Oh my gosh Nathan! This afternoon when I tried to post a comment there were 200. Now that there are 400+ there’s no way my humble input will be read at all, but I;ve been thinking about this all day, and my favorite characters are: Jo March and Sarah Agnes Prine (These is my words, Nancy Turner) Vampires: EDWARD CULLEN and Louis fro Interview with the vampire. Also Constantine from Sunshine. Scout and Liesel from The Book Thief Mr Darcy and Jack Elliot (swooonnnnn!) from These is my words also. There you go.
I hate to say “Sherlock Holmes” because Nathan named him first and it might look like I’m brown nosing…but what can I do? If he were real, I would find him, seduce him, and marry him! I love a lot of characters, but few that I want to marry. According to Sir Doyle’s son, his father was the real Sherlock Holmes. If that’s true, I was born in the wrong era!
I love his passion for his work. How he will sacrifice everything to find the truth and how he needs constant mental exercise. I could probably listen to his crazy dissertations with pleasure and would love to be his lab assistant. I’m also amazed how romantic he can be…not in the candles and roses kind of way…but a romantic from the truest ideals. Though this is a secret passion, coming from the author himself.
Can you tell how passionate I am about this particular subject?
Did you know that House,MD is based on Sherlock Holmes? Not a complete copy, but very similar. If you ever see his address, you will recognize the famous number and that one little letter. If you’re a Sherlock fan, you know what I mean!
Nathan, I agree with Chris Bates. I have a translation to do, the American Idol finale to watch, a novel to edit so one day I can send a query to you, and here I am, reading all 418 comments… Ian, see? here’s another one who reads all the comments, and it’s your fault also because I found Nathan’s blog through you.
Scarlet O’Hara, Pony Boy Curtis and Harriet the Spy. I was an English major (and should double check those name spellings), but this question grabbed me and I just went with my gut reaction.
I encountered every one of those characters between the ages of 10 and 12, and they changed my life.
I’m such a nerd. My favorite character of all time is Gambit from the X-men. But in literature, my favorite character in Jason from the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books. He’s the only character who hasn’t got through a major personality overhaul.
Tori Alexander from the Ancient Future Trilogy. An Aussie girl who manages to go back in time and rewrite the entirety of English history, before getting to study in Atlantis, then moving forward to the future to save teh wrold from armaggedon, that is my kind of girl. Plus she does it with poise, charm, and a great deal of kicking butt.
I’m halfway through the first page of comments and already my list has quadrupled in length, so I’m posting quickly before my list gets any longer.
In no particular order Yossarian (Catch 22) John Rebus (the Rebus series by Ian Rankin) Cassandra Mortmain (I Capture the Castle) Ignatius J Reilly Miss Amelia (Ballad of the Sad Cafe)
Honourable mention to Amber St Clare, Holden Caulfield, Atticus Finch, Scout Finch, Miss Maudie, and Jeanette from Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
Definitely Anne Shirley of Green Gables- you grow up with her, share her joys and sorrows, and she has so vivid a sensitivity for beauty, and for understanding people, and such a keen enjoyment of life- not to mention a great sense of humour, to boot.
I’d say Anne is one of the greatest character creations of all time.
I loved Jo March too, but Jo got rather boring as she got older and the viewpoint drifted away from her.
Puck is my favorite character from Shakespeare, simply because he’s awesome.
For fav. characters from story I have to go with top five:
1. Moist von Lipwig (Discworld) 2. John Taylor (Simon Green’s Nightside series) 3. Roland Deschain (The Dark Tower) 4. Sherlock Holmes 5. Harry Dresden
Of course I have favorite characters in every story I read … and also in the ones I write, so that’s a woefully incomplete list.
word verification: fratee — the next drink from Starbucks?
Well, I needed to know what it meant for a character to have been my favorite, because I love so many for different reasons. So I decided who did I care most about through the story and feel truly connected to. I think Jo March is up there, Bilbo Baggins, Lord Peter Wimsey, Elizabeth Bennet, but when I was a child there was Meg Murry, Sara Crewe, Elizabeth Ann in Understood Betsy, let alone animal stories, with Big Red, Black, and what was that little otter’s name in a Ring of Bright Water. Oh my this is impossible to answer.
The BFG – Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant, Huckleberry Finn, Tess from Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Nancy Drew, Claire Randall from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.
And if it had to be just one, then it would have to be Huck Finn.
What a great way to get us late for work or where ever we have to go! In one of the comments someone said the question was like asking who do we love best in our family. I agree.
Lessa & F'lar (Dragonflight) The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe) Elizabeth & Jessica Wakefield (Sweet Valley High series) Yes (don't laugh), I read every book in that series and all the spin-off novels when I was a kid.
“But as for Queequeg—why, Queequeg sat there among them—at the head of the table, too, it so chanced; as cool as an icicle. To be sure I cannot say much for his breeding. His greatest admirer could not have cordially justified his bringing his harpoon into breakfast with him, and using it there without ceremony; reaching over the table with it, to the imminent jeopardy of many heads, and grappling the beefsteaks towards him. But that was certainly very coolly done by him, and everyone knows that in most people’s estimation, to do anything coolly is to do it genteelly.”
Gee, I’ve always wanted to do that at a somnambulent dinner party.
Hannibal Lector. Thomas Harris created a monster with many layers, and it’s fascinating to see the character oscillate between genius and insanity. Makes for a great read.
I finally figured out who my favorite character is–Nick Carraway in THE GREAT GATSBY. He’s a writer’s character–an outsider, observant, quiet, reflective. He distills his experiences and observations into a story.
sorry if repeat post–didn’t seem to go through the first time
Lucina's Control Officer says
Serge A. Storms
Jen C says
I have a new favourite as of today. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
skrabs says
Lymond from the Dorothy Dunnett series. Such an anti-hero and so fascintating it takes several re-reads just to work out what he was up to.
Yamile says
Oh my gosh Nathan! This afternoon when I tried to post a comment there were 200. Now that there are 400+ there’s no way my humble input will be read at all, but I;ve been thinking about this all day, and my favorite characters are:
Jo March and Sarah Agnes Prine (These is my words, Nancy Turner)
Vampires: EDWARD CULLEN and Louis fro Interview with the vampire. Also Constantine from Sunshine.
Scout and Liesel from The Book Thief
Mr Darcy and Jack Elliot (swooonnnnn!) from These is my words also.
There you go.
Yamile says
I my freaking gosh! I left out the two MOST important ones!!!!
Harry James Potter and Severus Snape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Love them for eva!
The Ms. S says
Wendy from Peter Pan.
I wept for her when her daughter flew around the room with Peter.
Beatriz Kim says
I hate to say “Sherlock Holmes” because Nathan named him first and it might look like I’m brown nosing…but what can I do? If he were real, I would find him, seduce him, and marry him! I love a lot of characters, but few that I want to marry. According to Sir Doyle’s son, his father was the real Sherlock Holmes. If that’s true, I was born in the wrong era!
I love his passion for his work. How he will sacrifice everything to find the truth and how he needs constant mental exercise. I could probably listen to his crazy dissertations with pleasure and would love to be his lab assistant. I’m also amazed how romantic he can be…not in the candles and roses kind of way…but a romantic from the truest ideals. Though this is a secret passion, coming from the author himself.
Can you tell how passionate I am about this particular subject?
Did you know that House,MD is based on Sherlock Holmes? Not a complete copy, but very similar. If you ever see his address, you will recognize the famous number and that one little letter. If you’re a Sherlock fan, you know what I mean!
Thanks Nathan! This was so much fun!
Jen C says
Dr House… *swoon* He’s my TV boyfriend.
Yamile says
Nathan,
I agree with Chris Bates. I have a translation to do, the American Idol finale to watch, a novel to edit so one day I can send a query to you, and here I am, reading all 418 comments…
Ian, see? here’s another one who reads all the comments, and it’s your fault also because I found Nathan’s blog through you.
Michelle says
Harriet the Spy.
No, really, it was because of her that I bought my first black and white composition book at age 9 and started writing!
(BTW, hello everyone…I’ve been lurking here forever and finally decided to jump in, so I feel like I know you guys already! 🙂
irishoma says
Granny Weatherall
Portia
Juddy says
Billy Parham (Cities of the Plain, The Crossing) is just too solid to pass up.
DMBeucler says
Cordelia Vorkosigan nee Naismith, written by Lois McMaster Bujold.
Laurie says
Scarlet O’Hara, Pony Boy Curtis and Harriet the Spy. I was an English major (and should double check those name spellings), but this question grabbed me and I just went with my gut reaction.
I encountered every one of those characters between the ages of 10 and 12, and they changed my life.
Anonymous says
The BFG
Mira says
Ian – William Boot, huh? From Waugh? I haven’t read it – I’ll have to.
Add a one more:
Lemony Snicket.
Not the kids, although I like them, too. But the narrator voice.
Leigh Lyons says
I’m such a nerd. My favorite character of all time is Gambit from the X-men. But in literature, my favorite character in Jason from the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books. He’s the only character who hasn’t got through a major personality overhaul.
siebendach says
Queequeg ftw!
Good choice Liana … though if you liked Gimli, I’m glad you didn’t see the latest movie at the tender age of 3!
Ryan says
Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Word.
Jen C says
So many comments! I just want to add to the noise. Is this the most comments Nathan has had on one post? I think it’s the most I’ve seen so far…
darkened_jade says
Tori Alexander from the Ancient Future Trilogy. An Aussie girl who manages to go back in time and rewrite the entirety of English history, before getting to study in Atlantis, then moving forward to the future to save teh wrold from armaggedon, that is my kind of girl. Plus she does it with poise, charm, and a great deal of kicking butt.
Maya / מיה says
What a male-centric list!! (Kind of kidding… but seriously, where are the female characters?)
Character I would most like to be (and still quite often think I am): obviously Lizzie Bennet. I’d settle for Anne Shirley or Emma Wodehouse too.
Favorite hilariously exaggerated book character: Lizzie’s first suitor, Mr. Collins.
Pimlicokid says
Betsy Trotwood in David Copperfield
Romy says
Killashandra, from Anne MacCaffrey’s Crystal Singer series.
Moth says
Argh! What a difficult question.
Hmm…lessee…I think I can manage a top 5:
Cadfael from The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael.
Robinton from The Dragonriders of Pern
Shadow from American Gods
Miles from the Vorkosiverse
Cazaril from The Curse of Chalion
Moth says
Bonus for Maya who says there aren’t enough women on the list:
Sophy from The Grand Sophy
Ellen says
I’m halfway through the first page of comments and already my list has quadrupled in length, so I’m posting quickly before my list gets any longer.
In no particular order
Yossarian (Catch 22)
John Rebus (the Rebus series by Ian Rankin)
Cassandra Mortmain (I Capture the Castle)
Ignatius J Reilly
Miss Amelia (Ballad of the Sad Cafe)
Honourable mention to Amber St Clare, Holden Caulfield, Atticus Finch, Scout Finch, Miss Maudie, and Jeanette from Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
Alisa says
Yossarian.
Soratian says
Definitely Anne Shirley of Green Gables- you grow up with her, share her joys and sorrows, and she has so vivid a sensitivity for beauty, and for understanding people, and such a keen enjoyment of life- not to mention a great sense of humour, to boot.
I’d say Anne is one of the greatest character creations of all time.
I loved Jo March too, but Jo got rather boring as she got older and the viewpoint drifted away from her.
Matthew says
@CNU
Puck is my favorite character from Shakespeare, simply because he’s awesome.
For fav. characters from story I have to go with top five:
1. Moist von Lipwig (Discworld)
2. John Taylor (Simon Green’s Nightside series)
3. Roland Deschain (The Dark Tower)
4. Sherlock Holmes
5. Harry Dresden
Of course I have favorite characters in every story I read … and also in the ones I write, so that’s a woefully incomplete list.
word verification: fratee — the next drink from Starbucks?
thoughtful1 says
Well, I needed to know what it meant for a character to have been my favorite, because I love so many for different reasons. So I decided who did I care most about through the story and feel truly connected to. I think Jo March is up there, Bilbo Baggins, Lord Peter Wimsey, Elizabeth Bennet, but when I was a child there was Meg Murry, Sara Crewe, Elizabeth Ann in Understood Betsy, let alone animal stories, with Big Red, Black, and what was that little otter’s name in a Ring of Bright Water. Oh my this is impossible to answer.
Jen P says
The BFG – Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant, Huckleberry Finn, Tess from Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Nancy Drew, Claire Randall from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.
And if it had to be just one, then it would have to be Huck Finn.
thoughtful1 says
OH MY I forgot Professor Snape! And what about Romeo and Juliet and Macduff and Dorothea in Middlemarch. Is this a trick question?
Ink says
I forgot Yossarian! I shall now be dragged behind horses for three days.
thoughtful1 says
What a great way to get us late for work or where ever we have to go! In one of the comments someone said the question was like asking who do we love best in our family. I agree.
Carol Brendler says
There’s a soft place in my heart for Mr. Pickwick.
Michelle H. says
C. Auguste Dupin
Alix says
Garp and Jenny Garp.
I must say I’m pleased to see so many Anne of GG lovers here!
Anonymous says
Oh, maybe Jane Elliott. Because she hurts so much, and bears it so well.
Lydia Sharp says
Lessa & F'lar (Dragonflight)
The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe)
Elizabeth & Jessica Wakefield (Sweet Valley High series)
Yes (don't laugh), I read every book in that series and all the spin-off novels when I was a kid.
mb says
Eugenides from Megan Whalen Turner’s Attolia books.
B.E. Sanderson says
Dagny Taggart
WitLiz Today says
“But as for Queequeg—why, Queequeg sat there among them—at the head of the table, too, it so chanced; as cool as an icicle. To be sure I cannot say much for his breeding. His greatest admirer could not have cordially justified his bringing his harpoon into breakfast with him, and using it there without ceremony; reaching over the table with it, to the imminent jeopardy of many heads, and grappling the beefsteaks towards him. But that was certainly very coolly done by him, and everyone knows that in most people’s estimation, to do anything coolly is to do it genteelly.”
Gee, I’ve always wanted to do that at a somnambulent dinner party.
Snooze, you lose.
Kahlessa says
Favorite villains:
Milady De Winter in The Three Musketeers
Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series
Kathy in East of Eden
Anonymous says
Skink, the ex-Florida governor-who disappeared into the Florida wilderness, from various Carl Hiaasen novels.
Rick Daley says
Hannibal Lector. Thomas Harris created a monster with many layers, and it’s fascinating to see the character oscillate between genius and insanity. Makes for a great read.
Matilda McCloud says
I finally figured out who my favorite character is–Nick Carraway in THE GREAT GATSBY. He’s a writer’s character–an outsider, observant, quiet, reflective. He distills his experiences and observations into a story.
sorry if repeat post–didn’t seem to go through the first time
thoughtful1 says
So.
I am waiting to see which are your favorite characters or which one you are willing to commit to as your favorite character, Mr. Bransford.
Are you going to let us know?
Mira says
Thoughtful – Nathan said he listed his favorites in the post.
The whale! Lol.
thoughtful1 says
My head must be on backwards. I thought post meant mail this morning when I read this with my first cup of coffee.