For me, it came down to Moiraine and Verin, but Moiraine ended up winning. Mostly because of the whole "everything you thought you knew and trusted has suddenly been murdered, but if you give in then the world is toast" plot of New Spring.

Moiraine just... kept... going for 20 years. Constantly afraid the Black Ajah was on to her, never giving up, unable to even rely much on the support of the Tower, in case said Black Ajah realized what she was doing.


I put Verin in second because, while she did have an even more lonely task than Moiraine and Siuan did, there wasn't anyone hunting her... much. Yes, a few people suspected Black Ajah existence, but as long as she was careful, she'd be ok. Still an awesome and brave thing, but I give Moiraine the lead.


Not that the others aren't brave, but they lack Verin and Moiraine's scope. Lan and Moridin have too big a streak of nihilism to really be "brave." Thom is badass, and does what he can, but he's basically just been a follower since book 4.

Faile just attacks the world with the blunt object that is her personality. This is different than bravery.



Nynaeve would get third, I think, except she had a bit too much of the Female Protagonist "Oh I am such a coward even though I totally just saved the world I am so USELESS." That said, I like Nyn a lot, and would say that she has the best mixture of common sense and determination in the series. Usually.