Best 101 Greatest Fictional Characters of All Time

• Nov 22, 2023
• 12 min read

• Tags: Character, Fiction, Novel, Type of Characters

From Peterpan to Harry Potter, literature has given us timeless fictional characters. Embark on a nostalgic journey and see the top 101 fictional characters of all time! From the 1900s till the present, we’ve created a list of the most memorable fictional characters. 

From old classics to modern literature, we’ve covered everything for you. Dive in to see the most beloved characters and see whether your favorite characters feature on the list! 

1) Sherlock Holmes  

Created by Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is one of the best fictional characters of all time. A detective in Baker Street, Holmes has a vast knowledge of science along with amazing reasoning and observation skills. Able to make accurate deductions, Sherlock Holmes is portrayed as having a brilliant mind. There are more than 200 film adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. The 2011 film A Game of Shadows is regarded as one of the famous adaptations. 

2) Harry Potter

This magical character created by J.K Rowling is loved by millions of Potterheads worldwide. Harry Potter’s struggle to fight against Voldemort and grow as a wizard won the hearts of fans. First seen in the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, Harry’s character developed through the series of 7 books. The themes of love, friendship, and bravery reflected through Harry’s actions made his character extremely famous. 

3) Elizabeth Bennet 

Brought to life by Jane Austen, Elizabeth is one of the most memorable characters from Pride and Prejudice. Published anonymously in 1813, Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth was loved by audiences worldwide. Her lively, and intelligent personality along with her flaw of prejudice make her a relatable character. Elizabeth’s character first made an appearance in 1938 on television. After this, Elizabeth’s character was seen in the 1940 film Pride and Prejudice and later adapted into more than 15 films. 

4) James Bond 

Created by Ian Fleming, James Bond is an intelligence officer who is given a dangerous mission in every story. Known for his intelligence, Bond manages to kill enemies easily and survive challenging situations. James Bond’s character first appeared in Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale which was published in 1953. This was followed by 11 novels and 2 short story collections featuring the popular spy. The first film on James Bond was Dr. No which hit theatres in 1962. After this, 24 James Bond films were produced with the film No Time to Die being the most recent one. 

5) Percy Jackson 

This fantasy character created by Rick Riordan in 2005 is unforgettable for audiences even today. The son of the Greek god Poseidon, Percy is 12 years old in the series’ first novel The Lightning Thief. His powers gradually develop and include controlling waters and talking to sea animals. Inspired by Riordan’s 6-book series, Percy Jackson’s character has been adapted in 2 movies, Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief, and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. 

6) Holden Caulfield 

This character from J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye finds a strong resonance with audiences worldwide. Symbolizing a typical teenager trying to cope with adult life, Holden’s struggle for acceptance makes his character relatable. Holden is a sensitive and deeply emotional character who often acts impulsively in the novel. Interestingly, despite the popularity of Holden Caulfield and The Catcher in the Rye, the story has never been adapted into a movie. 

7) Atticus Finch 

One of the greatest fictional characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch holds a special place for thousands of readers. Created by Harper Lee, Atticus is a single father to Scout and Jem Finch. Agreeing to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, Atticus refuses to accept the town’s racial prejudice. His courage and his firm determination to do everything to ensure justice makes his character celebrated even today. The book’s success also led to a film adaptation in 1962. 

8) Scarlett O’Hara 

Scarlett O’Hara is the main character of the novel Gone With The Wind written by Margaret Mitchell. Determined to get everything she wants, Scarlett goes to extreme lengths to win Ashley whom she thinks she loves. After experiencing poverty during the Civil War, she successfully managed to overcome poverty and maintain a luxurious lifestyle. The novel’s portrayal of rising above the hardships of the Civil War made O’Hara’s character immensely popular. This led to a film adaptation of the book in 1939. 

9) Jay Gatsby 

Jay Gatsby from the novel The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald stands out due to his intriguing personality and story. Having grown up in poverty, Gatsby manages to become extremely wealthy by performing illegal activities. Falling in love with Daisy, Gatsby takes the blame for an accident caused by Daisy and is later killed in the novel. Published in 1925, this novel was adapted as a film in 2013. 

10) Jane Eyre 

First appearing in Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel Jane Eyre, her determination to rise above hardships makes her character special. Despite getting no support from her relatives, she becomes independent and works as a governess. Refusing to marry her cousin, Jane is later united with Rochester whom she loves. What made her character popular was the fact that it went against the accepted societal norms related to class and women’s rights at that time. Her character has been adapted in more than 15 movies and is memorable even today. 

11) Huckleberry Finn 

First appearing in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn is famous for his ability to survive difficult situations. After the success of this 1847 novel, Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which was published in 1884. Logical, intelligent, and compassionate, Huckleberry manages to escape his father’s torture and helps to free Miss Watson’s slave Jim. The novel’s immense acclaim has led to more than 12 film adaptations. 

12) Gandalf the Grey 

One of the strongest fictional characters in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the Grey is a shrewd wizard. Created by J.R.R. Tolkein, Gandalf is an old man who strongly views that The Ring must be destroyed. He not only rescues Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom but also arrives just in time to help achieve victory in the battle. His wisdom, positive outlook, kindness, and fairness make him a loved character. The immense popularity of the series led to three film adaptions in 2001, 2002, and 2003. 

13) Heathcliff 

Heathcliff is one of the most remembered characters from Emily Bronte’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. His intelligence, cruelty, anger, and jealousy make him a fascinating character. He falls in love with Catherine but class differences and miscommunication lead to their separation. Heathcliff’s and The Wuthering Heights’s tremendous fame led to more than 13 film and television adaptations. 

14) Edward Cullen 

A vampire in Stephanie Meyer’s The Twilight Saga, Edward Cullen’s character is hard to forget. His agility, night vision, ability to read thoughts, and superhuman strength make him an interesting character. Determined to protect his love Bella at all costs, Edward doesn’t hesitate to take risks. The Twilight series’ immense popularity led to its film adaptations in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. 

15) Jo March 

Courageous, outspoken, and high-spirited, Jo is a tomboy in Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women. Passionate about writing, she gets her story published and later goes to New York where she works as a governess. Deciding to marry Friedrich Bhaer, the couple turns Plumfield into a school for young children. Her character received a lot of love from thousands of readers, leading to its first film adaptation in 1917. After this, there were several film adaptations of Little Women with Greta Gertwig’s Little Women being one of the most famous. 

16) Lisbeth Salander 

Skinny, introverted, intelligent, and asocial, Lisbeth Salander is one of the best fictional characters. First seen in the novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Salander’s character is intriguing. Symbolizing an antiheroine who doesn’t follow society’s norms, Salander is a smart hacker. Fighting back against the injustices against her, Salander finds trusted friends in Mikael Blomkvist, Dragan Armansky, and Holger Palmgren. Her character’s spectacular success led to movie adaptations in 2009, 2011, and 2018, based on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. 

17) Jack Sparrow 

Jack Sparrow is regarded as one of the favorite characters of The Pirates of the Caribbean series. First appearing in the 2003 movie The Pirates of the Caribbean, the movie’s acclaim led to a 12-book series. Authored by Robb Kidd, Elizabeth J. Braswell, Tui T. Sutherland, and Carla Jablonski, this series became famous. Witty, brave, and intelligent, Sparrow uses his ingenuity to escape the deserted island of Barbossa. When he’s stuck between life and death, a group of people attempt to restore him to life by traveling to the world’s end (Davy Jones locker). 

18) Indiana Jones 

Indiana Jones is an archaeologist who does everything to find ancient artifacts. First seen in The Raiders of the Lost Ark book in 1981, the first film adaptation was also released in the same year. Originally created by George Lucas, the character was played by the popular actor Harrison Ford in the first film The Raiders of the Lost Ark. His tenacity, bravery, adventurous spirit, and selflessness make him an unforgettable character. 

19) Swami 

The protagonist of R.K Narayan’s 1935 novel Swami and Friends, Swami is a schoolboy living in Malgudi. In the novel, he goes to the Albert Mission school and has five friends: Mani, Somu, Sankar, Samuel, and Mani. His childhood innocence and his admiration for Rajam, another student in his school can be seen in the novel. The novel received affection from audiences worldwide which led to its adaptation in a TV series in 1986. 

20) Hercule Poirot 

A famous detective brought to life by Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is remembered for his dramatic flair and intelligence. Poirot solves murder mysteries in the European and Middle East countries. What makes his character interesting is that he doesn’t always obey the law, instead, he follows his moral conscience. First seen in Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Poirot goes on to solve more than 30 murder mysteries. The detective novels’ spectacular success resulted in more than 10 film adaptations. 

21) Oliver Twist 

An innocent child who is brutally treated in Charles Dicken’s novel by the same name, Oliver Twist became widely popular. A reason for the character’s fame is the novel’s realistic depiction of murder and crimes. Falling in the wrong company of Fagin and trained pickpockets, Oliver manages to escape. Towards the end of the novel, readers are made aware that Oliver is the rightful inheritor of a large fortune. The novel’s success led to its first film adaptation in 1933. 

22) Ove 

The main character of Fredrik Backman’s novel A Man Called Ove, Ove is a 59-year-old man who is a stickler for rules. While he initially seems a grumpy man, more to his character is revealed as the novel progresses. Struggling to cope after his wife Sonja’s death, Ove tries to commit suicide. The arrival of his new neighbors and a cat changes his life and shows his kind, warm-hearted personality. The novel’s acclaim and rave reviews led to its film adaptation in 2015. 

23) Christian Grey 

A protagonist in the romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey, Christian’s character has left a lasting impression on thousands of readers. Created by the author E L James, Christian experienced several childhood traumas that damaged his personality. Young, handsome, and confident, there is a darker side to his personality. The character and novel became immensely popular, leading to its film adaptation in 2012. 

24) Prince Caspian 

This character from C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia has been appreciated by audiences worldwide. Escaping his tyrant uncle Miraz, Caspian must fight him to claim the throne of Narnia. Handsome, noble, good-natured, and brave, Caspian joins forces with Old Narnians to defeat Miraz and his army. The book’s success led to its film adaptation in 2008. 

25) Victor Frankenstein 

The main character in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein, Victor is a science genius. In his attempt to create a living being, he unintentionally creates a monster. The monster runs away and later kills Frankenstein’s close ones. Frankenstein’s intelligence, empathy, and adventurous spirit make him an interesting character. The novel’s fame resulted in its film adaptation in 2015. 

26) Juliet 

The female protagonist in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is a famous fictional character. Falling in love with Romeo, Juliet decides to unite with Romeo despite stiff resistance from her family. Her wit, courage, confidence, and capability are reflected in the play. 

27) Anna Karenina 

This character from Leo Tolstoy’s 1878 novel Anna Karenina is remembered even today. Beautiful, intelligent, and a voracious reader, Anna dislikes fake and pretentious behavior. Determined to make her own life choices, she has an affair with Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky. Her refusal to sacrifice her happiness and remain confined to social norms make her a popular character even today. The novel’s wide acclaim led to its first movie adaptation in 1935. 

28) Morrie 

Morrie is the most memorable character in Mitch Alborn’s novel Tuesdays with Morrie. Living life to the fullest, he inspires Mitch with his valuable life lessons. His positivity, wisdom, and empathy for others’ problems make him a loved character. Despite suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, he refuses to give up. His character’s renown led to the film adaptation of Tuesdays with Morrie in 1999. 

29) Liesel Meminger 

One of the main protagonists in Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Liesel’s struggles made her character widely popular. After losing her parents and her brother, Liesel stays with her foster family, the Hubermanns. Learning how to read, she realizes the power of words and books, even stealing books that she thinks are valuable. Her kindness, courage, and loyalty make her character memorable. More than 15 million copies of The Book Thief were sold, resulting in its movie adaptation in 2013. 

30) Geralt of Rivia

A witcher in the series named The Witcher, Geralt of Rivia kills monsters in return for payment. Even though mutants are assumed to be unemotional, Geralt shows a different side of his personality. Acting according to his conscience, he sometimes helps people when he feels it’s the right thing to do. This 6-book fantasy series written by Andrzej Sapkowski received tremendous fame, leading to a TV series adaptation in 2019. 

31) Hobbit 

The protagonist of J.R.R Tolkein’s novel The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins has an adventurous spirit. Journeying to find the dwarves’ treasure, Baggins realizes his talent for fighting and also finds a ring that can make one invisible. His intelligence, loyalty to dwarves, and problem-solving skills are reflected in the book. The Hobbit’s fame paved the way for its adaptation into a 3-movie series. 

32) Dracula 

Created by the Irish author Bram Stoker, Dracula is an unforgettable vampire from an 1847 novel of the same name. He has tremendous strength and not only can he alter his shape but also manipulate nocturnal creatures. With this, he can also control the weather, to some extent. Dracula’s story was adapted into a movie in 1992. 

33) Severus Snape 

Played by Alan Rickman in the popular Harry Potter movie series, Severus Snape is a renowned fictional character. First seen in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, he plays a vital role in making Harry reach closer to his goals.  His sarcastic, bitter, cold character coupled with his loyalty towards Lily Potter makes him a complex character. Snape tries to protect him and help him defeat Voldemort. 

34) Fitzwilliam Darcy 

One of the main characters in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Darcy is initially unfriendly, and vain about his higher social standing. Meeting Elizabeth Bennett gradually improves his personality as he realizes that he’s in love with her. Finally convincing Elizabeth of his love through his actions, Darcy and Elizabeth have a happy ending in the novel. The novel’s immense popularity led to more than 15 film adaptations of Darcy and Elizabeth’s memorable pair. 

35) Elinor Dashwood 

A loved character from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, Elinor Dashwood is the oldest of the Dashwood sisters. Her intelligence, practicality, and kindness make her a balanced character. Despite feeling an attraction towards Edward, she is cautious in expressing her feelings. Strongly attached to Marianne, she tends to Marianne when she falls ill. The novel’s popularity led to 3 BBC television series and several movie adaptations. 

36) Count of Monte Cristo 

Created by Alexander Dumas, Edmond Dantès, also known as the Count of Monte Cristo is a well-known fictional character. Wrongfully put in prison, Dantès manages to escape and takes revenge against those who wronged him. Intelligent, courageous, and strong, Dantes grows cynical as the novel progresses. 

37) Bruno 

A 9-year-old German boy living in Poland, Bruno is the main protagonist of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas.  While his behavior is initially self-centered, Shmuel’s friendship and influence help him to introspect and understand his own mistakes. His innocence and his capacity to have an open mind make him an interesting character. 

38) Augustus Waters 

Augustus Waters is one of the best fictional characters in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Suffering from cancer, he falls in love with Hazel who has terminal cancer. His funny, charming, empathetic, and witty character has won the hearts of thousands of readers. 

39) Elio

The protagonist of the novel Call Me by Your Name, Elio is a smart young man who is also good at music. Created by Andre Aciman, Elio is still an evergreen fictional character for many readers. A voracious reader, Elio has vast knowledge about different subjects. Self-conscious, Elio doesn’t wish to do anything to embarrass himself. His relationship with Oliver and their intense love story make the novel popular. 

40) Daenerys Targaryen 

Daenerys Targaryen is a princess from the web series Game of Thrones. One of the last survivors of House Targaryen, she stays in exile in Essos. Appearing in the American author George R. R Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice series, Targaryen is a memorable character. 

41) Don Quixote 

This character from Miguel de Cervantes’s book Don Quixote is unforgettable even today. His intelligence, honesty, pride, and wisdom make him a loved character. The novel’s success led to its film adaptation in 2000. 

42) Dumbledore 

The headmaster of the magical school Hogwarts, this fictional characters list is incomplete without Dumbledore. A character in the globally renowned Harry Potter series, Dumbledore plays a major role in helping Harry fight Voldemort. His wisdom and affectionate bond with Harry make him a widely recognized fictional character. 

43) Richard Castle 

This character from the famous Castle Series received tremendous acclaim. Intelligent, charming, immature, and stubborn, Richard doesn’t always obey Beckett’s instructions. The television series was adapted from the famous book series Heat. 

44) Noah Calhoun 

Noah Calhoun is the main male protagonist in Nicholas Spark’s The Notebook. Intellectual, passionate, poetic, and hardworking, Noah falls in love with Allie Hamilton. His humor, strength, and ability to perceive people well make him an interesting character. More than 100 million copies of The Notebook were sold worldwide, resulting in a film adaptation in 2004. 

45) Jon Snow 

One of the most important characters in the popular Game of Thrones series, Jon Snow has thousands of fans. The son of Targaryens and Starks makes him a potential heir to the Iron throne. His loyalty towards his people and his genuinely wanting the best for people make him stand out from other characters. 

46) Katniss Everdeen 

Katniss Everdeen is one of the most inspiring fictional characters from the Hunger Games book series. Written by Suzanne Collins, Katniss is resourceful and successfully survives with fewer rations in the forest. Strong, independent, and mature, Katniss is adept at using the bow and arrow. The series’ popularity led to its adaptation into a television series in 2012. 

47) Sula Pearce 

Sula is the protagonist of Toni Morrison’s novel of the same name. Strong, brave and not caring of other people’s opinions, Sula always follows her heart. The friendship between Sula and Nel is an important theme in the novel. The novel’s fame resulted in its film adaptation in 1975. 

48) Arya Stark 

A child of Eddard Stark in the Game of Thrones series, Arya Stark is tomboyish and smart. Strong-willed, courageous, and having an adventurous spirit, she learns sword-fighting and horse-riding. Once she sets her mind on a task, she does everything to accomplish it. 

49) Scout Finch 

Scout Finch is Atticus’s daughter in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Confident, thoughtful, and ready to fight for her rights, Scout does not know the world’s evils in the beginning. As the novel progresses, Scout’s character loses her innocence and she gradually matures.  

50) Scrooge 

Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character from Charles Dickens’s famous work A Christmas Carol. A miserly character who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, his life changes with the arrival of three spirits. Towards the end of the novella, Scrooge finally mends his ways and decides to celebrate Christmas with his nephew. 

51) Emma 

Emma is a cherished character from Jane Austen’s novel of the same name. Witty, beautiful, and rich, Emma loves to play a matchmaker for her friends. While her matchmaking schemes create problems, she later realizes her mistakes and the fact that she loves Mr Knightley. 

52) Dr. Watson 

A foil character to Sherlock Holmes in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson is a celebrated fictional character. Injured during the Second War in Afghanistan, he returns to England. His courage, intelligence, and loyalty toward Holmes make him a widely remembered character. 

53) Cersei Lannister 

One of the most cunning and smart villains in the A Song of Fire and Ice series, Cersei is impossible to forget. Manipulative and loyal to the crown, she is one of the strongest fictional characters. She kills Ellaria’s daughter Tyrene and is cold and ruthless. The phenomenal success of George R R Martin’s 6 book fantasy series led to its television series adaptation named Game of Thrones. 

54) Gollum 

Gollum is one of the important characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings. Once a good hobbit known as Smeagol, he finds a ring that corrupts him. Killing a hobbit for the ring, Gollum is transformed into a hunched Gollum who lies, betrays, and steals. 

55) Forrest Gump 

Forrest Gump is the protagonist of Winston Groom’s novel of the same name. An amazing chess player, he can also perform complicated mathematical formulae easily and has tremendous strength. His kindness and open-mindedness to new opportunities make him an interesting character. 

56) Miss Marple 

Miss Marple is a globally recognized fictional character in Agatha Christe’s detective novels. Adept at solving problems, Miss Marple finds a lot of information through gossip. Her kindness, courage, and her knowledge of human nature are reflected in the detective novels. 

57) Jacob Black 

A popular character in Stephanie Meyer’s The Twilight series, Jacob becomes a werewolf in the story. Developing a strong attraction for Bella, Jacob resents the fact that Bella chooses Edward over him. His love, care, and support for Bella and her daughter make him a memorable character. 

58) Allie Hamilton 

Allie is one of the most recognized characters from Nicholas Sparks’s novel The Notebook. Friendly, charming, beautiful, and indecisive, her character develops in the novel. Realizing her love for Noah, she returns to him and marries him. 

59) Theodore Laurence 

Also known as ‘Laurie’ in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Laurie’s character is renowned. Intelligent, handsome, and high-spirited, Laurie falls in love with Jo in the novel. After Jo rejects his love, he marries Amy towards the end of the novel. 

60) Roland Deschain 

Roland Deschain is a well-known character from Stephen King’s novel The Dark Tower. The final gunslinger, his task is to kill the main antagonist, the Man in Black. He’s an introverted, unemotional, and lonely character in the novel. 

61) Peeta Mellark 

Peeta Mellark is one of the important characters in Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games book series. His thoughtfulness, kindness, and love for Peeta make him one of the most remembered characters. He also saves Peeta’s life and gets injured and beaten while trying to help her. 

62) Draco Malfoy 

An antagonist in J.K Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series, Draco’s character is intriguing. Creating obstacles for Harry, Draco matures during the well-known book series. Deciding not to reveal the true identity of Harry, Ron, and Hermione at Malfoy Manor, Draco in a way gives them time to escape. Played by Thomas Andrew Felton in the movie adaptation of the series, his rendition made Draco’s character memorable. 

63) Voldemort 

Voldemort is the antagonist in the world-renowned Harry Potter series. Written by J.K Rowling, Voldemort’s character was first seen in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.  Committing unspeakable acts of evil like murdering Harry’s parents, Voldemort leaves parts of his soul in special objects. His intelligence, cruelty, and desire for immortality make him one of the most powerful fictional characters. His character and the Harry Potter series’ amazing success led to its film adaptations from 2001. 

64) Romeo 

This character from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet has received acclaim worldwide. Originally published in 1597, Romeo and Juliet has been adapted into more than 20 films. Romeo’s character became hugely famous due to the relatable themes of love passion, idealism, and intelligence. His action of killing himself as he thinks Juliet is dead makes the play a tragic romance. 

65) Hamlet 

Hamlet is one of the most cherished Shakespearean characters in English literature. Despite knowing that his uncle Claudius killed his father, he is indecisive about whether to kill him. His impulsiveness, disgust with his mother for marrying his uncle, and harsh words to Ophelia are reflected in the play. These aspects coupled with his traits of loyalty, morality, and honesty make him a complex character. Hamlet’s popularity has resulted in more than 50 film adaptations of the play. 

66) Macbeth 

Macbeth is one of the most widely known characters from Shakespeare’s play of the same name. His bravery and ambition to win the throne are reflected in the play. Killing Duncan to ascend the throne, he is later tormented by Banquo’s ghost. The play’s acclaim led to more than 15 film adaptations. 

67) Charlie

The wallflower in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie’s character is interesting and intriguing. Written by Stephen Chbosky, this book focuses on how Charlie copes after the deaths of his friend and Aunt Helen. Thoughtful, sensitive, shy, and caring, Charlie’s bond becomes stronger with Patrick and Sam. Withdrawn and having suffered from sexual abuse, Charlie gets uncomfortable while having sexual contact with Sam. Later realizing that his Aunt Helen had sexually abused him, he decides to let go of this memory and plans to stop writing letters. 

68) George 

This character from Enid Blyton’s children’s book series Famous Five is one of the evergreen, favorite fictional characters to date. George’s kindness, tomboyishness, courage, and fiery temper make her character immensely likable. Originally published in 1942, the Famous Five was adapted into a TV series in 1978. 

69) Nancy Drew 

Loved by children, teenagers, and adults, Nancy Drew is a popular American detective who never gives up. Published under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, the first Nancy Drew novel was published in 1930. In this novel The Secret of the Old Clock, readers are introduced to the clever and brave detective Nancy Drew. Her character was well-received by the audience, leading to 22 more detective Nancy Drew novels written by the original author, Mildred Wirt Benson. After this, more than 30 other Nancy Drew novels were published by different authors. 

70) Black Beauty 

For thousands of horse and literature lovers, Anna Sewell’s character of Black Beauty holds a special place. Published in 1877, Black Beauty was one of the first autobiographies of an animal to get fame. The horse Black Beauty’s intelligence, elegance, and loyalty to his masters makes him an unforgettable fictional character. 

71) Aslan 

It’s impossible not to include Aslan in the list of popular fictional characters. A lion in The Chronicles of Narnia series, Aslan helps Peter, Lucy, Edmund, and Susan to reign over Narnia. His strength, wisdom, courage, and act of sacrificing himself to protect Edmund make him an immensely loved character. 

72) Hatter 

A cherished character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, the Hatter is a guest in the Mad Tea Party. His eccentricity, craziness, and unconventional dressing style are reflected in Alice in Wonderland. He tries to provoke Alice and is obsessed with tea parties. He popularly came to be known as the Mad Hatter. 

73) Heidi 

Heidi is one of the famous fictional characters in Johanna Spyri’s novel of the same name. Empathetic, optimistic, and smart, Heidi feels a deep connection to nature. The beloved children’s classic was adapted into a film in 1937. 

74) Pinocchio 

A puppet who can walk and talk like humans, Pinocchio is an evergreen fictional character. A character crafted by Carlo Collodi, Pinocchio wishes to care for his father Gepetto. Curious, rebellious, and mischievous, Pinocchio often faces difficulties. Whenever he tries to tell a falsehood, his nose grows longer in the story. 

75) Amy Dunne 

The main character in Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, Amy Dunne acts as the novel’s protagonist and antagonist. Falling in love with Nick Dunne, she later experiences emotional abuse as things begin to go wrong in their marriage. Planning her disappearance, she attempts to frame Nick for her supposed death. 

76) Don Vito Corleone

The protagonist of Mario Puzo’s novel The Godfather, Corleone is involved in criminal activities. His intelligence, cunning, and ability to see the bigger picture and think ahead make him a formidable character. Building a powerful network of influential judges and politicians, Vito safeguards his criminal enterprise. 

77) Susie

This character from Enid Blyton’s The Secret Seven series is a childhood favorite for millions of readers. The sister of Jack, a member of the Secret Seven, Susie tries hard to interfere when the Secret Seven try to solve mysteries. Intelligent, fun-loving, and brave, Susie loves playing pranks on the Secret Seven. 

 78) Rachel Watson 

The narrator of Paula Hawkin’s popular novel The Girl on the Train, Rachel is a confusing and lonely character. Waking up one day, Rachel finds herself bruised and is unable to remember what happened the night before. The film was adapted into a movie in 2016. 

79) John Coffey 

An important character in Stephen King’s The Green Mile, John Coffey is gifted with unique powers. These include reading thoughts and healing others. Kind-hearted and sensitive, Coffey can feel the pain of people. Though Coffey is innocent, he is ready to die in prison, tired of seeing the suffering around him. 

80) Andy Dufresne 

Andy Dufresne is one of the protagonists in Stephen King’s Shawshank Redemption. Accused of murdering his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne is jailed in the Shawshank prison. Despite the negative atmosphere of the Shawshank prison, he refuses to give up hope. His character and the book were well-received by readers. A film was adapted based on the story of Shawshank Redemption in 1994. 

81) Greg Heffley 

The main character in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is a student of Larry Mack Junior Middle School. His cockiness, cowardice, and inability to think logically before making decisions make him a relatable character. Despite these negative flaws, there are some moments in the novel that show the positive side of his personality. 

82) Michael Oher 

One of the most inspirational fictional characters from The Blind Side, this novel tells the true story of NFL player Michael Oher. Written by Michael Lewis, the novel shows Oher’s struggle with poverty in childhood. Oher later applies to the Briancrest Christian Academy. From here, his football career progresses and he gradually becomes a prominent name in football. A movie on The Blind Side’s motivational story was released in 2009. 

83) Mitch McDeere 

Mitch is one of the most well-known characters in John Grisham’s novel The Firm. Intelligent and resourceful, Mitch is determined to find out the truth about the firm where he works. When he feels that there is something fishy about the deaths of previous attorneys who worked at the firm, he employs a private investigator to uncover the truth. 

84) Prospero 

Prospero is an important character in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Despite being the rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero is unable to ascend the throne due to his brother Antonio. Staying on an island with his daughter, he uses magic to bring his enemies to the same island, under his control. His character’s complexity makes him loved by audiences. While he refuses to set free Ariel and Caliban, he shows kindness towards his brother Antonio. 

85) Captain Ahab 

One of the protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Captain Ahab’s character is memorable even today. His commanding personality, charisma, and leadership skills combined with his desire to take revenge on the whale make his character complex. His character and the story’s popularity led to more than 10 film adaptations. 

86) Cather “Cath” Avery 

One of the main protagonists of Rainbow Rowell’s novel Fangirl, Cather’s character became immensely popular. Cath tries to write fanfiction to escape the tension and pressures she feels. Lacking confidence about new places and people, Cather eats in her room as she doesn’t know where the dining room is. Reagan gradually helps Cath to overcome her fear of new places and boosts her confidence. 

87) Nick Nelson 

Kind, cool, and soft-hearted, Nelson is one of the protagonists in Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series. Defending Charlie from Ben, he gradually becomes best friends with Charlie. Patient and caring, he always stands by Charlie in his difficult times. Realizing that he has feelings for Charlie, Nelson admits his feelings to Charlie. 

88) Elizabeth “Liz” Gilbert 

The narrator of the popular novel Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth’s character has left a lasting impression in the minds of readers. The book is a memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert, an American journalist and author. Journeying to different destinations like India and Italy, her experiences help her rediscover herself. During her journeys, she met Felipe, gradually falling in love with him and leaving the trauma of her past behind. 

89) Louisa Clark 

Louisa’s character from the popular romance novel Me Before You cannot be ignored. Written by Jojo Moyes, Louisa Clark’s creativity, unselfishness, cheerfulness, and positive outlook make her a tremendously likable character. Deciding to become a caregiver for Will Traynor, Louisa gradually falls in love with him. Me Before You’s tremendous success led to its onscreen adaptation into a film in 2016. 

90) Holly Kennedy 

This character from Cecilia Ahern’s P.S. I Love You is cherished by thousands of fans. Struggling to cope after her husband’s death, Holly finds solace in the notes her husband left for her. Holly also reconciles with her mother and her friend and makes a new beginning. The novel was adapted into a major motion picture in 2007. 

91) Robinson Crusoe 

The protagonist of Daniel Defoe’s novel of the same name, Robinson’s character is popular for surviving on a tropical island. His courage, strength, and adventurous spirit are some of his notable qualities. However, he is also a slave trader and believes in the ownership of human beings. After he rescues a slave whom he calls Friday, the first word he teaches him is “Master”.  

92) Miranda Priestly 

A hard-working, irrational, and demanding perfectionist, Miranda is one of the most powerful fictional characters in The Devil Wears Prada. Created by Lauren Weisberger, Miranda is a powerful and influential editor of a successful fashion magazine. Treating her employees badly, her behavior results in a high turnover rate of the fashion magazine’s staff. The novel’s fame was instrumental in its film adaptation in 2006. 

93) Celia 

Celia is one of the top fictional characters from Eric Morgenstern’s novel The Night Circus. Falling in love with Marco, she considers killing herself so that Marco wins the challenge. Her determination to make her own life choices and save Marco’s life makes her character widely recognized by readers. 

94) Mariam

An unforgettable character in Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam is the illegitimate daughter of Jalil. Marrying Rasheed at a young age, she is forced to endure her husband’s torture. Her courage, kindness, love, and her bond with Laila make her an unforgettable character for readers.    

95) Hassan 

Hassan is one of the main characters in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner. His loyalty, goodness, kindness, and friendship with Amir make him a cherished character. The novel’s tremendous fame led to its film adaptation in 2007. 

96) Santiago 

The protagonist in Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist, Santiago is a popular fictional character. His adventurous spirit, curiosity, determination, and courage to explore new horizons make him a delightful character. He finally finds the treasure he was searching for at an abandoned church. Santiago’s character still lingers in the minds of thousands of readers. 

97) Sydney Carton 

Sydney Carton is an unforgettable character from Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. A lawyer who dresses shabbily and drinks a lot, Carton falls in love with Lucie Manette. Determined to save Lucie’s husband, Carton makes the supreme sacrifice of getting hanged instead of Darnay. A Tale of Two Cites sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, leading to several film adaptations after the first film’s release in 1911. 

98) Mia Thermopolis 

First appearing in The Princess Diaries written by Meg Cabot, Mia is the novel’s main protagonist. Intelligent, responsible, good at studies but terrible at sports, Mia’s life changes when she finds out she is a princess. The novel’s acclaim resulted in its film adaptation in 2001. 

99) Sara

This character from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s book A Little Princess received tremendous fame. A student in Miss Minchin’s seminary, her life drastically changes after the death of her father. Her hope, positivity, and desire to help others despite her poor living conditions make her a loved character. 

100) Aled Last 

This endearing character from Alice Oseman’s Radio Silence has garnered affection from audiences worldwide. The creator of the YouTube podcast The Universe City, Aled is shy, creative, introverted, caring, and soft-hearted. Towards the end of the novel, he finally escapes the negative influence of his mother and performs Universe City at Live! Video. 

101) Landon

Created by Nicholas Sparks, Landon is a young, handsome teenager whose character gradually develops in A Walk to Remember. Outgoing and fun, his life changes after he meets Jamie and falls in love with her. While earlier, he is extremely conscious of his self-image, Jamie manages to bring out his best side. He not only agrees to be a part of the school play but also donates his savings to an orphanage. 

Now that you know the best fictional characters, you can take inspiration from these characters to create memorable characters. As providers of editing and proofreading services, we realize that writing and editing aren’t a piece of cake. Here are some resources to take your writing to the next level: 

Found this article helpful?

5

3

Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.