Other candidates have failed to qualify, like Gordon Gekko (awaiting trial with funds returned to investors), Jeffrey Lebowski (fictional fortune), Chuck Bass (lost control of Bass Industries to Russell Thorpe) and Arthur Bach (spent his fortune on drink).
With these heavyweights gone, who does that leave for this year's list? Let's have a countdown, shall we?
15
Jo Bennett From: The Office Fortune: $ 1.0 billion Source: Electronics, inheritance |
14
Robert Crawley From: Downton Abbey Fortune: $ 1.1 billion Source: Inheritance, Marriage |
13
Charles Montgomery Plantagenet Schicklgruber Burns From: The Simpsons Fortune: $ 1.3 billion Source: Energy |
12
Tywin Lannister From: A Song of Ice and Fire Fortune: $ 2.1 billion Source: Inheritance |
11
Lisbeth Salander From: Stieg Larsson's Millenium Series Fortune: $ 2.4 billion Source: Computer Hacking |
10
Mr. Monopoly, A.K.A. Rich Uncle Pennybags From: The Monopoly Board Game Fortune: $ 2.5 billion Source: Real Estate |
9
Forrest Gump From: Forrest Gump film Fortune: $ 5.7 billion Source: Apple Inc. |
8
Bruce Wayne From: Batman franchise Fortune: $ 6.9 billion Source: Inheritance, defense See also: Why Batman is bad for Gotham |
7
Charles Foster Kane From: Citizen Kane Fortune: $ 8.3 billion Source: Media |
6
Richie Rich From: Richie Rich comics and film Fortune: $ 8.9 billion Source: Inheritance, conglomerates |
5
Tony Stark From: Iron Man comics and film Fortune: $ 9.3 billion Source: Defense. |
4
Jed Clampett From: Beverly Hillbillies series Fortune: $ 9.8 billion Source: Oil and Gas |
3
Carlisle Cullen From: Twilight Saga Fortune: $ 36.3 billion Source: Compound Interest, investments |
2
Flintheart Glomgold From: Disney Fortune: $ 51.9 billion Source: Mining, theft |
1
Smaug From: The Hobbit Fortune: $ 62 billion Source: Marauding |
This leaves the top 15 richest fictional characters with a fortune of $209.5 billion, which is 59% up from 2011, much thanks to Smaug. If shared among the real population of the world, each would get $30. For an incredibly thorough article on how they calculated the wealth of Smaug, click here.
Notice also that Santa Claus, who topped the list in 2002 and 2005 is no longer present, so don't expect many presents for Christmas this year!
What do you think?
Comments on The Tale of Sir Bob are, as always, welcome!
Sources: As given, Forbes.com