Who or what was the most memorable character you ever read in a book or story?

1. 77

   TToombs08posted 12 years ago

   Who or what was the most memorable character you ever read in a book or story?
   
   Mine was Karana from "Island of the Blue Dolphins" because she managed to stay alive all alone for 18 years on an island after her people were taken away and her brother was killed by wild dogs. And to top it off, it was a true story. That takes guts and determination. I read that book when I was 8 or 9 and I can still remember it like I read it yesterday.

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2. 81

   WillStarrposted 12 years ago

   Tom Sawyer, hands down. He was the quintessential American boy.

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3. 61

   lindalou1963posted 12 years ago

   I've always been an animal lover so it seems like most of my favorites characters are animals. Dan and Ann from Where the Red Fern Grows, Sounder, Lassie. One of my all time favorites was Misty of Chincoteague, a story about wild ponies. And then of course there's Black Beauty and The Black Stallion.
   Can't seem to pick just one!

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      fairvanityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ever read Watership Down? Great animal novel...

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4. 60

   MissyGearposted 12 years ago

   I loved "Island of the Blue Dolphin"! I almost forgot all about that book. Didn't she adopt the wolf that killed her brother? Something like that. It was a great read in elementary school.
   
   As for a memorable character, I couldn't pick just one. It changes with each book I read. Currently I think it's Finnick Odair from "The Hunger Games", but he's just been added to the list of all my other favorite and memorable characters. It seems to be growing every single year. That's the way I like it though.

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5. 75

   Ann1Az2posted 12 years ago

   If I may be so bold, with your indulgence, I'll pick someone from the Bible - John the disciple. He's my favorite. His gospel is different than all the rest. He wrote two more books in the Bible, plus he wrote the one that everyone who isn't a Christian is afraid to read (and some Christians) - the Book of Revelation, which is the most awesome book in the Bible!

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6. 94

   Glimmer Twin Fanposted 12 years ago

   Francie Nolan from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".  I could always identify with her and that book still resonates with me today, about 35 years after I first read it.

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      Stephanie Henkelposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I loved that book! In fact, it came to mind just recently, and I thought I must read it again. Nice choice.

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7. 61

   fpherj48posted 12 years ago

   Agreeing with Missy, I really wouldn't be able to choose ONE character as the most memorable, considering the thousands of books I've read since childhood!!   I tend to have several characters who made an impression and stayed with me through the years.  I'm a believer in going with what "pops into one's head immediately"...and for some reason, in this case, it was "Joe," no last name......in the short, "light-reading" story, "God on a Harley." by Jane Brady.   In fact, I took away a lot from this little, but powerful book.   The story has wonderful, eye-opening lessons within it's pages.

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8. 83

   FatFreddysCatposted 12 years ago

   Arthur Dent in the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series. I could totally relate to him, he's a normal Everyman trying (and usually failing) to make sense out of the inter-galactic insanity that's going on around him.

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      The Writers Dogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am with you, FatFreddysCat... excuse me while I go out and clean up the whale from my front garden!

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9. 68

   Rebecca2904posted 12 years ago

   Severus Snape from Harry Potter because he has such a tragic story... and he's the real hero of the books I always joke with my boyfriend that even though I may marry him one day, Severus Snape will always be my first love haha.
   
   When I was little I used to read a series called Puppy Patrol. In one of the books, Forever Sam, one of the dogs dies, and I think I'll always remember how much that made me cry!

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10. 86

    billybucposted 12 years ago

    Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird."  A truly gentle and just human being who stood up for what was right despite the personal cost of doing so.

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       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Atticus is one of mine too, billybuc.  I used to wish when I was young that he was my father.  GREAT choice.

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11. 84

    Sunshine625posted 12 years ago

    Lucky Santangelo from Chances by Jackie Collins when I was a 15 yrs old. Her character has evolved in sequels that Jackie has written about her. I am now waiting for Lucky to become a grandmother. I hope. I admired Lucky's strength, family values, dedication, motivation, work skills and her kick butt attitude. Her character actually helped me through that shy, awkward stage. I feel lucky to have read about Lucky at such a young, innocent age

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12. 60

    Madeposted 12 years ago

    Pippi Longstocking from Astrid Lindgrens children's books. She is the strongest girl in the world, living in a house together with her horse and her monkey. Her mother is in heaven looking down on her and her father is a buccaneer captain. I think Pippi still is a very beloved character by many children and adults.

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13. 92

    Docmoposted 12 years ago

    Mine was Tintin- the intrepid boy reporter who traveled the world, solved mysteries and had great adventures. One, the artwork in the comics were amazing-  two because growing up in the backstreets of Madras it gave me a chance to dream that one day, I also wanted to travel the world and see places, three it taught me stuff in a way that school didn't and made me want to write and realise one could learn from any source and four taught me to read at a very early age so I could go on to loftier texts and become a voracious reader...

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14. 84

    M. T. Dremerposted 12 years ago

    Tyrian Lannister from the Song of Ice and Fire series. He's an instantly relatable character who tells it like it is regardless of who has a sword pointed at him. You're never quite sure if he's a hero or a villain, but he's honorable, likeable and memorable. I would love to be able to write a character like him some day.

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       fairvanityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Agree; many good characters in those books but he is probably the best. Although I started to like Jaime towards the end.

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       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Ah, Tyrian!  Little man - BIG personality.

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15. 59

    fairvanityposted 12 years ago

    I'd have to say both Heathcliff and Cathy from "Wuthering Heights", because they are both so good and so bad. Both have reasons for their behavior, whether justified or not, and they certainly don't restrain themselves. Both are transformed into different people, only to realize that the tie that binds them is still just as strong at their deaths.

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16. 51

    Zeno-Hubpagesposted 12 years ago

    I would have to answer with Ender from "Ender's Game".
    
    For those of you who are not interested by science fiction and philosophical books, Ender's Game is the story of a boy who is so intelligent that the world's generals (The Book is set in the future, where there is a "world army") want Ender to go to a military school located in space. There, the six year old boy will learn how to be a better leader, think of better tactics, and a lot of other things. Because of the difference in intelligence, Ender skips a couple of years and goes straight to the big kids, where he will have a lot of bullying problems. At the age of 12, aliens attack. Ender will have to lead the world as their general, and win a war against ennemies with better technology than them.
    
    When people read the resume, they only remember: "Aliens attack the Earth"...when the book is about so much more than just aliens. It's about a super-intelligent boy who goes through so much and has to achieve things that no one his age has ever done before. That's why I "fell in love" with Ender Wiggin.
    
    The Book is named "Ender's Game", it's the first of a series of about 20 books. I recommend them to everyone. The Ender's Game series are my favorite books. It is written by Orson Scott Card.

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    1. 59

       fairvanityposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have heard of it many times, I might have to check it out. I even saw it on sale at Target a few weeks ago!

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       Zeno-Hubpagesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You should, it's simply amazing!

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       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I love Ender!!  I found myself even more fond of Bean. 

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17. 77

    teaches12345posted 12 years ago

    That would be Mary Poppins. I read the book over and over when I was a kid and even dreamed about it.  Funny, the play is coming to town in November but I am not interested in seeing it right now. I just don't think the play would do the book justice.

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18. 64

    sparklingcrystalposted 12 years ago

    I would say that the most memorable character I've read in a book was Arya Stark from The Song of Ice and Fire series because at a young age she got separated from her family and has been a fighter in all the situations she had encountered. She's not a typical kid who just sulks and cries when something bad is happening, She's willing to take the risk and set aside fear.

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19. 61

    kj forceposted 12 years ago

    Mine was Miss Haversham the character from " Great Expectations".
    It was the first novel I ever read as a young girl, it took me to a world I never knew existed..She endured the pain of lost love, only to become bitter and pass the bitterness on to others. She made quite an impression on me....

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20. 80

    rcrumpleposted 12 years ago

    Ian Fleming's quintessential spy, James Bond.  No, I was actually reading the books long before my parents would allow me to the theaters to view his exploits because of the evil sex being portrayed in them.  (if they had only read the books, those would've been banned much faster.)  The elaborate descriptions of not only the "exciting" life portrayed for a "00" spy, but of the various places of the world planted a seed that made me seek out these places many years later.  Sean Connery was the accurate player later in the movie series, as most of the others have been ridiculous impressions at the role.  The Bond books will forever be considered an important part of my life, and my attitude that fear only holds you back from experiencing what others will never attempt.  No, I don't envision myself as Bond, just a lover of the novels in which he ruled.

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21. 60

    benisan85745posted 12 years ago

    My memorable character would have to be "El-ahrairah", from the novel "Watership Down" by Richard Adams (1978), the story sort of tripped me out, but the cartoon messed me up.

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22. 0

    Motown2Chitownposted 12 years ago

    I can't choose just one, but I promise that my list is short. 
    
    1)  Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
    2)  Fee Cleary in 'The Thorn Birds'
    3)  Adam Trask and Lee in 'East of Eden'
    4)  Beth March in 'Little Women'

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23. 60

    Johnny2Ballsposted 12 years ago

    Patrick Bateman, "American Psycho"
    
    He's not a nice guy, nor is he the sort of person you really want to take home to meet your parents. He's the poster boy for 80s yuppie excess and all it's ridiculous splendour. He's also absolutely insane.
    
    The guy is incredibly interesting. He has such wildly different aspects of his personality, which are so over the top, that you can't help but laugh. Yes, he does horrible things, but that's not all the book is about. You can't help but find yourself curious about just what he might do or say next.
    
    He is incredibly memorable. When I read your question, he was the first person that popped into mind. Also, after having watched the movie, you realise what an incredible job Christian Bale did with the character, so any time you happen to re-read the book, it's very easy to hear Bale's voice, and picture him as Bateman. Disturbing, and hilarious.

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    1. 60

       benisan85745posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I love the "Hip 2B Square", scene. The way he parades around dancing before killing his co-worker. Awesome, however, I don't think Mila Kunis was very convincible in the sequel...

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       Johnny2Ballsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Urgh, ignore the sequel. It has nothing to do with the source novel.
       
       If you liked the original movie, then read the book if you haven't. They did a good job with the film, but definitely had to tone it down. The book will leave you...warped...

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       benisan85745posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have, and yes the book was bit on the murderous side I would say, just a tad bit more. My man, the book let ME conduct the killing that is how intense the book got me, but you are right, Bale did make the movie. Who'd think a business card, Ugh!

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    4. 60

       Johnny2Ballsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Ha ha. Easton Ellis did an amazing job with that book. One minute all is happy, and the next it's some of the most awful stuff you have read. The thing that I liked is that it all had a point.
       
       A movie version of that would be close to unwatchable.

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    5. 60

       benisan85745posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You are probably right, it could actually get an "X" rating just for the gore of it.

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    6. 60

       Johnny2Ballsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       And then there's the sex. Yeh, I could never see it getting made.

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    7. 60

       benisan85745posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, he was so cool in the bedroom when he killed the two prosties, especially the dialogue and how he calmly instructed them into servicing one another, especially when he says, "what are you doing standing there...eat her---", classic pimp!

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       Johnny2Ballsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I couldn't begin to imagine what it would have been like for them. "You're going to have a bad time".

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