FAVORITE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME!

In honor of all the great fictional characters who have managed to pave their way through the ages while remaining relevant in this era of fast 24-hour news and umpteenth number of new writers, I found some of my favorite and everlasting fictional characters from the literary world. With so many new contemporary writers and characters coming into light, it becomes a hard task to weigh their characteristics and select our favorites. So I spontaneously picked out some of the characters who are still etched in my memories and will continue to be! So, here is my list;

• ELIZABETH BENNET- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, Jane Austen

Lizzy is by far my most favorite female literary character, and in the author Jane Austen's own words, she describes Lizzy as "the most delightful creature ever appeared in print." She is so intelligent, well read, quick witted, beautiful, sensitive and caring. She did make some errors in identifying Darcy, but handled and rectified the error with some wonderful grace and honor. Her ironical quick wit was something not 'socially acceptable' for women in her society, but this showed her boldness and confidence to be herself. She manages to make all her decisions by herself, through accurate intelligence and common sense. By the end of the novel, she manages to find the perfect balance between 'pride and prejudice' and how phenomenally she does that is what makes her one of my favorites. A must read for those who wish to be humble yet strong headed.         
                             
                                     

• SHERLOCK HOLMES- SHERLOCK HOLMES SERIES, Arthur Conan Dyle

I might have a biased opinion towards this one, as I saw the show first and then fascinated by it, I read the novels. I am still reading them but already am astound by the wonderful writing of the author! No other character has made my mind rush and think so deeply as Holmes. He is such a genius, the most remarkable observant, extremely educated, and so determined in solving everything he lays his hand on. One of his best characteristics is that no matter how many dead ends he collides into, he just does not give up. His dedication towards his job is what makes him shine after each story. The books are turning out to be exactly what was shown in the show, or I'd say even better! If you're fan of such adrenaline rush, go for the show first and then when you read the books, you'll be even more astound!                                         
                               

• ROMEO AND JULIET- ROMEO AND JULIET, William Shakespeare

Writing a combined feedback, because these two just should not be separated! Starting with Romeo, we see him mature from a comical character, who writes about feelings of love without actually experiencing true love in funny sonnets, to a sad teenager, who falls in love with Juliet but is torn between the family feud. After meeting Juliet, he realizes the value of true love and is ready to fight for his love with the whole world. He is strong, passionate, daring, and his love for Juliet is what is talked about even today. Juliet on the other hand, when introduced in the story, is already a mature girl. She is shy, obedient, quiet, but she has some inner strength which makes her defy her parents and fight for her love. Romeo and Juliet, together are a powerful couple. It was unfortunate that such lively characters faced a tragic ending. But they managed to leave their imprints on us, and became the absolute symbol of love for then, now and forever!

• WILLY WONKA- CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Roald Dahl

While working on this list, Charlie and the chocolate factory happened to be coming on TV, and re- watching the movie, made me re-read the book and I realized that Willy Wonka is my favorite character in it. Other than being "the greatest inventor and maker of chocolates that has ever been", he goes beyond that. Throughout the story, his energy levels are top notch, he not only does his job well, he does it with all his heart and soul and that's something we all should learn from him. He's eccentric. He's funny. He's strange. He sings and dances at the most odd times, but he is the one who adds such light, humor, and excitement to the story that even when you are reading the book, you can visualize his antics. He reminds us that life is fun, life is sweet. And in case you've forgotten, I think you should re-read the book!       

                                

This was my small list. There are so many characters just like these, who have left a long lasting impression on the reader. Let me know yours!!