was able to spread his armies far wider than many would think possible. Churchill braced his country against the chilling blows of the Nazis. And General Patton commanded an army of men that knocked on the demon’s door and terrorized the indomitable aggressors. Do not wonder why so many films are centered on World War II.

And now, in the present day, a new antagonist looms. His name is Vladimir Putin. He is deceitful, tyrannical, brutal and dangerous. But he will succeed. He takes what he wants, whether it is the presidency of Russia or the liberty of free men. He has not yet reached his limit, because no worthy adversary has met him. President Barack Obama insists on compromise and placation, but Putin ignores diplomacy of this kind. Putin will respond out of necessity, not antiquated ideologies of peace. He will continue to abuse every leniency shown to him. He will remain in power, and he will jeopardize the freedom of his country’s neighbors as long as no one stops him. What rational person would believe that Putin will compromise out of his sense of charity and mercy? And why should we compromise?

It is time for our leaders to take serious economic or political action against Vladimir Putin, for he will only take serious action seriously. Remember, the character that wins at the end of the book is not the good guy; it is the one who has what it takes to succeed.