We see them on TV, in movies, and as characters in our favorite fiction — the rich elite. Characters with money beyond measure to spend as they please (often to advance a plot line). And whether or not we identify with ‘The Simpsons’ billionaire C. Montgomery Burns and his fictional financial companions, the character archetype is present in many of today’s favorite stories.

Forbes has compiled their 2011 Forbes Fictional 15 list. The list features some favorites — Scrooge McDuck, Bruce Wayne, and Mr. Monopoly — as well as some unexpected contenders (Smaug from J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ was a surprise).

According to Forbes, “Net worth estimates are based on an analysis of the fictional character’s source material, and where possible, valued against known real-world commodity and share price movements.”

All figures are as of market close on April 1, 2011.

All characters have a fortune profile, with their estimated worth, source, and residence. But the character profiles feature some great extras, including fast facts, fictional investigations and character interviews.

Here’s the list:

Number 1: Scrooge McDuck (animated character, various appearances): $44.1 billion – Mining, Treasure Hunting, Duckburg

Number 2: Carlisle Cullen (film and literary character, The Twilight Saga): $36.2 billion – Compound Interest, Investments

Number 3: Artemis Fowl II (literary character, The Artemis Fowl series): $13.5 billion – Theft, Forgery, Facebook

Number 4: Richie Rich (comic book character): $9.7 billion – Inheritance, Conglomerates

Number: 5: Jed Clampett (television character, The Beverly Hillbillies): $9.5 billion – Oil & Gas

Number 6: Tony Stark (also known as Iron Man): $9.4 billion, Defense

Number 7: Smaug (dragon, The Hobbit): $8.6 billion – Marauding

Number 8: Bruce Wayne (also known as Batman): $7.0 billion – Inheritance, Defense

Number 9: Mr. Monopoly (board game character, Monopoly): $2.6 billion – Real Estate

Number 10: Arthur Bach (movie character, Arthur): $1.8 billion – Inheritance

Number 11: Jo Bennett (television character, The Office): $1.2 billion – Electronics, inheritance

Number 12: C. Montgomery Burns (television character, The Simpsons): $1.1 billion – Energy

Number 13: Chuck Bass (television character, Gossip Girl): $1.1 billion – Real Estate

Number 14: Gordon Gekko (movie character, Wall Street): $1.1 billion – Investments

Number 15: Jeffrey Lebowski (movie character, The Big Lebowski): $1.0 billion – Inheritance

Don’t miss Forbes’ interactive list, complete with images, facts and featured extras here.