Five Most Famous Literary Characters

It is not an exaggeration to say that every avid reader has a favorite literary character. Be it a heinous criminal, an empathetic support role, or the most popular protagonist. No matter how many books you read or characters you come across, that first love can never be replaced. Do you also hold a dearly place for a fictional role in your heart?

Before you answer that question, we have created a list of famous literary characters for you to go through. Read on and let us know if the list has your favourite literary star too.

Five Most Famous Literary Characters

1. Sherlock Holmes

“Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of a man could invent.”

• Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘A Case Of Identity.’
• Sherlock Holmes is a world-famous fictitious character, and his name is more widely recognized than that of the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous Baker Street dweller has only grown in popularity since the first episode of A Study in Scarlet, which was published in The Strand Magazine in 1887. Crowds of tourists flock to 221B Baker Street every day since it has become a British cultural institution, with many people assuming the character is inspired by a real person. The popularity of Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Doctor Watson will definitely continue for another generation and more.

Some Facts about Sherlock Holmes

• Sherlock Holmes was originally intended to be known as Sherrinford. The name was changed to Sherlock, probably because of a cricketer with the same name. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Holmes, was a cricket lover, and the nickname “Sherlock” seems to have stayed with him.

The most commonly featured fictional figure in movies or shows is Sherlock Holmes. Since the end of the nineteenth century, Holmes has featured in 226 films and was performed by countless celebrities, according to IMDb. It’s not unexpected that the sleuth’s popularity prompted a slew of other authors to write Sherlock Holmes competitors.

2. Hermoine Granger

“Actually, I’m highly logical, which allows me to look past extraneous details and perceive clearly that which others overlook.”

K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part- 1

Hermione Granger from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is an all-time favorite among the top inspiring literary characters. She has become one of fiction’s fiercest female characters. She is a driven and ambitious young woman who has her point of view on everything and refuses to be silenced by others. She holds her ground with dignity and grace even as she faces flak in the school for her ‘muggle’ background. Another inspiring quality about her is that she does not try to change herself to please others; instead, she prefers to be herself! She is a voracious reader and a wonderful friend who uses her rationale and keen thinking ability to assist her friends throughout the series.

Things that make Hermoine Granger the greatest witch of all time

She Never Apologized For Being Who She Was

Although she was always ready to defend herself and her views, Hermione never regretted being herself. She demonstrated how one can be pleasant and polite when required, but that doesn’t imply you can let others walk all over you. Hermione was not afraid to stand up and call people out for being harsh and inconsiderate.

She was fearless.

She was as strong as the other characters in the story, and she tried to keep up with Ron and Harry through every arduous obstacle, both physically and emotionally. Not just that, but she was frequently the team’s leader. She demonstrated that it is not just men who would get down and dirty in battles with terrifying creatures, but also girls. Hermione was a determined woman who placed her faith in what she considered to be right above all else.

Throughout, she was compassionate.

We declared Hermione to be lovely from the inside out when she founded S.P.E.W., or the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, for the elf for them to be considered fairly and equally after observing how terribly they were abused. She thought that everyone and everything deserved to be treated with dignity. As a “mudblood,” she also decided to stand up for fellow muggles, demonstrating how charming and loyal she is.

3. Atticus Finch

“You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let’em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.”

Harper Lee, To kill a Mockingbird

Another noteworthy name in our list of most memorable and encouraging literary characters is Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s popular novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Finch, an honest, caring, and courageous person, decided to remain loyal to his principles, morals, and conscience, even if they differ from those of the society in which he lives. As a supporter of racial justice, he seeks to inculcate these values in his children. He is an influence on all and shows us that doing what is right is more essential than doing what’s easy.

Why is Atticus famous?

• His parenting approach is unique as he deems his children as adults, answering any questions they may have honestly. He takes advantage of every opportunity to teach his principles to Scout and Jem. Atticus employs this strategy not only with his children but with the entire town of Maycomb. Despite his mature approach to Jem and Scout, he gently acknowledges that they are youngsters and can make immature mistakes and assumptions.

• Atticus believes in the rule of law and the system of justice. He dislikes criminal law but accepts the position to hear Tom Robinson’s case. He knows he’s probably losing this case before he starts, but it doesn’t prevent him from putting up the best defense he can.

• In the narrative, Atticus is the mature character who is least affected by discrimination. He has no objections to his kids attending Calpurnia’s church or to a black woman raising his children. He warns Scout to not use the racist remarks and insists on using terms appropriate for his period and culture.

• Atticus is admired by everyone, especially the poor, because of his perceptive brilliance, calm wisdom, and impeccable character. He serves as Maycomb’s moral compass, a man to whom others turn when they are in doubt or danger.

4. Jane Eyre

“I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”

Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre, the lead character of Charlotte Bronte’s magnificent classic Jane Eyre, is another renowned female fictitious character that you must be aware of! Jane’s character develops from a young girl of ten to a young independent woman. Despite being put in tough situations, she resists pressure and instead does everything that her heart tells her is appropriate. Throughout the narrative, she depends on herself to get back up and keep moving forward.

Life Lessons that Modern Women Learns from Jane Eyre 

Always expect good things:

Jane, despite having a horrible childhood, never gave up hope. Jane thought that if she would be sent to the charitable organization by her aunt, it would at least be superior to her aunt’s residence. The uneatable food and harsh environment did not intimidate Jane when she arrived at Lowood Institution. Instead, she worked hard and studied hard to have a brighter future. Jane’s faith saw her through thick and thin, and good things ultimately came her way. She acquired a fortune from her uncle, married her true love, and found bliss. In the end, everything worked out fine.

Before you’re a ‘good’ person, you must first be a ‘brave’ person.

Jane Eyre, the narrative’s main character, grew up in a loveless household, and her childhood was nothing different from Cinderella. The difference was that she was courageous, opinionated, and brave even as a child. Jane’s childhood and adolescence were unhappy, yet she recovers and does not bow to life’s challenges.

Whatever happens, stick to your principles.

Jane, despite being an orphan, never strayed from the path of virtue or engaged in immoral behavior. Jane is head over heels in love with Mr. Rochester in the novel, but she abandons him at the altar when she learns that he has a wife. Even after considerable persuasion from the love of her life, she never backs down from her decision. She understands that marrying a married person goes against her values and principles. Furthermore, she cannot be a home-wrecker for another family solely for the sake of her affections.

5. Gandalf the Grey

“Many that live to deserve death. And some that die to deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment.”

R.R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Gandalf the Grey, the incredibly inspiring protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings! Gandalf, the wise wizard, and befriender of the hobbits earns a special mention on our list of fascinating literary characters since he possesses god-like insight into everything and everyone while simultaneously ensuring that his abilities and intentions are heavily guarded! His wisdom stems from the patience he learned in Valinor, and he is also a widely adored character eager to teach you all about mankind and the universe

Why is Gandalf famous?

His Excellency

Gandalf demonstrates that he is, basically, a man of honor from the minute he appears in both the books and the movies, even if he is a horrible character in certain aspects. And besides, as he makes plain to Bilbo, he genuinely cares about the old hobbit and does what is best for him, even though it means pushing him to give up the Ring that has been slowly eating his mind. Gandalf maintains that feeling of honor throughout the rest of the saga, right up until he departs Middle-earth for good.

His Commitment to His Mission

Tolkien’s writings show that the wizards have been sent to Middle-earth to confront Sauron, but they were barred from employing force. Gandalf, as we all know, stayed true to his mission, whilst Saruman did not. Though he had numerous opportunities to reject, including the possibility to capture the Ring for himself, Gandalf was the type of person who remained true until the very end.

His savagery

Saruman quickly demonstrates that he is not only shrewd but also totally brutal. He orders his Uruk-Hai to bring him the hobbits, even though they have permission to slaughter the others. Furthermore, he sends an entire force with the intention to kill his former friend Rohan. When it comes to conquering, nothing will stand in his way, and one can’t doubt his audacity.

So, what do you think about these famous literary characters? And who do you like the most in this list and why? Let us know in the comments below.