Best 101 Greatest Fictional Characters of All Time

• Feb 17, 2026
• 12 min read

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

From Peter Pan to Harry Potter, literature has given us timeless fictional characters. Amazing Fantasy #15 is where Spider-Man first appeared, marking a significant moment in comic book history. Embark on a nostalgic journey and see the top 101 fictional characters of all time! From the 1900s to 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. Mia Thermopolis from ‘The Princess Diaries’ is a prime example of a best fictional character due to her relatable traits and significant life changes. Dive in to see the most beloved characters and see whether your favorite characters feature on the list! 

Here are the most popular fictional characters loved by everyone:

1) Sherlock Holmes  

Sherlock Holmes is one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. This character was created by the renowned author Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is a detective based in Baker Street, London. He has a tremendous knowledge of science, and his observation and reasoning powers are just incredible. He can make correct deductions, and this makes Sherlock Holmes a character with a genius intellect. There are more than 200 movie versions of Sherlock Holmes. The 2011 movie A Game of Shadows is one of the most popular versions.

2) Harry Potter

This magical character created by J.K Rowling has captured the hearts of millions of Potterheads all over the world. Harry Potter’s fight to overcome Voldemort and become a better wizard has captured the hearts of millions of fans. This character first appeared in the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. The character of Harry Potter evolved in the series of 7 books. The elements of love, friendship, and courage portrayed through Harry Potter’s deeds have made this 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 on television 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 

Percy Jackson’s character, a key figure in Rick Riordan’s 2005 fantasy series, 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 most iconic characters in To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus Finch, who has a special place in the hearts of thousands of readers. Atticus Finch is a single father to Scout and Jem Finch. When he decides to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, he does not accept the racial prejudice of the town. His bravery and his determination to do everything to ensure that justice is served have made this character iconic even today. The success of the novel was also translated into a movie in 1962.

8) Scarlett O’Hara 

Scarlett O’Hara is the protagonist of the novel “Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. Scarlett is determined to get everything she wants, and she goes to any extent to get Ashley, whom she believes she loves. After living through the poverty of the Civil War, Scarlett successfully overcame poverty and led a luxurious life. The depiction of overcoming the difficulties of the Civil War in the novel made the character of O’Hara extremely popular. This resulted in the novel being adapted into a film in 1939.

9) Jay Gatsby 

Jay Gatsby, from the novel “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald, is particularly famous for his interesting character and plot. Gatsby, who grew up in poverty, became very rich by doing illegal work. Gatsby falls in love with Daisy and takes the blame for an accident that was caused by Daisy. Gatsby is killed in the novel. The depiction of wealth and society in the novel is very important to understand Gatsby’s character and his world. The novel was published in 1925 and was adapted into a film in 2013.

10) Jane Eyre 

First appearing in Charlotte Brontë’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 well known for his survival skills in tough situations. After the success of this novel in 1847, Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, published in 1884. Huckleberry is a logical, intelligent, and empathetic person who manages to escape from his father’s torture and also frees Miss Watson’s slave, Jim. The portrayal of survival and societal problems in this novel has been a major contributor to its huge success, resulting in more than 12 film adaptations.

12) Gandalf the Grey 

One of the most powerful fictional characters in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the Grey, is a very clever wizard. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gandalf is an old man who is a firm believer in the destruction of The Ring. He not only saves Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom but also manages to arrive in time to help win the battle. His intelligence, optimism, kindness, and fairness make him a beloved character. The huge success of this series resulted in three film adaptations in 2001, 2002, and 2003.

13) Heathcliff 

Heathcliff is one of the most recalled characters from Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights, published in 1847. His intelligence, cruelty, anger, and jealousy make him a very interesting character. He falls in love with Catherine, but due to class differences and misunderstandings, they get separated. Heathcliff and Wuthering Heights’s massive popularity resulted in over 13 film and television series adaptations.

14) Edward Cullen 

Edward Cullen, a vampire from Stephanie Meyer’s novel The Twilight Saga, is a character that is difficult to forget. His agility, night vision, thought-reading ability, and superhuman strength make him an interesting character. His determination to protect his loved one, Bella, at all costs makes him take risks. The Twilight Saga’s massive popularity resulted in film adaptations in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

15) Jo March 

Brave, outspoken, and spirited, Jo is a tomboy in Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women. Passionate about writing, she gets her story published and later moves to New York, where she becomes a governess. After deciding to marry Friedrich Bhaer, the couple transforms Plumfield into a school for young children. Her character got a lot of affection from thousands of readers, resulting in her first film adaptation in 1917. Since then, there have been many film adaptations of Little Women, with Greta Gerwig’s Little Women being one of the most popular ones. The elements and character development in Little Women were inspired by the storytelling traditions observed in publications such as the Saturday Evening Post story.

16) Lisbeth Salander 

Thin, shy, intelligent, and asocial, Lisbeth Salander is one of the greatest fictional characters. First introduced in the novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Salander’s character is very interesting. Salander represents an antiheroine who refuses to abide by the rules of society, and she is a brilliant hacker. After being subjected to the injustices of society, Salander finds loyal companions in Mikael Blomkvist, Dragan Armansky, and Holger Palmgren.

17) Jack Sparrow 

Jack Sparrow is counted among the most loved characters in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Jack Sparrow first appeared in the 2003 film The Pirates of the Caribbean. The success of the film resulted in a 12-book series. Written by Robb Kidd, Elizabeth J. Braswell, Tui T. Sutherland, and Carla Jablonski, this series is renowned. Jack Sparrow is witty, courageous, and clever. He outsmarts Barbossa on the deserted island with his intelligence. When he is caught between life and death, a bunch of people try to bring him back to life by going to the end of the world (Davy Jones’ locker).

18) Indiana Jones 

Indiana Jones is an archaeologist who will do anything to get hold of ancient artifacts. First appearing in the book “The Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, the first film version was also released in the same year. Originally conceptualized by George Lucas, the character was portrayed by the renowned actor Harrison Ford in the first film version of “The Raiders of the Lost Ark.” His determination, courage, adventurous nature, and unselfishness make him a memorable character.

19) Swami 

Swami is the main character in R.K Narayan’s novel “Swami and Friends,” published in 1935. Swami is a school-going boy in Malgudi. In the novel, he attends the Albert Mission school and has five friends named Mani, Somu, Sankar, Samuel, and Mani. His innocence and love for Rajam, another boy in his school, can be observed in the novel. The novel gained the love of audiences all over the world, which resulted in the release of a TV series in 1986.

20) Hercule Poirot 

A renowned detective, made famous by Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is remembered for his dramatic personality and intelligence. Poirot solves murder mysteries in the European and Middle Eastern countries. The interesting part about the character of Poirot is that he does not always follow the law but follows his moral conscience. First appearing in Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Poirot solves over 30 murder mysteries. The spectacular success of the detective novels led to over 10 film adaptations.

21) Oliver Twist 

The innocent child who is treated very brutally in Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, Oliver Twist, was very popular. One reason for the popularity of the character is the realistic portrayal of murder and crimes in the novel. Oliver gets caught up in the wrong crowd with Fagin and the trained pickpockets, but he manages to get away. Towards the end of the novel, the reader is introduced to the fact that Oliver is the rightful heir to a vast fortune. The popularity of the novel resulted in the first film version being made in 1933.

22) Ove 

The protagonist of Fredrik Backman’s novel A Man Called Ove, Ove, is a 59-year-old man who is a stickler for rules. Although he appears to be a grumpy old man at first, more about his character is introduced as the novel unfolds. Having trouble dealing with the loss of his wife, Sonja, Ove attempts to take his own life. The introduction of his new neighbors and a cat turns his life around and reveals his kind and warm-hearted nature. The popularity of the novel and its rave reviews resulted in the film version being made in 2015.

23) Christian Grey 

A romantic novel protagonist, Christian’s character has made a lasting impact on thousands of readers. Developed by author E L James, Christian has experienced childhood traumas that have affected his personality. Young, attractive, and confident, Christian has a dark side to his personality. The character and novel have gained immense popularity, resulting in the movie’s release in 2012.

24) Prince Caspian 

This character from C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series has been well-received by audiences across the world. Escaping his tyrannical uncle Miraz, Caspian has to battle him to take over the throne of Narnia. Attractive, noble, kind, and courageous, Caspian allies with the Old Narnians to conquer Miraz and his army. The novel’s success translated to the movie release in 2008.

25) Victor Frankenstein 

The central character in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein, is a science genius. In his endeavor to produce a living being, he inadvertently produces a monster. The monster escapes and eventually kills Frankenstein’s near and dear ones. Frankenstein’s intelligence, compassion, and adventurous nature make him an engaging character. The popularity of the novel led to the production of a film in 2015.

26) Juliet 

The female protagonist in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet, is a popular fictional character. Juliet’s love for Romeo leads her to marry Romeo despite strong opposition from her family. Juliet’s intelligence, bravery, confidence, and capability are portrayed 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 makes 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 popular character in Mitch Alborn’s novel “Tuesdays with Morrie.” He lives life to the fullest and teaches Mitch valuable life lessons. His positivity, wisdom, and understanding of other people’s problems make him a popular character. He does not give up even when he is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. His popularity as a character resulted in the movie adaptation of “Tuesdays with Morrie” in 1999.

29) Liesel Meminger 

One of the major protagonists in Markus Zusak’s “The Book Thief,” Liesel’s struggles have made her character very popular. After her parents and brother die, Liesel moves to live with her foster parents, the Hubermanns. Learning to read, she understands the power of words and books, stealing books that she thinks are precious. Her kindness, bravery, and loyalty make her character popular. More than 15 million copies of “The Book Thief” have been sold, and it was adapted into a movie in 2013.

30) Geralt of Rivia

One of the witchers in the series, titled The Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, slays monsters in exchange for money. Although mutants are believed to be emotionless, Geralt has a different side to his personality. He acts on his conscience and sometimes does good to people when he feels it is necessary. This 6-book fantasy series, written by Andrzej Sapkowski, gained immense popularity and was adapted into a TV series in 2019.

31) Hobbit 

The main character in J.R.R Tolkein’s novel The Hobbit is Bilbo Baggins, who has an adventurous character. On an adventure to find the dwarves’ treasure, Baggins discovers his fighting skills and also discovers an invisible ring. His intelligence and devotion to dwarves are portrayed in the book. The popularity of The Hobbit led to the creation of a 3-movie series.

32) Dracula 

Dracula is an immortal vampire from the 1847 novel of the same name by the Irish author Bram Stoker. He has immense power and can change his form and control night creatures. With this, he can also control the weather, to a certain extent. The character of Dracula was portrayed in a movie in 1992.

33) Severus Snape 

Portrayed by Alan Rickman in the famous Harry Potter movie series, Severus Snape is a famous fictional character. First appearing in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, he plays an important part in Harry achieving his objectives closer. His sarcastic, bitter, cold personality along with his devotion to Lily Potter makes him a complicated character. Snape also tries to protect him and assist him in beating Voldemort.

34) Fitzwilliam Darcy 

One of the leading characters in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Darcy is initially not cordial and arrogant about his superior social position. Meeting Elizabeth Bennett helps him change his personality as he understands that he is in love with her. Eventually convincing Elizabeth of his love through his deeds, Darcy and Elizabeth have a happy ending in the book. The book’s massive success resulted in over 15 movie versions of the famous duo Darcy and Elizabeth.

35) Elinor Dashwood 

A beloved character from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, Elinor Dashwood is the eldest of the Dashwood sisters. Elinor is a balanced character because of her intelligence, practicality, and kindness. Although she has feelings for Edward, she is reluctant to reveal them. Being very fond of Marianne, she leans towards Marianne when she falls ill. The popularity of the novel resulted in 3 BBC television series and several film adaptations.

36) Count of Monte Cristo 

Edmond Dantès, also known as the Count of Monte Cristo, is a popular fictional character created by Alexander Dumas. Wrongly imprisoned, Dantès escapes from jail and seeks revenge against his enemies. Intelligent, brave, and powerful, Dantes becomes cynical as the story unfolds.

37) Bruno 

A 9-year-old German boy in Poland, Bruno, is the central character in The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. Even though he is self-centered in the beginning, his friendship with Shmuel and his influence help him to think and realize his own mistakes. His innocence and ability to keep 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 bright young boy who is also talented in music. Developed by Andre Aciman, Elio is still an evergreen fictional character for many readers. A bookworm, Elio has immense knowledge about various subjects. Feeling embarrassed, Elio does not want to do anything that would embarrass him. His connection with Oliver and their passionate love tale make the novel a hit.

40) Daenerys Targaryen 

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

41) Don Quixote 

This character from the book Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes cannot be forgotten even today. His intelligence, honesty, pride, and wisdom make him a much-loved character. The success of the book resulted in the making of a film in 2000.

42) Dumbledore 

The headmaster of the magical school Hogwarts, the list of fictional characters cannot be completed without Dumbledore. A character from the world-famous series Harry Potter, Dumbledore, plays an important part in Harry’s fight against Voldemort. His wisdom and loving relationship with Harry make him a well-known fictional character.

43) Richard Castle 

This character from the popular Castle Series got immense appreciation. Intelligent, witty, immature, and stubborn, Richard fails to follow Beckett’s orders at times. The TV series is based on the popular book series Heat.

44) Noah Calhoun 

Noah Calhoun is the primary male lead in Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook. Intelligent, passionate, poetic, and hardworking, Noah develops a liking for Allie Hamilton. His sense of humor, power, and ability to understand people make him an interesting personality. More than 100 million copies of The Notebook have been sold across the globe, leading to the production of a movie in 2004.

45) Jon Snow 

One of the most significant characters in the popular series Game of Thrones, Jon Snow, has thousands of fans. Being the son of Targaryens and Starks, he is a possible heir to the Iron Throne. His loyalty to his people and his genuine desire to do the best for people make him different 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 skilled at using the bow and arrow. The popularity of the series resulted in its being adapted into a television series in 2012. 

47) Sula Pearce 

Sula is the main character in Toni Morrison’s novel “Sula.” She is strong, courageous, and doesn’t care about what others think of her. She always does what her heart tells her to do. The relationship between Sula and Nel is one of the major themes in the novel. The popularity of the novel led to the movie being made in 1975.

48) Arya Stark 

Arya Stark is a tomboy and intelligent character in the Game of Thrones series. She is the daughter of Eddard Stark. She is strong-willed, brave, and has an adventurous personality. She knows how to fight with a sword and ride a horse. She will do anything to complete a task once she sets her mind to 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 at the start. As the story unfolds, Scout’s personality loses innocence and she grows up.   

50) Scrooge 

Ebenezer Scrooge is the protagonist from Charles Dickens’s renowned story A Christmas Carol. A miserly character who does not celebrate Christmas, his life takes a turn with the coming of three spirits. Towards the end of the novella, Scrooge finally changes for the better 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: 

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.