Melisandre of Asshai: A character from the A Song of Ice and Fire series
Role: Red Priestess and one of the priestesses of R'hllor, the Lord of Light.
Origin: From Asshai (mysterious eastern city), later serves in Westeros.
Appearance: Tall, red-haired (often described as very beautiful), always dressed in red; in the books she uses glamours and a necklace that affects her apparent age.
Abilities: Skilled in shadow-binding/templar sorcery tied to R'hllor ā fire visions, prophetic dreams, glamour/illusion, shadow-assassination (giving birth to a shadow used to kill), pyromancy, and healing through fire in some instances.
Beliefs/motivation: Fanatically devoted to R'hllor and convinced Stannis Baratheon (and later others) are key figures in a cosmic battle against the Great Other; willing to manipulate, deceive, and commit morally fraught acts for what she sees as the greater good.
Key actions (books/show, non-spoiler level):
Becomes an advisor and influence over Stannis Baratheon.
Performs several prophetic rituals and fire-readings; plays a role in political and supernatural events in the north and at the Wall.
Personality: Calm, enigmatic, devout, ruthless when necessary; exudes certainty and destiny-driven purpose, but also occasional doubt and introspection.
Mystique/controversy: Her powers and methods divide characters and readers ā seen by followers as a savior and by others as dangerous zealotry; her true age, origins, and limits are ambiguous.