14. Captain Jack Sparrow

Appearances: The Pirates Of The Caribbean series (2003–)

Creators: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio

Performer: Johnny Depp

Defining moment: His panicked cry of, “But why is the rum gone?” on learning that fellow castaway Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) has created a rum-fuelled beacon to attract rescue.

Fascinating fact: Elliott and Rossio designed Cap’n Jack in the spirit of characters in classic literature and opera like Figaro; the comic, puckish counterpoint to the film’s heroes.

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