I hope it's not all I'll ever do, but I know I've played enigmatic characters. For me, the good characters are people who get places, are devious, are cunning and tricky and hard to pin down. Obviously, if you play one and you do an okay job of it, that'll be on people's minds.

The quote "I hope it's not all I'll ever do, but I know I've played enigmatic characters. For me, the good characters are people who get places, are devious, are cunning and tricky and hard to pin down. Obviously, if you play one and you do an okay job of it, that'll be on people's minds." by Aidan Gillen reflects his thoughts on the roles he’s played, particularly the enigmatic and complex characters that have become central to his career. Gillen, known for his portrayal of characters like Tommy Carcetti in The Wire and Petyr Baelish in Game of Thrones, is acknowledging that the roles he has taken often involve individuals who are strategic, manipulative, and difficult to fully understand. These characteristics make such roles memorable and intriguing to audiences.

Gillen emphasizes that the characters he portrays—those who are devious, cunning, and tricky—are compelling because they are not easily categorized. These characters often operate in morally grey areas, where their motivations and actions keep the audience guessing. The idea of characters being hard to pin down suggests that they are layered and multidimensional, making them more interesting and dynamic. For an actor, playing such roles requires a deep understanding of human complexity and the ability to bring nuance to a character who might not be immediately likable or understandable.

The quote also reflects Gillen’s ambition to diversify his roles and avoid being typecast. While he acknowledges that his portrayal of enigmatic characters has left a lasting impression, he expresses a desire to explore different kinds of characters in the future. This reveals his desire for growth and the challenge of balancing the desire for recognition with the drive to evolve as an actor.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Gillen’s reflections on his career and his approach to acting. As an actor known for taking on mysterious, often morally ambiguous roles, Gillen's thoughts underscore the lasting impact of the characters he portrays. His comments highlight how such roles not only define a part of his career but also shape the way he is remembered by audiences, while expressing hope for future opportunities to explore other dimensions of his craft.