Sheldon Cooper, "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)

Played by: Jim Parsons ("Garden State," "The Muppets")

Even if you don't consider yourself to be a geek or a dork, you probably know one who's like Sheldon. He's socially awkward and is incapable of understanding, tolerating or appreciating any opinion that isn't his.

And yet Parsons adds just enough wry wit and occasional humanity to the character that we don't completely want to see him on the receiving edge of an atomic wedgie. Instead, we'd rather see his way-too-tolerant roommate and pal, Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), shoot him down with a withering glance or one-liner.

Also, Sheldon is one of two characters on this list with a catchphrase: "Bazinga!" Though it's overused -- Sheldon employs it to express his pleasure at coming out on top in an argument -- this still makes him a geek icon.

(CBS)