Favorite Fictional Characters from Literature
*Of course these are not in any particular order, because I just couldn't do that to them!
1. Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games Trilogy. Suzanne Collins
Trent and I just finished re-reading these books and I didn't know I could love Peeta more then I did after I read it the first time. He sees the good in situations and people that seem full of only evil. He loves passionately and deeply and is full of what is good in the world of Panem.
2. Adam Trask, East of Eden. John Steinbeck
Adam is so flawed, just like a normal human. He has been severely damaged emotionally, and does not handle it in the best way possible, but I always find myself rooting for him, and by the end I'm not disappointed!
3. Danny Saunders, The Chosen and The Promise. Chaim Potok
Torn between the need to fulfill his fathers wished and the desire to go his own way, Danny (with the help of his good friend Reuven) is forced to make difficult decision at a young age. Faith, passion, intelligence, friendship. Great story, great character(s).
4. Aliena and Jack Builder, Pillars of the Earth. Ken Follett.
How can you chose between Aliena and Jack? You can't. They are both incredible characters. You really MUST read this book.
5. Ron Weasley, Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling
It almost hurts to pick a favorite character from HP, but alas, I must. Ron really is my favorite. Ginny is probably right behind him. Then all the others are tied for a close third. I'd go with Snape, but I spent way too many years conflicted about him, I just can't do it.
6. Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye. J.D. Salinger
Cliche'? Perhaps, but I've read this book 7-10 times, and I can't deny he is one of the greatest characters ever written. Enough said.
7. Aragorn/Strider, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien
Strong, sensitive, and knows his own limits. Can turn down power that is so tempting it's almost impossible to turn away from. Puts his life at risk again and again and again for others. Plus he speaks Elvish, which is kind of sexy...right?!
8. Edmond Dantes, The Count of Monte Cristo. Alexandre Dumas.
This is a new favorite. Trent and I read this book at the end of last year together. Good ol' Edmond Dantes grows more than most characters, which is why he makes my favorites list. Growth, and facing trials of many kinds in clever ways.
9. The Giver, The Giver. Lois Lowry
The one person in his entire society who holds the memories of love, hate, warmth, pain, beauty, loss and so on. Forced to give his memories to a 12 year old boy. This character makes me hurt for his own pain and loneliness.
I had a few more to add to the list but someone (who will remain nameless) thinks I've spent enough time writing this blog already!
So let's have it people. Who are some of YOUR favorite characters?
After a list like that I can't help but add Voldemort, since he's so good at gathering a crowd of followers, despite his olfactory deficiencies.
ReplyDeleteoh darling, you are one hilarious person. After eating bits of him who must not be named in the 3D movie, I would think he'd be tossed off the list!
ReplyDeleteI don't generally pick out a favorite, but Ken Follet said it well:
ReplyDelete"I read Casino Royale when I was 12. It changed my life. Bond knew about all that intrigued me: cars, cocktails, guns, and, most of all, girls"
I also like Westley, of The Princess Bride.
And then there is the little prince. And Forrest Gump.
Other characters from the bible stories or mythologies or romantic tales come to mind. Or literature--but it's generally the favorite character of a particular story, and they generally don't seem to by in the running for my favorite character overall.
For realistic characters it is difficult for me to pick a favorite just as I guess it's somewhat difficult to "pick" a friend. There are some values and basics. Many people and characters hit on most of them. But then there's some stuff you put up with or some traits that you think you could do without but you accept. And probably the same person without those traits wouldn't be all you'd expect anyway.
In the world of Harry Potter I think Dumbledore is my favorite character.
Oh Ken Follett, you are hilarious!
ReplyDeleteThose are some great characters/insights.
I was trying to think of a fictional woman I like but I guess they just can't compare to real life.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is:
Princess Leah, Belle the beauty, Harriet the spy.