Name a character and the book they are from that has stayed with you and why.
Name a character and the book they are from that has stayed with you and why.
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Name a character and the book they are from that has stayed with you and why.
The Color Purple, character Cicely.
Aliena in The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. She is smart and fierce, and she never stops fighting in the face of adversity. She doesn’t always make the right choices, but who does?
Most of the characters in Catch 22. I’ve met most them in my life’s journey and been a few of them during stretches in my life. ?
Old Yeller… I think it was the first book I read that had such a tragic death in it.
Lou in Me Before You.
Harry Potter….
O-Lan from “The Good Earth”
The Count in Gentleman in Moscow ❤️
Jamie AND Claire…The Outlanders!
I absolutely love these characters! Those books, although very long, are some of the best books I’ve ever read.
Rue. She was an innocent
The Hunger Games?
A Man Called Ove because there is “no one you can’t love once you know their story” (Mr Rogers quote)
I always thought I was Scout from To Kill a M. because she ran around barefoot and slammed the screen door behind her.
Sula Peace from Toni Morrison’s Sula. The problem of good and evil women .
Katie John title hero of children’s book. I like to think she influenced how I approached life as a tomboy.
Alice from What Alice Forgot
Lucy she had pure faith? Chronicles of Narnia
Clara from What She Left Behind. She spent most of her life in an insane asylum, after being wrongfully committed, and managed to keep her sanity through it all. By Ellen Marie Wiseman, very emotional read, highly recommend.
The Bennett family and community in Pride and Prejudice
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
Have you read New York by Edward Rutherfurd?
Yes and I loved it enough to reread it!
Lauren Olamina from Parable of the Sower. She was a strong, smart black girl who developed her own philosophy and worked to help others after the country had pretty much collapsed.
Elphaba from Wicked ??
CeeCee from Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. A very sweet girl who was deeply affected by her early years with and then the loss of her mother – and then the extraordinary other women who eventually guide her.
Scarlet from GWTW she was able to overcome her upbringing she was shrewd and capable and oh so selfish
In spite of her short comings, I still felt sad for her when Rhett said I don’t give a damn.
Arya Stark from GOT…BAD.ASS.
Bennie Hogan from A Circle of Friends will forever be one of my favorites. She is strong and beautiful and didn’t comply with any of the stereotypes about “big girls.” She made me feel less alone in the world.
Harry potter all the books
Scarlet , selfish conniving and so fascinating. All for herself and Tara. GWTW
Gertie Nevels in The Doll Maker by Harriette Arnow. Such strength after moving from Kentucky to Detroit during WWII.
I didn’t realize that was a book. I watched the movie when I was a teenager and the character of Gertie stayed with me too.
She must have really resonated with me, as well. I read that book at least 55 years ago, had remembered the story, but not the title or the author’s name, and have struggled for years to come up with the who and what of it, but totally remembered Gertie.
I, too, read it long ago. Her devotion to her children has always been a role model for me!
Dane from The Thorn Birds…wanted to name my son dane but everyone talked me out of it!!
Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Ann (of Green Gables) she was a foster child/adopted child and the love grew kind of slow with her new family. I work with foster children now but loved it even before as I was a kind of introverted kid who moved a lot.
@Bonnie Have you read the Emily of New Moon books? I always liked her better than Anne.
No, but I will check them out.
Wilbur – Charlotte’s Web
@Dawn my second choice!
my character is Charlotte! This quote has stayed with me since childhood:
Wilbur asks Charlotte why she is saving him and she answers:
“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.”
Atticus Finch. From To Kill a Mockingbird
Holden Caulfield of “The Catcher in the Rye.” He was so desperate for human connection even as he seemed to push everyone (except Phoebe) away.
Atticus Finch and Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Ponyboy The Outsiders- introduced me to Robert Frost
Jo March from Little Women! Her determination to be herself in a world that frowned upon women breaking the mold was everything to a younger me.
Flavia de Lucie – Alan Bradley
Love the humor in this series. Flavia
Any parent of a gifted child will recognize Flavia immediately.
Yes!
So I just read a book that reminded me of the Flavia deluce series. It’s called a brief history of montmoray. You might like is as well.
O-lan in The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. She went from slave to the great house but still remembered what was important in life.
My mother’s all time favorite book.
Scarlett O’Hara, Gone With the Wind, because despite how unlikeable her character could be, she remained a strong woman no matter the obstacles and over came them.
My choice also, and for same reason!
Ralph Touchett “Ah he was so simpatico.”—Countess Gemini, Portrait of a Lady
Katie Nolan—a tree lives in Brooklyn. My family grew up there, and we visited Williamsburg’s last year.
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. We were THISCLOSE to naming my DS after him.
Francie Nolan. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Perseverance and determination despite difficult circumstances
Mariam – A Thousand Splendid Suns
Yes….Layla and Mariam both!
yes it is
Charlie in Flowers for Algernon. ?
It’s a fundamental work that is not only interesting but nails the American experience in ways that still reverberate, what, 60 years later
Aurora Greenway, Terms of Endearment she is such a great character in all three books.
Tom Joad, The Grapes of Wrath. Helped me shape my politics and how I view the plight of the underdogs of this world.
Scarlet in Gone With the Wind.
Nancy Drew..she could solve everything and keep her Titian colored hair perfectly styled. I started with my Grandmothers books and still have all the ones I bought with my allowance in the 70’s
??
Aww loved those books ?
I tell my kids that Nancy solved mysteries without a cell phone or the internet….they were mystified! LOL!
Rudy Shneider from THE BOOK THIEF. I loved his determination and mischief. He just made me smile with love for that little fellow. How can you not love a little blonde blue-eyed boy who wanted to be like Jesse Owen? ❤
Yes! A great American story
Jane Eyre and Edward Fairfax Rochester.
1. Ramona Quimby
2. Charles Ingalls
3. Charlotte A. Cavatica
4. Scarlet O’Hara
5. Atticus Finch
6. Jane Eyre
Too many to list or explain why ??
Who is Charlotte?
@Cherisa From Charlottes Web by E. B. White. She’s the spider.
@Heather didn’t know she had a surname!?
@Cherisa It’s in the book ?
@Heather good Jeopardy question ?
@Cherisa ??
Atticus Finch
Go Set a Watchman might break your heart. Although I liked it, and found the story plausible, part of me wishes I never read it.
That’s why I don’t want to read it. I love Atticus
Scout. Love her spirit
Una the character in Ahab s Wife. I liked her because she was so adventurous.
Alexander Supertramp from Into The Wild
I’m no Spring Chickie, so I’ve read a LOT of books. It’s hard to just pick one. So I’ll pick 3… Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, and Hercule Poirot. I pick them because I grew up in a very small town. I’m a smart chickie also, and have an extremely good memory, with an eye for detail. These characters were the first I read about that I felt similar to, who were more than just nerds. They were the heroes and heroines of the story. They solved the problems.
Can’t even begin to choose, but LOVE this post and am getting great ideas for my TBR list!
Anne from Anne of Green Gables
Taylor Greer, The Bean Trees
A lot of people seem to have read it in high school, but my class never did. I had seen the movie a few times but never read the book until I was an adult. Sometimes I remember my reaction when I finish a book. When I finished TKAM my immediate response was, “wow, that was SOME book!”
Lina Hait Crowell I reread it just last year and it was even more significant today, I mean in these times
Ellery Queen I loved those stories.
May Boatwright. The Secret Life of Bees.
Hans Castorp – a hapless fellow who became decisive in the secluded Swiss Alps as the world swirled from philosophical chaos to war.
Just reread the Magic Mountain, but surprisingly it was a slog
Dovekeeper.
I have that book did you like it ?
@Paula Loved it. Still stays with me.
@Carol thank you!
Lizbet Salander, the girl with the dragon tattoo. Enjoying her brilliant revenge on the evil men who wronged her is one of my greatest guilty pleasures.
I loved that series!
I loved her too! Loved her revenge, but also loved how smart she was!!! She was a complete computer genius!
Love her. Reading Eye for an Eye right now
Ramona quimby, franny from a tree grows in brooklyn, Seymour glass from salinger’s stories
Ramona ❤️
I became a teacher because I read all of Mary Poppins in the 2nd grade
When I was a kid I wanted Harriet from “Harriet the Spy” to be my best friend. I still find her to be one of the most intriguing characters I’ve ever read (especially now that I am a mother).
I wanted to be her. I wanted to spy on people and hide in dumb waiters — that sounded so cool
Me too. I remember going on my “route” like Harriet, which was nowhere as cool as her because I wasn’t allowed to walk more than three houses away from my own, and we didn’t have a dumbwaiter.
Britte Marie from Britte Marie Was Here. I chose this character because I’m at a similar stage in life. I understood her completely!
Jane Eyre. I’ve always loved her because she’s a very intelligent, determined and strong willed character. She wasn’t the prettiest of girls, but that was never important to her. She was more interested in being smart and moral than being the belle of the ball. And I always admired how she stood up to Mr. Rochester and spoke her mind instead of cowering the way other young women of that time period would have. I think she’s an amazing role model for young girls of this generation, who are concerned about taking the perfect “selfie.” Intelligence and self worth is worth more.
I agree, Jennifer Richardson. I have read the book over and over again from age 11 and am now retired. She was my role model.
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, just because that was one of the first novels I read and fell in love with. I think her character taught me very early on that being a girl doesn’t mean you are limited. I named my son Nolan.
Connor Ford from The Smoke Jumper. I loved the complexity of the character and how he changed over time, from a wildfire fighter to a war zone photographer. Left quite the impression on me as a teen.
Elizabeth Bennett. She had strong convictions and they guided her. When she was wrong, she admitted it.
I have to say Jaime and Claire Fraser from Outlander series. They are strong, have gone through many sad events, but never lose the spirit that drives them. And I also have to say Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, from Louise Penny’s books, much for the same reasons and because he feels like a friend. I love to re-read the books because I feel like I could be in that place with those people.
John Ames in Gilead
Fern Arable from Charlotte’s Web.
Fern lived my dream life.
Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. She had spunk and a kind heart. She played with the boys, and she learned from her Dad.
Olive Kitteridge , from the book of the same name. She was one tough lady.
I really remember her also
Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird!!! She’s feisty!!!
Howard Roark-the fountainhead
Xxx-layer cake
Sam Hamilton-east of eden
Tom joad-grapes of wrath
Elvis from Rabbit Cake
Harriet Solomon Potter, a Texas pioneer. Her story is told in Love is A Wild Assault
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
It was and is my favorite book of all time.
I want to read it again – I love all of Betty Smith’s books!
Scout as a child; Scarlett as a teenager; Elizabeth Bennet as an adult come to mind…
Una from “Ahab’s Wife”
Charlotte so loving gentle and wise in her web.
The Little Prince…all those travels and all the lessons he learned along the way…”it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye”
Hawkeye from Last of the Mohicans
Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web. It was the first time I was introduced to something/someone that everyone else was afraid of and made her a positive icon. to this day I am a capture and release airl when it comes to spiders 🙂
Scout-To Kill a Mockingbird
Anne fro Anne of Green Gables…
To name just one at the moment- Luna Lovegood – she is a “fellow Ravenclaw”, she’s a good friend, sees things others don’t, she knows and accepts herself even when others pick on her.
Seems unnecessary to specify, but I forgot to mention from Harry Potter.
There is great fan fiction out there on Luna.
.. Mrs. Pollifax .. from the series by Dorothy Gilman .. She’s an elderly widow who gets bored with just garden club meetings, so she joins the CIA and goes on secret missions.
The orphan from The Book Thief, also the grandfather, also the Jewish young man, also the grandmother, also the lady that left the window open for her to take books, and her lost friend.
I completely agree with this list!
The seven kids from the Because of Mr. Terupt series: Peter, Jessica, Luke, Alexia, Jeffrey, Danielle and Anna. Relatable kids from different backgrounds with a deep capacity to love.
Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser (time traveler & creative medical arts practitioner), Amelia Peabody (Egyptologist/detective)- adaptable, resilient & good role models
“Antoinette (Bertha)” From ‘ The Wide Sargasso Sea’ , by Jean Rhys.She’s also known as the first ‘ Mrs. Rochester’. She’s haunting because she ‘ s been a prisoner in her own home, and when you read that novel you understand what’s behind her midnight roamings and her fascination with fire.
The Book Thief – Liesel – So amazing to think how books brought her so much comfort in such unimaginable circumstances. The story had just stayed with me. ❤️
I agree I love Liesel…not to mention Rudy Steiner, the boy “whose hair would remain the color of lemons forever” that wanted to be just like Jesse Owens ❤️
Francie from a Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
She came to mind.
Livy from The Magic of Ordinary Days
Pi Patel from Life of Pi.
Scout… to kill a mocking bird.
Dolores Price from She’s Come Undone (by Wally Lamb)
Helen from Jane Eyre, a very minor character but her friendship to Jane and death affected me. She took abuse and still encouraged Jane.
Scarlett O’Hara from GWTW. A lifelong love with the character and the book.
When my oldest daughter was born, I named her Tara (my husband rejected Scarlett). As a gift my friend gave me a Madame Alexander Scarlett O’Hara doll – to start a GWTW collection for her. I kept it up for years (still do) but Tara has absolutely no interest in it! Now I have it all in a beautiful cabinet in my living room. ?
I have 3 sets of the GWTW plates by The Bradford Exchange. My daughters and I fight for the best ones.
Hallmark has one (or two) GWTW ornaments every Christmas. My birthday is also in Dec., so my mom always gets them for me every year!
Skeeter Phelan from The Help
Montag- Fahrenheit 451. He gave up His comfortable position as a fireman, because his ideas changed about the freedom to be able to read whatever you choose! He became a fugitive and certainly showed himself to be bigger than the circumstances! Hope I will stay a stand up guy in my life!-Randy.
Yes, a thousand times, yes!
So many stay with me but recently Benji in Beartown and Tony Loneman in There There.
Skeeter from The Help, she is me.
Scout/TKAM
Me too.
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights
Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice
Lila from “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante series books! A smart character and very loyal to her friend Lena.
Arturo from Geek Love
Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, Boo … love To Kill a Mockingbird. Family
Jude. A Little Life
Definitely! Such a heartbreaking story!
Atticus Finch will always be a part of me
Benji from Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Because I just read this book and he was my favorite. Troubled and trouble.
Great Expectations, Miss Haversham. I don’t know why except imagery
@Bonnie I always think of her when it’s time to do housework…I think “this place looks like Miss Havisham’s house”…
OMG, SAME
Atticus
Owen Meaney in “A Prayer For Owen Meaney”.
Robinson Crusoe, by same name
Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings.
Anne with an E Shirley. I want her for my best friend!! Anne of Green Gables.
Me too!
Love her
Jay Gatz
Francine Nolan, her love of books, learning and family. Atticus, his truth, kindness and strength, Scarlett, her strong will, her charm and determination
Morrie from Tuesdays With Morrie. So brave in the face of death.
Count Alexander Rostov from A Gentleman in Moscow. Despite being in lockdown at a hotel for the remainder of his life and never being able to step outside and enjoy the city he loved, he formed life long friendships and remained a kind hearted soul.
@Kimberly reading this for Octobers book club meeting. Thanks for the heads up(gentle sarcasm)?
@Catharine sorry ?♀️
Maryann Singleton from Tales of the City. I found this series of books long after I was a young woman, but I still wonder if I would have had the courage to move so far from home and start a new life in a wonderful city like San Francisco like she did.
Owen Meanie!
Scarlett. Because she could adapt!
I had to revisit this post, so much of what I read is character driven, therefore so many characters live inside my head. I am now haunted by any character with the last name of Stark, obsessed with Matthew Clairmont and I think Armand Gamache is my best friend?
@Sue same with me, so many characters in my head and heart they are like a shadow social cohort of my life
Gentleman in Moscow…. Count Rostov
Wheeler Burden in The Little Book – I dream of him often <3
Elizabeth Bennett in PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, because she’s a voracious reader like me, and takes pride in the written word.
Father Tim. Jan Karon’s Mitford series. His kindness to all in his community.
Jean Valjean Les Miserables1
“Stay gold Ponyboy” Johnny Cade….The Outsiders
Jo from Little Women….I was her.
The Little Prince for his abiding love
Anne from Anne of Green Gables – she had such a difficult childhood and never lost her sense of wonder and love of beauty (and learning!)
Absolutely!
Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear. Because her obstacles were steel and she was the sword. She only became stronger and sharper, even all on her own.
CHARLOTTE ,HER LOVE & FRIENDSHIP
Anne Frank from Diary of Anne Frank
Yes!!
Kinsey Millhone or Anna Pigeon. I’d love to be that brave and able to solve mysteries?❤️
I still think about Kinsey and it’s so sad we won’t be reading about her any longer.
@Linda – I know. The Alphabet ends with “Y”?
Eleanor, The Haunting of Hill House
Eddie from The Five People You Meet In Heaven
Augustus Mcrae from Lonesome Dove…”The older the violin..the sweeter the music” ?
Kathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Doomed lovers that I still think about now and then.
Harriet, Harriet the Spy. I always loved her independence.
Jo and Beth from Little Women.
Karla see my review at https://wp.me/p9PuNj-2r
Christy, from the book Christy – Catherine Marshall. Young and naive, she left for an adventure teaching in the Appalachian mountains. All of the people she met and life’s lessons she learned, really resonated to me as a young girl.
Rebekah Fairlight…there is a character in the book, the wife of a mountain man, named Fairlight Spencer.
Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird because she had a strong sense of equality…I have that quality too
Sidney Carton from Tale of Two Cities because he starts out as the throw away and becomes the most important character in the story.
A great character
Quentin Coldwater (The Magicians), Eleanor Oliphant (EO is Completely Fine), every HP character naturally, Jay Gatsby, getting away from book characters but “Pink” of Pink Floyd’s The Wall
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird
Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. And Katie from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Hans from The Book Thief, for his heart.
Sethe – Beloved
Atticus, because he lives by Do unto Others, As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.
Valentine Michael Smith from “Stranger in a Strange Land”, Robert Heinlein. I read the book when I was 15. It was the first time I fell in love with a character in a book.
“Once upon a time there was a Martian named Valentine Michael Smith”….the first line of an amazing book. I even loved Heinlein ‘s juvenile sci-fi books like Star Beast and Podkayne of Mars
Half pint/ Little House
Roland the Gunslinger from Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. He was heroic and tragic, and his story never ended.
Atticus Finch/ “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Captain Queeg from the Caine Mutiny, he reveals the way stress and absolute power can make someone disillusioned. The character is vivid and tyrranical at times and sympathetic at other times.
Scarlet OHara. She changed with the loss of the Confederacy
I love her too…responsibility and loss changed her…but nothing changed her spirit. A strong woman at a time and place where they weren’t supposed to be.
Jude – A Little Life
I can’t forget him if I try.
Atticus Finch
Ava…Ava’s Man
RICK BRAGG
Oakley Fox …Fair and Tender Ladies
Jo March
I so agree…her personal awareness in turning down Laurie, publishing her first story… I think it is too bad that Little Women is considered a children’s book. We could all learn from little tales of daily courage and character. Have you read Alcott’s Eight Cousins?
Yes. I read them all. Even have my mother’s copies of those books.
@Judy wow that is great. I had my mom’s Nancy Drew books. Of course there were just three or four then
She’s Come Undone,Dolores Price.
Renfield from Dracula. Just the flies….
Stella in “ A World Made of Fire” by Mark Childress the author made her so real.
Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird
Atticus Finch from Mockingbird. Terrence McDonald from my own as-yet unpublished novel, What Death Taught Terrence. When that book comes, I do hope all the great readers here will consider reading it! Ten years of work. It’s so close now, I can almost feel myself holding it! I just need the agent and the publisher who will help me bring it into the world!
Good luck!
Santiago from The Alchemist- we are all on our own journey and should look within. Also, Eddie from The five ppl u meet in heaven- because sometimes we don’t realize how important we are to others until it’s gone.
Little Women. Jo
George of mice and men
David Copperfield; Ireni Forsythe
Ditto!
Dr. Frankenstein
Arthur Less, from the book, Less is completely memorable and lovable. His story reminds me that even the most brazen attempts to avoid our lives can backfire on us, leading to happiness.
I’m reading that right now. It’s so good! I’m at the part when he’s in Germany. So funny!
@Suzye I saw the author read the Germany chapter at a local bookstore and it was so amazing.
Olive Kitteridge, honest, somewhat brutal but very true
@Helen I have 50 pages to go in this book. ?
Sidney Carton from Tale of Two Cities… a unique character who made the ultimate sacrifice
Everett Chance – The Brothers K.
Forgot the why…..an amazing man in a difficult time I identified with him and would like to think if I went through what he went through, knowing myself, I’d a made many of the same choices: “Hats”, “Give Chance a Piece”. READ THE BOOK.
Ove from A Man Called Ove
I must say I did not like that book-I’ve gotten a lot of slack from saying this-lol-I kept waiting for something to happen and I felt like it never did.
I loved that book! Also, by same author, Britt Marie was here.
@Glenda I was hesitant for the first half of the book. I agree, kept waiting for something to happen. The last half, I saw that the book, like the main character began to open his heart and live. It really resonated with me.
@Susan I completely agree! I stopped reading it for a while but then went back to it and so glad that I did! I was tearing up at the end and in never cry! Ove is such a well rounded character with so much pathos. To the outsider he’s such a cranky old curmudgeon but we as the reader realize there’s so much more to him. And there’s a lot of humor as well!
@Suzye I also listened to it as an audiobook and it really brought him to life.
@Susan me too! ?
Alice from Still Alice by Lisa Genova. One of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. I felt her throughout the whole book.
‘Scout’ in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
Yossarian – Catch 22
Horse Badorties – The Fan Man
Natasha. War and Peace
The second Mrs. DeWinter (she has no first name) in Rebecca – perhaps because I was 16 when I read it. It was set in England and in a world I knew nothing about.
Trudi Stones from the River
Love that book!
Ponyboy Curtis.
Because When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house…
Scarlett from Gone With the Wind….oh fiddle de de I will worry about this tomarrah.
Scarlett From Gone With the WInd….she was fearless
I first read Catcher In the Rye when I was 13 and identified heavily with Holden Caulfield. I reread the book at least 10 to 12 times by the time I was 24, and each time I found something else that resonated with me and my life. He is still one of my all-time favorite characters.
LOVE that book!
@Annie Me, too! My favorite book!
Anne of Green Gables, her loyalty, her sense of humor, her determination.
Silas Marner
Franny and Zooey by Salinger. Related to both characters.
Sarah’s little brother from Sarah’s Key hasn’t just ‘stayed’ with me. He haunts me. I’m not going to say why because it would be a spoiler for those who haven’t yet read the book.
@Adele yes!
(Just a wee bit of an edit) ?
@Adele ?
Yes indeed, @Karol … whenever I think about it … which is probably too often.
@Adele that whole event…. 🙁
Owen Meaney from A Prayer for Owen Meaney
More than once.
Atticus…To Kill A Mockingbird
Aliena. The Pillars of the Earth. She was a woman before her time!
Scout in To Kill A Mocking Bird.
Walter Neff – Double Indemnity
Mayella Ewell from To Kill a Mockingbird. As Atticus says, “She is a victim of ignorance and poverty.”
Laura Ingalls. I loved her so much-I thought of her as my friend. Those books such a part of my childhood!
@Shanon adore her!! She is still my best friend, always and forever.
The unnamed narrator of The Historian. She had lost her mother and her father was a distance, unaffectionate, workaholic, so she was left to her own devices most of the time. But she’s never bitter or resentful, just a little lost.
Ender from Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow and, of course, Scrooge!
@Park it’s a perfect book.
Addison from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables
Precocious and positive. 🙂
Master Raymond!
I wonder if we will ever get his backstory.
@Hillary I believe Diana Gabaldon has said she is planning a Raymond book. Also, if you follow her on Facebook, she has posted one or two very interesting tales about him.
@Hillary https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaGabaldon/
Yay! Thanks so much for the recommendation.
I just joined it and it is great! I don’t watch the show (the characters in my head look too different, I can’t get past it), so I will skip those posts, but it looks like most are book-based. Love that she obviously does the page herself and joins in the conversation. Thanks again.
@Hillary I am one of Outlander’s biggest fans, I think! I’ve been reading her books (and rereading them) for over 20 years. I was convinced I would hate the show, but it’s really pretty good! You should try it, it is fun to see the characters come to life. Master Raymond was great. There’s a lot in her page right now about the show because it starts again pretty soon.
@Julie , I will think about it. In the past, the movie/TV versions of the characters have supplanted my imaginary characters once I see them. I love the characters in my head so much from these books, I am scared to risk it. I would miss them. But, my mom said the same thing about the show, so maybe it’s worth it.
Hillary Lane Siragusa Never read the books but love the shows. Would not miss them. Great period costuming comes to life, scenery and homes. My sister in law is a curator of costumes at a national site and she just loves how that show is very authentic.
@Hillary yes, I totally get what you mean! But, the vision I have of Jamie of the books is so strong that the tv version seems kind of like a different version of the character. Like I’m seeing someone else’s version of Jamie and it’s ok. Not sure if that makes sense! I totally didn’t think I’d like the show, but I really really do! And I know it will be worth watching just to see Maria Doyle Kennedy play Aunt Jocasta this season because she is FABULOUS!
@Julie , I see your point. I am almost done reading all the books AGAIN so maybe the characters are “implanted”. I really like your idea of different versions. That’s a great way to look at it and my help me in the future when they totally screw up the casting, in my opinion (a la Twilight).
Claire from the Outlander series who was smart, strong, brave and romantic in 2 different time periods. I read all 8 books in the series and just loved them.
Tom Joad from The Grapes of Wrath.
The father, The Book Thief
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. She has been a part of my life for many years. Laura Ingalls Wilder for same reason. Childhood friends who are with me always!
Charlotte from Charlotte’s web.
I have a repeat-web-builder out back. She builds in our way, we tear it down, she rebuilds. I have named her Charlotte for this very reason. Which is why I don’t have the heart to spray her web with insecticide. God love the persistent little creature.
Claire in the Outlander books. She’s courageous, smart, flexible, has strong morals, is not materialistic, is loyal and knows how to love completely
Gus from Lonesome Dove
@Pennie the man. I have never read the books just seen the whole series 10 and counting.
@Beverly The book is one of my favorites. I read it when it came out over 30 years ago and I reread it occasionally. The miniseries is good but the book is so much better.
@Pennie good.. I will get it
Antonia Zabinski in The Zookeeper’s Wife. Such bravery! And loves animals, too!
Harry Potter. I haven’t read those books in five years probably, but I will be forever obsessed because of all the merchandise, fan fiction and reading confessions about what people think of the books. Also, Fantastic Beasts- it’s nice to have more movies set in the Wizarding World and to explore the characters further.
@Nicholas I like Harry Potter too. My sister and I visited the Wizarding World last October and it really was magical.
Bigwig from Watership Down ❤️
OMG, me too! I was just about to say the same but thought I’d see what other people thought. One of the most admirable characters ever.
@Hillary I read that book for the first time this summer and in complete love with it! I re read the ending about 5 times before returning to the library. What a classic!! ❤️❤️??
@Amy , “My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run, and until he says otherwise, I shall stay here.” Sigh.❤️
Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia.
Dumbledore from HP.
Peter Pan ❤
Jo March, Little Women, Visionary for her time
Isabel Archer from The Portrait of a Lady. Her thirst for knowledge and experience, her ideals and suffering, her strength
Sam Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings…
Jane Eyre – the book is Jane Eyre. The character embodies the ideals of early Victorian womanhood yet manages to overcome unbearable adversity, not once but several times in the story in order to triumph (by early Victorian standards) in the end.
Idgie – Fried Green Tomatoes. I named a horse after her
Atticus Finch … to kill a mocking bird …. why? My f introduction to the injustices in our world
Corrie Tin Booms book. Thank God for lice and fleas.
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She’s just such a strong character. I love her. ❤️
Icy from Icy Sparks – has Tourette’s and her family didn’t get her so she made her own family from other societal outcasts. Her voice and attitude were great.
Louis Zamperini in Unbroken. Such an amazing true story of courage and incredible resilience!!!
@Denise I think about this book ALL THE TIME! It rocked my world!
@Angela me toooooo
My kids know the author well. College friend of theirs. She’s fantastic at research.
Little Women….Jo…Amy… Beth… Meg…. family is everything… compassion is nessiary …and life is a gift…
Jo March from Little Women because she reminded me of myself.
My Antonia
Honestly Harry Potter because he always dug deep and found courage he didn’t know he had and grew into a leader he never thought he’d be.
Yay!
Bone Boatwright – Bastard Out Of Carolina
Pollyanna, she reminds be of what is important in life. Same for lion, witch and wardrobe- asland taught faith. I just finished the tattooist of Auschwitz. The tattooist showed me a lot of enduraning to the end.
Pollyanna was my first favorite book ?
Anne Shirley, from Anne of Green Gables. my heart broke with all her trials. Her heart was always in the right place❤️.
Atticus Finch—-what a wonderful man.
Annie LaMott-“Hallelujah Anyway, Discovering Mercy”. “What if we know that forgiveness and mercy are what heal and restore and define us , that they actually are the fragrance that the Rose leaves on the heal that crushes it?”
Einstein the dog from watchers, Atticus, from to kill a Mockingbird, oh geez too many!
Mr. Milgrom in Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. He had an endless supply of love and patience in spite of losing everything in the Warsaw Ghetto.
Such a good question! I would have to say all the characters in the Athens Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series, Especially Lisabeth. I just can’t imagine living her life.
Liesel from The Book Thief
Lots, but Laurie from the book, “Don’t Hurt Laurie” from junior high. She was abused. It scared me and I will never understand how any human can hurt another like that.
Odetta Holmes/Detta Walker from The Dark Tower series by King. Mordred is hongry! Just a fascinating character with two very different personalities who merge to become the ideal female…IMO
The Little Prince from the book by the same name. His description of the man who counts his money all day is spot on.
Jane Eyre. Just love her. Confidence without conceit. An independent woman for all times.
Beth—Little Women. Complete selflessness.
King Lear of King Lear. He thought he knew it all but, in his 80s, discovered that what he ‘knew’ was wrong. It gives me hope for me and my blind sides and for others.
I stood in front of my bookshelves a long time before answering. So many great answers already posted. I am going to go with Henry Standing Bear (Longmire series) and Katniss (Hunger Games). As I think about it their characters are similar with traits of loyalty, honesty, inner strengthen, good with weapons, etc.
I love Henry too
Jo March from Little Women, because extraordinary people don’t lead ordinary lives.
Francine Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In spite of poverty, an alcoholic father, and having too much responsibility for a child to bear, Francine always remained optimistic and hopeful, just like the little tree that persisted while trying to grow out of the crack in the sidewalk.
Lenny – from Of Mice and Men–
Such a tragic and precious and vunerable person- This book is one I never tire of- the first time I read it, I was angry at George– but through the years and many reads of this book, I understand George and appreciate Steinbeck’s honest portrait of Lenny–
2 of the most admirable characters in literature:
Arthur from The Once and Future King. He has a good heart, stays true to himself and is loyal to his friends and his cause. He is also willing to learn and is kind.
Bigwig from Watership Down because he took care of his friends and learned not to let his ego get in the way. He knows his role and fulfills it to the best of his ability.
I also love Jamie from Outlander because he knows what a man is for?
James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser. ???
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Constantine from The Help
Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. He was willing to not only stand on principle but was also willing to put himself and his reputation “on the line.”
Holden Caufield: ” The Catcher in the Rye” relatable teen…?
Scout, To Kill A Mockingbird
Always open to learning – Scout.
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Humble, heroic roll model.
Will Tweedy from Cold Sassy Tree. I think he and Scout Finch would have been a great couple!
Frank from Be Frank With Me
Scarlet In Gone with the Wind, nobody was going to cr@£ on her.
Laura ingalls These Happy Golden Years..I love when Almanzo asked her to marry him, and she said it would depend on the ring.
Tom Joad, The Grapes of Wrath
Scarlett O’Hara. Because I relate to the “I’ll think about it tomorrow” denial.
Jamie because well….he is Jamie
Scout, To Kill a Mockingbird
Isabelle, The Nightingale
Nadia – existentialism personified.
Scarlet O’Hara, Gone with the Wind.
Ayla from the Clan of the Cave Bear series. Read them over and over.
Me too.
Jo from Little Women. I just identify with her on many levels. ❤️. But this was tough to answer. There are too many that have stayed with me.
Owen Meany and HIS VOICE!!!!!
So agree. Love Owen. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Read years ago and will never forget him.
Scarlet O’Hara, Gone With the Wind.
Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear
Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities. The ironic and heartbreaking beauty of his sacrifice still makes me weep every single time I reread that favorite novel. The only way to redeem his wasted life was by giving it up for someone he loved. <3
Lady Brett Ashley – a tease for all seasons
Jo from Little Women. She was a great role model as I was growing up. I admired her determination and self confidence.
I chose her as well ❤️?
Love Jo too.
Anne Shirley because of all the “scope for imagination!”
Will from black sun by Edward abbey
The Harvester and the Harvester, because he is such a sweet romantic passionate strong and honest man.
Scout – To Kill A Mockingbird
Main character in Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing, such a complex multifaceted woman.
Gus from Lonesome Dove. He’s opinionated, cocky, funny, kind, loyal. I read that book years ago and he still sticks with me.
I love that book so much. I finished it and immediately started rereading it.
Aragorn, Lord of the Rings.
Phoneboy
??
Probably meant Ponyboy
Yes my spelling really sucks thinks
Valentine Michael Smith in Stranger in a Strange Land
Messiah Mike- memorable guy (and delicious)- I grok.
I am surprised that Chief Inspector Armand Gamache hasn’t shown up before. As the protagonist in the Three Pines series by Louise Penny he leads a set of characters that have almost become “family”. From Still Life, and the 13 novels that followed, they have become some of my all time and go-to reading.
I don’t know this series or author
@Cherisa Louise Penny is Canadian, and her books are often mystery award winners. I don’t even remember how I found them…I think from an Ann Cleeve’s list some years back. If you like mysteries, well developed characters,if not quirky, you might enjoy these as much as I do. I’m going to see her in St. Louis on her newest book tour this December.
@Margaret cool, she’s now on my TBR, thanks!
You’re welcome. I see several other readers agree.?
I’ve read one of her books in this series and it was wonderful. There are so many books to read!
@Kathleen the newest addition to the series is out late November. I agree there are sooo many books to read. I just must read Ms. Penny’s. She spoke to me at the beginning.
Dominick from I Know This Much Is True. Fermina Daza. Scarlet O’Hara. Trixie Belden.
Trixie Belsen! I loved her
Cardinal…Thornbirds. I fantasized about him for years!
I recently got that book at a library sale and it is in my short to-read pile.
Yes…Father Ralph de Bricassart – Richard Chamberlain. This miniseries is where I first heard the same Meghan…my second daughter’s name. ❤️
Scarlett O’Hara.
Maigrit – French inspector who loved his comforts and mysteries
Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden. One of my favorites growing up, but she always stayed with me and how she learns to treat others.
Oh I loved that book. If you ever have the opportunity, watch the old movie on TCM.
@Kari will do!
The Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Because he’s so mysterious and then there isthe smile he leaves behind.
Elizabeth Bennet~Pride and Prejudice ! Because she is smart, clever and has a great family.
Love her too.
Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones’s Diary. I love her because she is so authentically and joyously flawed.
Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Dangy Taggart, the heroine in “Atlas Shrugged.” I just loved her strength and bravery!
Dagny
Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia. I loved how strong she was.
Owen Meany from John Irving’s a Prayer for Owen Meany.
And strangely enough Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear. Maybe it was because she was the first forceful and strong female protagonist I came across as a younger girl.
I’m on the wait list for Owen Meany. I hope I like it too! I think I’m #4 of 3 copies.
@Jessica love Ayla!!
@Cynthia Owen was the best character development I ever read. Enjoy!
Cynthia Vanaria I have never forgotten Owen Meany. Read it years ago and I can’t part with it. I have a wall of books and that one stays every time I try to thin out some of my books.
@Pattie These are great comments. I am really looking forward to meeting Owen Meany
Not a character but the book itself ” The Scock Doctrine ” by Naomi Klein. I says with me because of what I learned about what is happening right now. Please this is not a political statement but just a book that was lucky to read and like.
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Also August and May Boatwright from The Secret Life of Bees.
Yes!!
Roland Deschain. the Gunslinger. A deeply flawed character, a man of action, but not necessarily a man of deep thought. Sympathetic, yet not all necessarily good, though not bad. The kind of character that makes readers keep turning the page, and makes would be authors weep that they could create such a complex flawed character. The Dark Tower Series, Stephen King.
Frodo. Lord of the Rings series. The sheer magnitude of what he had to do. Humble and courageous.
Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind…..always made me sad that she found out too late that she had loved Rhett all along
Owen Meany from A Prayer for Owen Meany, Jamie Fraser from Outlander, Jude St Francis from A Little Life
Resolute from My Name is Resolute by Nancy E Turner. A strong woman!
I just finished reading The Sun Does Shine. Hinton is staying with me, because of his compassion to others while in the midst of terror. Because if his undying hope and most of all for the love! The love he maintains for his family as well as himself. A memorable book.
If you don’t already, Owen Meany will make you believe in God.
Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. He is a fine role model for his children and teaches morals and values.
Yes!
Elizabeth Bennett.
Count Alexander Rostov, in the book A Gentleman in Moscow
Novel by Amor Towles. This character I will never forget. He began and ended a true gentleman.
Scout and Boo from To Kill a Mockingbird
Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden. She was a strong role model for me when I was young and first read the book.
Anne Elliott from Persuasion overcame the limitations her family placed on her. She became the best version of herself and grabbed the life she wanted and the man ahe loved.
Elphaba from Wicked
Oh that is a good one! I have always loved stories with complex heroes and villains that explain the hero’s shortcomings & the story of how the villain was “created”.
She wasn’t wicked, she just had bad PR! ?
Dinah from The Red Tent. She was strong at a time women were treated as property and rarely had a voice.
Harold Fry from the unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Probably because he wasn’t entirely sure why he kept going, but did it anyway.
That’s a good book
@Maria, I enjoyed it. Haven’t read the sequel, have you?
No I didn’t know there was a sequel. I’ll look for it.
@Maria, Here it is. It’s the story of the friend Harold went to visit.
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Song-Miss-Queenie-Hennessy/dp/0812989813?crid=2ULDMI1NEQ07D&keywords=queenie+hennessy&qid=1537526570&sprefix=queenie+henn&sr=8-1
I loved Harold Fry, so thanks for suggesting this!
@Natalie, no problem. Reminded myself that I need to read it.
Melanie….from Gone With the Wind….because even though she was plain, and shy, compared to Scarlett, I really admired her quiet strength and resolve. And Charlotte, from Charlotte’s web….she was a great teacher, and gave her life to help others.
Jun Do (I think that’s his name) from “The Orphan Master’s Son”. His resilience and curiosity really stuck with me.
Francie from a Tree Grows in Brooklyn
I need to revisit this one. I haven’t for 30 years.
Domenico Onofrio Tempesta. This Much I Know is True.
The name alone is unforgettable ?
Ayla.
I love Jondalar too.
Molly Jameson. From the book, Indian Captive, based on a true story. I have never forgotten her.
Alice (What Alice forgot)
Susie Salmon (Lovely Bones)
Kitty Fane from Maugham’s The Painted Veil. She goes through a remarkable transformation, beautifully detailed in Maugham’s provocative and haunting prose.
Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and other books in the series, because she is an amazing, strong, intelligent woman.
Character: Dr. Stone
Book: Cutting for Stone
Complex, unpredictable, yet consistent.
Intriguing, endearing, frustrating, sorrowful, redemptive.
Pip from Great Expectations.
I always liked Hop Frog, from Edgar Allan Poe’s story. Hop Frog got his revenge.
I’ve never read that. Thank-you for mentioning it Penny.
Josephine March
little Women
I love how she doesn’t conform to society around her and seeks more. Also her imagination and love of her family ❤️
Brandi? Have you read “Little Men, Jo’s Boys”? You would love it.
So that’s what little men is about! I was wondering. Now I have to re-read Little Women and then read Little Men!
Clary Fray, Shadowhunters (series). Real, engaging, badass attitude from day one. Embodies knowing that life is dangerous and rushing into it anyway.
Josephine March-Jo…she stuck to her dreams! And in real life author Louisa May Alcott was amazing!
I’m related to LMA! ?????
did anyone ever read Little Men
@Helen , yes I did!
Harold and the Purple Crayon. My first exposure to the belief you create your own reality. Still love that book.
Meggie from The Thorn Birds, she never gave up.
Dominick Birdsey from I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb.
Dobbie from Harry Potter. 🙁 Dobbie is a free elf!
Edmond Dantes.
The Count of Monte Cristo is my second favorite, right after Owen Meany.
Eleanor Oliphant is a sad, tragic, and funny character all rolled into one.
I’m reading Eleanor Oliphant right now — you’ve described her perfectly.
Lisbeth Salander from the incredible mind of Stieg Larson
Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff. I felt so sorry for him because he was so lonely and tormented, even though he had been pulled from obscurity and given a better life. His bitterness took him over, so he was a tragic figure.
Midnight from The Coldest Winter Ever book series because he was such a principled,handsome, intelligent Black man..
Eddie Willers from Atlas Shrugged
Robert Jordan in For whom the bell tolls
Meg, A Wrinkle in Time
Hermione Grangerm, Harry Potter books, smart and loyal, knew what she wanted and didn’t compromise her values. Also some mentioned here – Owen Meany, Jo (Little Women), Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice)
Outlander – Jamie Fraser! My dream man, i.e., tall, strong, handsome, brave, loyal, loving, humorous, industrious, intelligent, sexy, kind, hard working, honest, reasonable, fair, great build, and Scottish! Shall I continue?
Most recently,Jane Hawk, from the latest Dean Koontz series. Strong woman, resilient, resourceful, courageous, and never quits. She’s the perfect bad ass.
Travis McGee from the John D McDonald books, I named my son after him!
The Travis McGee series hooked me on mysteries at an early age. Travis introduced me to Boodles gin martinis. I even have some old paperbacks that I reread sometimes.
Eliza Sommers from -Daughter of Fortune – by Isabel Allende
……. This is one of my favorite books for so many different reasons. I’ve read it twice, over the years and will probably read it again in years to come.
?
Miss Havisham….I think I’m starting to look like her
One of my all-time faves!!
Wind in the Willows. Toad of Toad Hall. Love his adventurous spirit.
This is a hard one! So many characters to choose from. I’m going to choose Leith Rossiter from Leith and Friends because she listened to advice, made mistakes and learned from them, always growing throughout the book. It was my mother’s book and one of the first non Blytons I read as a child so it stayed with me, physically as well as in my mind! Also it started me on my quest for school stories which has led to friendships all over the world.
PS, author is Clare Mallory.
Yeah, he was a character!
Vivi from Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Because….mothers…
Billy Pilgrim from Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. Dolores from She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb). ALWAYS Atticus and ALWAYS Scout!!! And then there is the mother and Ava in Poisonwood Bible. Kurtz from Heart of Darkness always stays with me in a horrific way – how can someone turn like that? and Lily from To The Lighthouse (Virgina Woolf)
Cujo. Why, it’s obvious.
She always fascinated me- walking around in that dusty old dress
Handmaid’s Tale because I would not want to be subservient to any Man!
Morrie Schwartz, Tuesdays with Morrie ❤️
Ovi from “A Man Called Ovi” – loneliness can lead to depression. This book taught me the smallest of things can affect another’s life deeply and makes life worth living
I love the Artful Dodger. Love him. Why? Because he’s artful
Dickson from The Secret Garden. He taught me what “wick” was and I use that word all the time
Your question made me realize something about myself and how I identify with characters from books.
Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” he fights for the underdog, quietly, and Doc in “Cannery Row” by Steinbeck, Doc takes care of everyone in his neighborhood, secretly. These characters are not people who seek attention or praise, they’re compassionate and empathetic to others in need.
@Vickie Doc is very special. Atticus is one of a kind. Both are truly memorable.
this makes me want to read Cannery Row
@Helen it’s a wonderful book and kept me entertained throughout, “Tortilla Flat” is another fun read from Steinbeck, one of his early works.
did u read…the pearl and the old man and the sea…these too are steinbecks…right
Both are incredible, and the movie of Old Man and the Sea with Spencer Tracy is absolutely magnificent.
Captain Courageous was good…movie too…i
@Helen “The Pearl” is Steinbeck (haven’t read)
“Old Man & the Sea” is Hemingway, I’ve seen the movie, but I’ve never finished a Hemingway book for some reason.
@Vickie you are so right. Got mixed up. Love Hemingway, too. He went to my high school, so I read about all of his books. It was practically required reading.
Excuse me…its been yrs. since i read the book…so good about an old man who fished way out…and deep…caught a whale…and drank sharks liver oil for his eyes…
@Helen, well, not exactly. Yes, an old ma, no, not a whale, and I don’t remember shark oil eyes.
@Kathleen didn’t he catch a shark or a whate it drew him out to sea for three days and nights…it began to circle and started back to shore…by the time they were back…sharks had eaten the shark/whatever and he got in with his life and a carcass.
@Helen yes, that’s right.
@Helen Cannery Row is one of my all time faves. Doc is the Man!!! Lots of fabulous characters in Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday also!!! Steinbeck is one of my most loved authors ???
@Helen Old Man and the Sea is Hemingway. The Pearl is Steinbeck.
@Vickie Hemingway can be hard for me to read sometimes. I read Old Man and the Sea years and years ago. A Moveable Feast was excellent as well as The Sun Also Rises. I haven’t read any of his other books.
@April I really enjoyed The Sun Also Rises. I also like his short stories. Visiting his studio in Key West was also so interesting to me.
It has been a long time since i read them…the old man and the sea…he had caught a shark..not a whate..and it pulled him out to sea for three days and nites…then circled..and back to shore of course ..the shark was dying and other sharks began feeding on him…thus when they returned..it was a carcass only to show…
T
This is quite a new book…but have u all read Anderson Cooper and his moms book…?
Helen Mccardle he caught a marlin, which the sharks ate
Taran the Assistant Pig Keeper from the Prydain Chronicles… Taran Wanderer is my favorite book in the series…. his search for finding out about life, his dreams..
Scout, of To Kill a Mockingbird, for her bravery, determination and love of her Dad
Jude, in “Jude the Obscere” Thomas Hardy, the most tragic figure, a character that did not deserve the misfortunes that came his way.I love all the Thomas Hardy books
Me, too, but probably especially Tess.
Tess is a good character, I wanted to smack her marrying that horrid soldier (can’t remember name) but she did end up with the good man.
I love Hardy! Jude is my favorite of his.
@Ann I loved Return of the Native and Far from the Madding Crowd also. Who can forget Gabriel Oak and Diggery Venn?
I feel the same way about Jude!
Another character is Clyde Griffiths, American Tragedy, Theodore Drieser, who lost his moral compass for a life he craved, I love this, authors work, he captures the human condition so well.
@Sue Or Eustacia Vie
Bernadette, the main character in Where’d You Go, Bernadette? Bernadette was very smart, in her own way, and very quirky. Loved this book (and I think it’s being made into a movie).
Yes! Thank you for remembering her!
I just finished Bernadette. A bit odd but nor bad.
Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility
Love this!
Cherry Ames from Cherry Ames, Student Nurse and every book in the series. After all these many years, I still remember and love her.
Hester Prynne from the Scarlet Letter. Imagine the strength of this women to endore the wrath of Puritan justice.
Ceremony by Leslie Silko…I can’t remember the main characters name, but it’s about finding your own identity and inner strength when you are different. You have to get past the first few chapters because they are extremely heart breaking. The writing is so vivid and beautiful that you keep reading because you want the main character to succeed.
Anne Elliott in Persuasion
I can’t believe I didn’t write Nancy Drew and Miss Marple. Both make terrific role models of intelligence, independence, perseverance, courage, and courtesy, ipen-mindedness and humility. I need to tatoo their names on the back of my hand as a reminder to keep a level head even in all circumstances and to remain unfailingly polite, a virtue that I value but do not always achieve.
I read much Nancy Drew and thought she was so smart and a real trailblazer in being a confident young woman. I have watch Nancy Drew movies with Bonita Granville and I did also watch the recent one with Emma Roberts when my girls were younger. My best friend Diane and I would give each other Nancy Drew books. I still have one with Diane’s script in the front. I love Miss Marple too! Agatha Christie is a favorite author!!!
I think I read every Nancy Drew mystery written by Carolyn Keene. I still have a copy of the Nancy Drew Cookbook. Loved those books. Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Sue Grafton, and Patricia Cromwell.
I craved NANCY Drew books when I was12/13. I got a few for Christmas one year and I still remember.
Antoinette ‘Bertha’ Mason from ‘The Wide Sargasso Sea ‘ and ‘Jane Eyre’, she’s a prisoner in her own world, and is used by Rochester for her money. When he takes her to England , she is stripped of her identity and her humanity. No wonder she wants to burn the place down.
@Barter I love Jane Eyre too. But Jane didn’t set the fire, it was Mr. Rochester’s insane wife, who’s locked in the attic. She escaped from the attic and set the fire. Mr Rochester was badly burnt and left blind. But Jane saw his inner beauty and agreed to marry him and be his caregiver. And Jane is very independent and strong willed. She was with Mr. Rochester out of love, not because she needed the support of a man. I just felt the need to clarify.
I was referring to Bertha , the madwoman in the attic . Jean Rhys wrote ‘ Wide Sargasso Sea’ in the sixties, I was making reference to why the first Mrs. Rochester is a haunting character.
@Barter Oh, I see. I’m sorry for the confusion. I must read Wide Sargasso Sea. It sounds really good.
Mary from Eternal on the Water. She was beautifully written.
Cecilia Garth … from the book Cecilia Garth
The nightingale!
Ignatius Riley, hilarious
agree, one of the best.
Ril from Before They Were Yours.
Rill from Before We Were Yours? Literally just finished that 2 nights ago. Liked it a lot.
Elsa from My Grandmother wants me to tell you she’s sorry
Cheryl Strayed in Wild.
Don Tillman in The Rosie Project.
Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games because she is strong and got things done.
Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird. She has faith in lost souls and loved her father.
EponineThénardier from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. She sacrificed her life for love. Book or play, you cannot forget Eponine.
Charlotte of her famous web !i love her messages of friendship. As a teacher i watched the Power of the effects of this story on children!!
Beloved from
Toni Morrison’s book, “Beloved”
Henry Reardon “Atlas Shrugged”
Aragorn, Lord of the Rings. Because, well, he’s freaking ARAGORN.
I’m so with you, Patrick ?
@Cherisa Have to admit, the casting for the movies totally cemented it too.
Patrick Connors Long live Viggo!!
Hermione from HP-have to love a girl who’s answer to problems is to read and/or head to the library!
I definitely identify with Hermione!
@Cheryl She is such a great character!
Winnie the Pooh, he was very kind and always had the best intentions, even if he was stuffed with fluff.
Winston Smith. Big Brother is watching you.
Miss Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice. A woman for the ages. Her strength, confidence and willingness to change when necessary make her my hero.
I love her, too. Her prejudice is what keeps her from being a role model for me. What a wonderful character in a wonderfully enjoyable novel.
@Etta there is a modern take on P and P called “Eligible,”
That you might enjoy.
@Julenne Thank you for the recommendation.
the heroin from Jade by Pat Barr; she was different from other English women of her time and used the philosophy of JS Mill’s ‘on liberty’ to inspire her to be who she was, a visionary independent free-thinking progressive feminist in 19th century China during the Boxer Rebellion, when foreigners were expelled from the country by Chinese youth student radicals. (The Chinese radical youth tried to expel foreigners anyway; they didn’t win; the English put them down. The English had guns; the Chinese didn’t. This is why we should ban guns in America; it turns civilians into sitting ducks at the mercy of angry people.)
Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird because during the era he lived in he was ahead of his time on race relations
Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. I identify with her quirkiness and attitude toward life.
I loved Luna. She came off as kind of ditzy, but she was really smart.
Excellent example! I loved that book.
Pollyanna…a little girl who after becoming an orphan rebuilds her mean ole aunts life and the life of a town…sorry friends…i’m hung up on young ppl reading this…it’s sad funny and ends the best of any book…
It should be adult reading! But then I believe every day is a glad day!
E
Elenor Porter wrote Pollyanna
Little Women-Jo- seemed the most adventurous.
@Siobhan I identied with Jo, and her author, when I was a child.
Heidi, Mary Lennox – The Secret Garden, Anne Shirley – Anne of Green Gables, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March – Little Women…just nice memories from childhood.
When I was much younger I read Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter. Elnora was so strong, so smart, and faced so many obstacles that she had to overcome to achieve her dreams. Loved it!
I just re-read it… love this and Freckles.
Philip Carey, “ Of Human Bondage” he stuck with me a long time…. watch the movie every time it’s on.
I loved him too and reread the book just last year.
Oh yes that’s a great book! I like to re-read it occasionally. Good movie too with handsome Lawrence Harvey.
@Ann , I like the 1934 version, Leslie Howard, Bette Davis.
Alice-What Alice Forgot.
The book: Bone by Bone. The author: Peter Mathieson. The incredible character: Mr. E.J. Watson! A psycho you can almost relate to. WOW!
Ma Joad in the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
Ma knew how to read the men in the family, and the words of encouragement to say that defeated their defeat.
When the family was starving, she made Something out of nothing! Gravy!
@Kathy ?????
@Kathy I’d rather have a big pot and not need it than a small one with not enough room. (Totally paraphrased). But I just loved her.
When I finished the book, I felt this sadness. I realized then how much I missed Ma and the family.
@Kathy I’ve read it 3 times, maybe 4. I feel like that every time
In college, I literally took a class devoted entirely to Steinbeck. I wonder if they even offer courses like that anymore. Loved it almost as much as my quarter of Shakespeare.
@Mary I went to the University of Utah with a wonderful girl whose name was Mary Alice Thompson. Next door to me in the dorms!
@Kari I would have liked that class!
Honestly Deanna? It was a great class, but I truly wish I had been mature enough to truly appreciate it. 🙂
Of the American writers, Steinbeck is my favorite. I taught The Pearl in my English classes…kids loved it. My favorite is East of Eden.
August Boatwright from Secret Life of Bees. I loved her kindness, strength and loving nature.
Great book
Me too. That was a great book.
Corrie ten Boom – The Hiding Place
Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice…an intelligent, spirited, and loving young woman who was not afraid to be her authentic self.
With a limited perspective.
Anne Frank from her diary, Anne of Green Gables and Fern from Charlotte’s Web.
Yes all of these
Agree with all—–
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo b/c she is an unforgettable survivor.
I loved it !
Great book! Have you read the other two.
@Rhonda Yes, I was interested in what happened next, but the first was my favorite.
Jane Eyre such tenacity and independence.
Pi from Life of Pi because he is so fully open to beauty, pain and reconciliation.
The Thorn Birds, Roots, The First Daughter,
Just reading some of the titles and characters named has made me remember some of the wonderful hours reading has given me, and some of some of the great stories I’ve read over the years.
I agree, it’s amazing to read the entries
Karen Blixen from Out of Africa. Her raw courage, stamina and the true power of what a woman was capable of accomplishing in a time period when a woman was admired for the table she set and known only as the “wife” of the man she married
Interesting you brought this one up. When I was falling asleep last night I was thinking about her. It’s been well over 20 years since I picked up this great novel.
Monica Morgan-Ward one amazing read..and it has been a long time since I read it..but I adore the movie! Karen just stuck in my mind
I have not read this nor seen the movie but I have heard it is wonderful-adding it to my TBR list
“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” …in her Danish accent of course. ♥️
One of my favorite opening lines.
@Karen my favorite!
@Karen my favorite quote: Perhaps he knew, as I did not, that the Earth was made round so that we would not see too far down the road.”
Candy from Hurry Home Candy by Meinhart De Jung. It was my first transformative reading experience and at 10, I learned what empathy really was. I was on my bed reading it and I cried so hard that my dad and brother came to check on me.
Me, too!
Denise Wright Vroman REALLY?!?! OMG, I’m going to tell you my story about it – please understand that NO ONE I know has ever said ,”me too” about that book. It was a bookmobile book. I was 10 – I thought of it often but had no idea of the title or author. Move forward into the internet age. I would occasionally search and I couldn’t find it. My father died in June 2002. 2 mnths later, my life long bf & sister had a brain aneurysm and came very close to dying. Additionally, another sister had been diagnosed with a inoperable brain tumor. I was shown the door at my high pressure corp job bc, you know, I love my family. I spent a LOT of time in WV with my sister. At one point I was the only person she knew. But then she started coming back to us. She came home and things started clicking. BF the stroke, she was a vet tech and she always had animal books – read before bed stuff. On my last night there as helpmate/caretaker, Oct 3, 2002, I picked up a book and turned to the last story. It was the last chapter of Hurry Home Candy. I knew it in the 1st paragraph. I was shaken and so excited. Barb came in the room I looked at her and said, “I found it. I found that book.” Despite her brain damage and all the issues that came with it she immediately knew. “You did? The one about the dog and the broom?” By this time, I was adjusting to the idea that I might never have that sister again. And I didn’t for a very long time. But that one priceless moment, we were Barbara and Mary Alice and we didn’t need words. I cried all the way back to Charlotte. On Christmas, a beautiful hard cover edition was under the tree. Husband Santa is a pretty darn good friend, too. Thank you for allowing me to put all this down. I’m sorry to suck up your time, but you had me at “me too.:
@Mary , I always remembered it. I was in 6th grade and checked it out of the library. It was the first book that I cried in. But your story is fabulous. Thanks for sharing.
@Denise Bless your heart for reading it.
@Mary I have to read this!! Thank you for sharing!
@Judy I had already discovered him as a great children’s lit author from The Wheel on the School. I hope you like Hurry Home Candy. THE DOG DOES NOT DIE IN THE END
Oh good, I wasn’t going to read it for that very reason. Now I will.
There ARE times we have to sneak a look at the end, just to know things will be okay. I could not have read the entire new dystopian novel VOX if not for a paragraph right at the beginning, letting me know that it would end well.
Margaret Hale from North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell. She was a strong female protagonist in a time period where women weren’t suppose to give their opinions.
Thomas Wingfold in The Curate’s Awakening by George MacDonald. He was a small town curate for a local church & was asked 1 day if he truly believed what he preached. He was an honest man & set out to find within himself if he did believe. His journey to real faith is very inspiring.
O-Lan from The Good Earth by Pearl Buck.
Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables…I read the whole series and watched her grow up and have a husband and children at Green Gables…
I loved Anne’s audacity, yet innate kindness! And I loved the whole series!
@Kelly I’m Canadian , so we read them all!!!!
My absolute favorite.
Charlotte from Charlotte’s web
Laura from the Little House books. She was such a tough little girl and I still love reading about strong women.
And Pa. I loved her patient, kind, and joyful Pa.
I loved and love them all!!
Beattie Blacksland, Wildflower Hill by Kimberly Freeman. She went from a foolish girl to a strong, independent woman. She took a risk to change her life for the better, and then she loved deeply, even when the world was against her.
Scout To kill a Mockingbird. Her character is so innocent yet complex. Her curiosity abounds I loved her and every other character.
I agree…I loved Atticus Finch because he knew the harsh realities of the world, and yet he still believed and fought for justice. I believe that there are many Scouts and Atticus Finches in the world, we just need to open our hearts and minds to find them.
Augustus McCrae from Lonesome Dove. I always hear him in my ear when I long for some other reality (grass is always greener syndrome). “Life in San Francisco is still just life.” I switch out San Fran for whatever it is I am coveting.
Gus was very good about accepting people exactly as they were.
It could also be the generous and thoughtful couple: Margaret and Westley Sinton, in the novel Girl of the Limberlost that made life easier for Elnora Comstock the girl who had precious little, and a mother who neglected her. .
Britt-Marie from Britt-Marie was here. She was also a character in My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, (Fredrik Backman) but in this sequel, her character is explained more, and grows.
I started My Grandmother… Britt-Marie doesn’t start as a very sympathetic character and I know she gets her own book. I’m curious to see how this fleshes out.
@Karen , please read! If you’re like me, you’ll find her sympathetic, and be eager to watch her progress. I love the way it ends….I create her continuing story in my mind.
Okay. I loved My Grandmother and now accept every character is there for a reason. And villains can become heroes.
Diary of Anne Frank. I read it as a young teen and always wished we could have been friends. I loved her.
@Kathleen Same here. I always found it amazing that a 13 year old girl was full of wisdom and inspiration. I’m 43 and still trying to figure things out.
Hellon Keller
Jay Gatsby. Because he lost his great love and showed us the transparency of life
Winston in 1984
Two favorites, Tuesdays With Morrie and Angela’s Ashes. Both beautifully written and illness and despair overcome.
I thought Angela’s Ashes was so dark and sad, it was a really good book, but because of the darkness of the book I won’t read anymore Frank McCourt books.
@Vickie The book was truly depressing. Even when she had it better, she was dark. I got the impression she would always be a downer. I wouldn’t read anything by him either.
I thought the writing to be exceptional. Yes, it was sad and dark, but again, beautifully written, and told of Frank’s early life. He became a beloved teacher here in the USA.
I love both of these books! I swear I don’t remember even turning one page of Angela ‘s Ashes without crying.
The protagonist, Majime, in the Great Passage by Shion Miura. I really identified with him; laid back; loves words, meanings, and etymologies.
Miss Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice—I wish I could be her reflection!
Meggie Cleary in The Thornbirds. She had an inner strength which spoke to me, as I needed inner strength at the time I read the book.
@Betsy I must read this one. I’ve had it on my bookshelf for years, but it’s gone unread.
Charlotte the spider from Charlotte’s Web. She was in the first book that made me cry as a child!
Last year when I read Charlotte’s Web with my three grandsons, one of them said “I just love Charlotte, don’t you Grama?” To which I replied, “yes, I do love Charlotte.”
@Anne oddly enough, I am terrified of real spiders, due to a black and white film I saw as a child with my older sister…called
“Tarantula” or something like that !
Not a fan of real spiders either!!!
Me too, I can remember my dad asking me what was wrong and trying to tell him a spider died.
Love Charlotte but no other spiders. I have no childhood trauma explanation, just don’t like 8-legged scurrying creatures.
@Yvette I detest anything with more than 6 legs!!!
Meggie Cleary stayed with me for so long…shed many tears for Meggie!
Yes so sad!!!
She was a woman of strength.
Molly Bloom. She cheats on Leopold Bloom with Blazes Boylan. But finds that she still loves Leopold. I understood upon reading ULYSSES that great damage was done to Molly and Leopold’s marriage when their son .Rudy died.
The last chapter,PENELOPE,is 45 pages of Molly’s inner voice or stream of conscious. To me it is one of the greatest things ever written. Joyce writes the thoughts,private thoughts,in the voice of this complex woman. Her last word is the greatest word…
“Yes….”
I loved this book.
Great story and fantastic character.
Movie was good too
Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle. I am still stunned, years after reading it, that someone can be so resilient, and even thrive, after such an appalling childhood. ?❤️
@Lenore I also loved that book! The book is much better than the movie.
Mary Bouse Flannery Agreed!
Jane Eyre
Currently reading Jane Eyre
Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, the kindness of Matthew, the discipline of Marilla, in Anne of Green Gables.
? yes
They were such beautiful characters. ❤️
I live in Prince Edward Island … we love our Anne
Just mentioned it in my last entry, ORDINARY GRACE. NATHAN AND FRANK ARE UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS. THEY WERE SO POWERFUL. FRANK FOR HIS HARD TRIP TO COMING OF AGE, AND NATHAN BECAUSE OF HIS STRRENGTH AND DEEP BELIEF IN GOD DESPITE WHAT HAPPENED TO ARIEL. BUT THEN THERE IS JAKE. A OUECE OF WRITTEN ARTISTRY.
Loved this book!!
Juliet from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Heidi and Anne of Green Gables. I never had any grandparents in my personal life and deeply missed that.
@Katrina That’s sad. I always felt grateful to have my grandparents, even when I was a child. OTOH, I didn’t have any cousins my own age so some extended family get-togethers were sooo boring. Thank goodness for books!
Kilgore Trout Bluebeard- Breakfast of Champions and others written by Kurt Vonnegut-hilarious
Calypso-The camomile lawn and others written by Mary Wesley
Loved that book.
Siddhartha, Herman’s Hesse’s siddhartha, for his learnings in spiritual journey (life)
Amelia Peabody from the series written by Elizabeth Peters. She is a woman ahead of her time, full of herself (but deserved!), smart, & a big heart. Subtle humor always entertains me!
Love that series. What an intrepid woman and what a fun read
YES!!!
??
Eric in Grace by Richard Paul Evans. A person so gravely affected by the loss of his first love, that he turns his whole life around to destroying the cause that took her from him. ?
I don’t have one character. It’s the entire series, Anne of Green Gables. I find myself using quotes from the books. Some quotes are by Anne, some by other characters. One I’ve used in conversation and had folks stare at me in confusion was, “She could talk the hind leg off a mule.” ??? I think that was Marilla or Rachel Lynde, but I’m not sure if it’s in the book or in the movie.
Anne of Green Gables was one of the first “series” I ever read. To this day I prefer series over stand alone books.
Count Alexander Rostov from A Gentleman in Moscow because he was truly a gentleman….learned and highly bred, but never looked down on anyone.
“Melanie” of “Gone With The Wind.” I love the character of Melanie because she is quite the opposite of Scarlett. Melanie is sweet, soft spoken and good hearted and aways puts other’s needs before hers. She has a heart of gold while being a strong character. So love that book. Good reading to all of you.
That is one.of my all-time favorite books. I’ve read it many times!
And she was the best friend Scarlett ever had. Scarlett realizes it at the end.
Loved the book, but Melanie frustrated me. Again and again she let people tramp all over her, especially her friend, Scarlett!
One of my all time favorites!!
Pippy longstockings because her adventures were an escape from my childhood
Half pint. She was smart and full of lot
She could kich nelli ** when It was called for. I loved the homedrees ,Dr
Make vists
.. remind me of my grandparents when they first came here
Ooooh, I forgot about Circle of Friends—loved it. Will head to the library tomorrow to get it—thanks!!!!!
The Nolan family from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
@Katherine I’m voting for this one daily at GAR!
There are some books that I become so immersed in that I remember them as if they happened to me. The characters are stored in my brain just as if they were real acquaintances. It’s what sets the great books apart. Anne of Green Gables, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, etc. There are hundreds of them in a sea of millions of ordinary books
The tree from The Giving Tree. ?????
@Angela it’s one of my favs, used to read it to my Kindergarten students, they loved it too!
I can’t read that to my preschool class without getting choked up.
Ann Hillman Keller can relate. I got Love You Forever free with a book order. I started to read it & couldn’t even finish it because I started crying!
Yep, that one too.
The Giving Tree is one of the best books ever written. I gave it at a gift exchange at my office, and it got passed around and everyone was in tears. ?
Cry every time I read it. I agree. One of the best books ever written. My niece opened a children’s clothing consignment store and named it The Giving Tree.
Antonia from My Antonia because her spirit reminds me so much of my grandmother and the stories she told me of her girlhood.
@Jennifer yes, an unforgettable read.
Ayla…The Earth Children Series…Clan of the Cave Bear is the first book.
Yes! Love this series!
Yes, love Ayla.
Elizabeth McKenna from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. She was such a strong positive figure for her community during the Nazi occupation.
@Prudence is this a Boston? We’ve had six of them.
@Judy I don’t understand your question. The book is set on the Guernsey Islands during World War II.
Aslan. Need I explain???
James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser
Pony Boy from the Outsiders. He is a constant reminder of family love and that quitting is never an option.
I love that character not to mention that book
Always a favorite with my 8th grade students!!! ?
Jo March
Ponyboy and Johnny from The Outsiders because they were both exceptionally sensitive and caring at the same time while still managing to be tough as the book says
Assad from Jussi Adler-Olsen`s Department Q mystery series…what a hoot!!!
Morgain, in The Mists of Avalon, is that character for me because she had lots of power and very little control, so lived with her eyes open.
Lisabeth Salander The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. My fave “kick ass” heroine. The justice system has often betrayed her so she makes her own justice.
@Sharon My favorite heroine too!
Pee Kay from The Power of One by Courtenay. You meet him as a little boy & follow his growth to young man in apartheid South Africa. Wonderful book
All of the characters from The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. I’m absolutely transported every time I read this book!❤?❤
I really like her books. I just discovered them.
Scout. To kill a mockingbird
Abilene in The Help. Such strength of character.
Owen Meany.
Roland from Stephan Kong’s Dark Tower series. The why is because of one line oft repeated in the book. “He forgot the face of his father”.
Deep. Forgetting the face of your father resonates often throughout this magnus opus.
King. Typed too quick lol.
Owen Meany
Lord Mhoram from Lord Fouls Bane – Covenant series by Steven R. Donaldson Read it years ago, but that one character really became a favorite
16 year old Ree Dolly in Winter’s Bone
It’s a wonderful, extraordinary book!!
Christy from the book Christy because I learned to let go and let God.
Karana from ‘ Island of the Blue Dolphins’, because she was a young girl who survived on an island in the Pacific for years . I always loved that book , because it made me think I could also survive almost anything . I also liked the fact that she was based on a real person.
Olive Kittridge. She is deeply flawed yet does much good in the world. From the book of the same name.
I liked the TV series more than the book. Richard Jenkens was SO as Olive’s husband.
I didn’t know there was a tv series
@Chris it was a 4-part HBO series- really terrific with Frances McDormand as Olive.
PonyBoy from the Outsiders because he knew he was an outsider and still lived his life as best he could
Sam Wise Gangy, from Lord of the Rings, showed that no matter how low and defeated a friend my seem to get, you stand by them, you hold them up if they need, you are their support!!! Friendship means you are their rock even if they done seem to deserve it. That’s when they need it most!
Half pint…pa
Jim in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Jim has been deprived of so much, not the least of which is education, and yet he is wise and good, one of the noblest characters in fiction. He isn’t perfect but yet an excellent role model and surrogate parent for Huck. If at the end of my life I can say I was as good a person as Jim, all is well.
Huckleberry Finn. At some point in his story Huck wrestles with the morality he has been taught at church, that he must turn Jim in for a run away slave or go to hell and burn forever. But he finds that he can’t do it and so decides he will go to hell. I think often of Huck’s choice.
Sam Gamgee from Lord of the Rings. He is solid, and loyal, and faithful to his friends. And greatly underrated.
The Nolan family from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The March family, Scarlett O’Hara, Rhett Butler…GWTW, Clara Allen, Gus McCrae, Woodrow Call so many characters from Lonesome Dove.. Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy from P & P and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. This is just a few of my favorite folks from books that I love.
The March family, Scarlet and Rhett, The Finch Family, The Joads, the Ingalls, just a few
All so great Judy!
The Outsiders reason being it’s fun to analyze it took me 40 years to understand most of it and it’s fun to pick it apart
Atticus Finch