He does fit the definition of a Byronic Hero, but (I guess it is me) I just can’t bear to see hom as one. I’ve read my fair share of stories with a byronic hero–my favorite being Mr. Rochestor–but with those, they seemed to have a few redeeming qualities that I could forgive. In the end of Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochestor admits that he did wrong by Jane and that he would have sullied her if he had continued on with his actions.
Not once have I seen Rumpelstiltskin truly admit that–he admits he is a coward, he admits that he has a hard time choosing love over power, but he makes no effort to change. He just keeps using them same excuse and makes no effort to change his ways.
Rumpelstiltskin does have the traits of a Byronic Hero, but it does not fit him well. We are supposed to still pity and feel for them, and yet it is hard when we see the corruption he caused Regina, the separation he forced onto the Charming Family, how he chose power over love twice (even if he felt guilt), and for all the other acts he has done.