7 Greatest Literary Characters Who Defined Their Genres
Over the centuries, literature has provided us with timeless tales and fictional characters. Overcoming obstacles to reach their end goals, these characters have gone on to stick in history as generation after generation reads their tales. Some of the greatest literary characters have been adapted into movies, television series, and more. Keep reading to learn about seven of the greatest literary characters and why they have defined their genres.
7. Elizabeth Bennet
Starting our list of the greatest literary characters is Elizabeth Bennet. Appearing in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Elizabeth has been loved by audiences ever since 1813. Her intelligence and lively personality, combined with her flaw of prejudice, are relatable to audiences. Elizabeth has been featured on the big screen again and again, with Pride and Prejudice being adapted into more than 15 films.
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6. Katniss Everdeen
Sixth on our list of the greatest literary characters is Katniss Everdeen. Appearing at the forefront of social media again after the release of Sunrise on the Reaping, Katniss is the main character in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Katniss is strong, independent, and resourceful, becoming a figurehead for not only the uprising but dystopian novels as well. She embodies the YA genre’s strong lead character and stands next to other greats like Tris Prior, Thomas, Percy Jackson, etc.
5. Harry Potter
Next on our list of the greatest literary characters is Harry Potter, the face of the fantasy and magic genres. The young wizard created by J.K. Rowling is loved worldwide, as he grows up in a magical world that propels him to a final fight against the evil wizard Voldemort. Harry Potter is the main character in all seven books of the series, and shows that anyone can overcome tragedy and become something much more alongside his friends and newfound family. Who doesn’t want a little magic in their lives?
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4. James Bond
James Bond ranks fourth on our greatest literary characters list. Created by Ian Fleming, Bond is an intelligence officer who must go on dangerous missions in every story. He first appeared in print in 1953 in Casino Royale, followed by 11 novels and two short story collections. Just nine years later, Bond appeared on the big screen and has been portrayed by at least six other actors since. Bond not only embodies the savvy spy, but the womanizer as well, catching the bad guys and love all in one fell swoop.
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3. Indiana Jones
Rounding out the top three greatest literary characters is Indiana Jones. The king of adventure and exploration novels, Jones is an archaeologist who does everything to find ancient artifacts. Jones first appeared in The Raiders of the Lost Ark book in 1981, with a film adaptation coming out in the same year. Harrison Ford took the role of Indy and embodied the wit and strength of the character. Indiana Jones isn’t just an archaeologist, but a die-hard, selfless explorer too. What’s not to love?
2. Hamlet
Second on our list of the greatest literary characters is Hamlet. The main character in one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet, has appeared in over 50 film adaptations of the play since its release. Even though Hamlet knows his uncle killed his father, he is indecisive on whether to kill him. Between his harsh words and disgust, coupled with his loyalty and honesty, Hamlet shows that humans are a bundle of emotions both good and bad.
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1. Sherlock Holmes
Last but not least on our list of the greatest literary characters is Sherlock Holmes. Created by Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes is a detective in Baker Street with an incredible sense of science and observation. Cracking cases like nobody else, Holmes is loved for his sharp mind and somewhat gritty personality that somehow pairs well with Dr. John Watson. Over time, there have been more than 200 film adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, with the 2011 film A Game of Shadows one of the most famous.
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