Bookkaholic Q&A: Favorite Literary Character

Bookkaholic Q&A is a weekly feature where we all share our answers to a bookish question. Think of it as a conversation over coffee with friends!

“Who is your favorite literary character and why?”

Lauren

Lately my favorite character has been Daenerys Targaryen from the Game of Thrones series. Married off to a war leader as a child bride, it didn’t look like she had much of a future, but we’ve seen her become the mother of dragons, lead an army, and inspire the faith of knights and tribesmen alike. Now that her character has come to life on screen, it’s so easy to root for this fiery woman leader who is merciless and compassionate all at once.

Lucy

My favorite literary character is John Wemmick from Great Expectations. As well as holding a special place in my heart as a legal clerk (my own humble profession), Wemmick’s wildly disparate professional and personal lives make him hugely intriguing and all the more lovely once he leaves the harsh world and attitude of his office to return to his wonderful home, where he cares for his elderly Father. This cosy home, ‘The Castle’ in Walworth, comes equipped with moat and portcullis and Pip visits him there often. Here the clerk’s facade is lifted and he can relax and flirt with his fiancée in peace.

Tara

My favorite literary character is Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. I know it’s a bit cliché, but after seven books and eight movies with Hermione, she has a special place in my heart. She’s smart, loyal, nerdy, bookish, brave, and she’s a really good friend. But she’s not perfect. I enjoyed watching her grow up in the series, dealing with insecurities and first crushes and learning to reel in some of her know-it-all tendencies in order to help others when it really mattered.

Rebecca

I’ve always loved Jane Eyre. She’s intelligent and feisty, passionate but principled. The novel was unique at the time for giving a first-person voice to an orphaned child - so, unlike in Dickens, you don’t get a stereotyped or melodramatic viewpoint. Jane feels deeply but also thinks carefully, so that even seemingly impetuous decisions like running away from home and using a fake name have good justification. In some ways Jane reminds me of myself, though I wish I had her bravery.

So now we want to share our conversation with you! Tell us about your favorite literary character in the comments!