Two of my very favorite characters died memorably.
Valak in the FEI began as nothing and ended up General of multiple realms, founder of a great guild, saved two nations, survived many many duels to the death, ousted evil cults, and ended up a King...before promptly dieing in a duel against a former friend and guild mate.
~Opposite~
Valast was the King of Lukon for ages... always on top of the world. Died in a random encounter in the back woods of the middle of nowhere against a small unit that just happened to be in the way.
:-P