Do we like them?

Do we like Stewie Griffin?

A character from Family Guy (1999–present)

Our score: 6 out of 10. A tiny tyrant with a surprisingly loyal streak. He's a menace on paper but a delight to follow, and he's better company than most of his family. We'd back him, with one eye on the ray gun.

Stewie is the youngest child of Peter and Lois Griffin, the one-year-old in a Rhode Island family sitcom. He has a grown-up vocabulary and a British accent, which MacFarlane based on actor Rex Harrison. He is a scientific genius with a teddy bear called Rupert, and he sees himself as a future conqueror of the world.

In the early seasons he is a pure cartoon villain, with elaborate weapons and schemes aimed at his mother and at world domination. Most adults around him treat his speeches as cute baby talk. Over time the writers gave him more depth. He becomes the show's breakout character, and his best-loved stories are the time-travel and multiverse adventures with Brian the dog.

That's why he scores well. He is arrogant, theatrical and capable of real mischief, but the show keeps showing his vulnerable side. He gets lonely, he's fiercely loyal to his friends, and he is still a small child who needs his teddy bear. He's a villain you'd happily have on your side.