- Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald
He’s mysterious, loyal, rich, intelligent, vivacious, and more importantly from the most glamorous time period in American history. Jay Gatsby’s persona is enough to make every woman swoon, and the way Nick Caraway describes him would probably make men swoon as well. He embodies the American dream, coming from nothing and achieving greatness. His is his attraction to one of the most hated characters in literature.
- Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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Everyone loves a hero. Atticus Finch stands for justice and freedom in a time and place where equality was nonexistent, and African American’s often undeservingly suffered punishments for crimes. Atticus knows the consequences of his beliefs and actions, yet stands up for them despite times of danger and fear. He wonderfully raises his daughter, Scout, to mirror such great morality, making him wonderful father as well.
- Hermione Granger in The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
Nothing says a strong female character like a muggle born (human born) teenage witch. Hermione Granger knows every spell, incantation, and charm in the magical world, and is twice as smart, cunning, and witty as the lead male character. It is safe to say that Harry and Ron would not have made it through half their adventures if her level head wasn’t there to stop their silly shenanigans.
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commons.wikimedia.org Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Head strong and obstinate, Elizabeth Bennet breaks the traditional Victorian woman standard. Considered property to men, Women’s only purpose was to marry rich and have children. Elizabeth however doesn’t take any of that; she has a mind and a plan of her own. Perhaps that’s why Mr. Darcy and readers fall in love with her.
- Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Portrayed as a bit of a hot mess at first, brilliant and intimidating is Sydney Carton, a lawyer during the controversial French Revolution. Sydney hates his French look-alike, Charles Darnay for being the kind, generous man he knows he should be. Despite that, the saves his life on multiple occasions from French rebels. If that wasn’t heroic enough, he makes the ultimate sacrifice of death, saving Darnay and allowing him to be with his love Lucie. Perhaps he’s not as hateful and crude as he believes himself to be.