Amazing and/or Unappreciated Characters

     Hello Book Nerds!
     I thought I'd make my first real post a revised version of a post I made on another blog that was SUPER popular.  If you want to see the original, which includes some non-literary characters too, here is the link: http://darleehart.blogspot.com/2012/12/amazing-andor-underappreciated.html  I did that one a long time ago so don't hold any errors against me and there are some spoilers (carefully labeled), but feel free to check it out.  Since this list is longer than many of the others (and I may come back and add to it later if/when I think of more) there will be smaller descriptions and more pictures this time.  Make sure to make note of any spoiler warnings!  (Note: I own none of the pictures or books or characters)  :)

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  Haymitch Abernathy    

          (From The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins)

When I tell people who haven't read these books that my favorite character is a grumpy drunk well...I get some weird looks.  But who couldn't love the grouchy, sassy, bitter, sarcastic, clever past winner of the Hunger Games.  Sure life has turned him hard, but under all the sass and the hangovers, he's genuinely brilliant and cares deeply for Peeta and Katniss (though he most often shows in with a tough love kind of strategy).  

   Severus Snape  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Yes, we all hated him for years.  He's a biased, irritating, sneaky, sometimes cruel jerk.  But he has got to have one of the most interesting back stories of any literary character.  

!!!SPOILERS!!!

As a kid, his friendship with Lily was sweet and they were good for each other.  I don't give as many excuses for him as some people though as he grows up.  I know he was bullied.  I know his home life was horrible.  But he made a lot of horrible decisions and I'm sure he did his fair share of terrible crimes as a Death Eater.  Lily was right to leave such a dangerous friendship.  Coveting another man's wife is never an okay thing, and he bullied the Gryfindors something awful.  Yet it cannot be denied that he saved Harry many times and risked his life playing the double...triple...whatever kind of agent he was.  His back story was one of the best plot twists of all time.  

  Minerva McGonagall  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Professor McGonagall is exactly the kind of teacher that I would have gotten along really well with.  On the outside she's strict, no-nonsense, and practical.  On the inside she's a warm hearted, motherly woman.  Even when she criticizes the students, she is extremely snarky.  She was in love with a muggle man a long time ago but he died.  The students at Hogwarts became her substitute children and she'd do anything to keep them safe.  She stood up to Dolores and was a member of the Order of the Phoenix.  Though Dumbledore exasperated her at times, she admired him greatly and she helped to balance out his eccentricities.  And who can forget her mischievous side, that came to light during Umbridge's reign of terror, when she walked right past Peeves as he was loosening a chandelier and whispered "It unscrews the other way." out of the corner of her mouth!

  Hermione Jean Granger  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Hermione became the hero of many a bookworm when the Harry Potter series was first published.  She inspired and validated many of us bossy little know-it-alls who had a hard time making friends.  She proved that if you spend your time in the library instead of the field, you can still turn out to be a bad ass.

  Fred and George Weasely  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

So inseparable that you can't say one name without the other, these two pranksters stole our hearts from the word "Go"!  They were not only funny, they were brilliant.  Admit it!  We'd all kill for a trip into the real Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!  Despite being practical jokers, they never strayed to the dark side.  Scenes with the twins were always something to look forward to.  "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

  Peeves  
(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Peeves the poltergeist is the embodiment of disorder and mischief.  He spends his days causing chaos and terrorizing students and teachers alike (though he seems to particularly enjoy driving Filch mad since the caretaker is the one who has to clean up the majority of Peeves' messes).  As the books go on however, Peeves displays a loyalty to Hogwarts that is rather helpful.  He can be a great nuisance, but he's a part of what makes Hogwarts, Hogwarts.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
When Professor Umbridge tries to take over the school he goes on a rampage of destruction at the request of the Weasley twins to infuriate her.  In the battle of Hogwarts he actually joins the fight by dropping Snargaluff pods at the Death Eaters.  After the battle is all over he can be heard singing his own victory song which includes the line "old Voldy's gone moldy".  Who can hate him after that?  

  Remus Lupin  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

And the best Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher Award goes toooooo...!  Lupin is one of my favorite characters.  He's incredibly humble and patient.  He is an amazing professor and knows exactly how to keep the students interested in what they're learning.  Despite being the "reasonable" one in his group of friends, he definitely has a prankster side to him. And...

!!!SPOILERS!!!

...let's face it, he's a MUCH better werewolf than Jacob Black!

  Ginny Weasley  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Growing up as the only girl in such a big family couldn't have been easy.  At times she was lonely and insecure.  But she grew up to be a loyal, funny, smart, sassy young woman.  In my opinion, we don't get enough of her in the books.  She doesn't get nearly enough credit.

  Harry Potter  

(From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Despite being the main character, Harry never seems to get enough credit.  Hardly anyone ever says that they're favorite Harry Potter character is Harry Potter.  When they think of him, they only think of how brave he was.  I think that J.K. Rowling gave us an incredibly relatable character for the protagonist.  He's not extra talented.  He struggles with his homework.  He procrastinates.  He has crushes that don't work out.  He struggles to understand girls.  He has to struggle to grow up just like any of us.

  Jane Eyre  

(From Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte)

Jane is considered one of the most inspirational female characters in literature.  She knew when to walk away and when to stick things out.  Her independence and self-respect is a great model for young girls.  

  Reepicheep  

(From The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis)

Despite his size, this little mouse has more bravery and heart than those five times his size.  His leadership skills are evident in the loyalty of his people.  His relationship with Eustace is one of the best in the series.

  Edmund  
(From The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis)
Edmund makes mistakes like every young boy.  He is greedy, jealous, and has a major sweet tooth.  Yet we can relate to him because we've all been this way at some point in our lives.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
Edmund inspires us by proving that a traitor can be saved and redeemed.  Through him we feel the comfort of forgiveness.

  Puddleglum  

(From The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis)

Puddleglum is a Marshwiggle from the Northern Marshes of Narnia.  Marshwiggles are extremely pessimistic and the rest of them tell Puddleglum that he is too happy and doesn't take life seriously enough.  It's hard to imagine, since Puddleglum is constantly called a "wet-blanket" by the other main characters.  He has a gloomy voice and is always predicting bad luck.  Yet despite all of this, he is as brave as a lion.  He is a wonderful moral compass for Jill and Eustace.  And anyway, his negative rants are creative and funny!

  Aslan  
(From The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis)
Aslan is a representation of Jesus.  When I'm having a really bad day or am scared I always feel calm and loved when I picture a deep lion's voice saying, "Courage, dear heart."

  Atticus Finch  

(From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

A good man who stood up for what he knew was right despite great opposition and hate directed at him.  Even with his high stress job, he was an amazing single father to his two children and made sure to set an example for them.  He is constantly on Best Character lists and many generations have learned honor and morality from him.

  Saphira  

(From the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini)

Wise and snarky, Eragon's dragon is a force to be reckoned with.  One of the last of her kind, she shares a telepathic bond with her rider that binds them together.  We get to see her grow from an egg into an adult.  She learns and makes mistakes (though not as many as Eragon).  When we get a few rare chapters from her point of view we get to see the world in completely unique way.

  Mr. and Mrs. Bennet  

(From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are the parents of the five Bennett girls.  Mrs. Bennett is one of the most annoying and obnoxious characters ever.  Her biggest goal in life is to get all of her daughters married well.  She has no sense of decorum and is extremely loud.  She is giggly and never knows when to be quiet.  Unfortunately, two of her daughters take after her in many ways (Kitty and Lydia) which leads to all sorts of trouble.  Mr. Bennett is a great character.  He is witty and sarcastic (often at his wife's expense).  He has many faults and openly talks of his brainless and silly wife and daughters.  However he really does want to be a good father.  (I'm sorry, but I love that picture of them on the right!)

  Mr. George Knightley  

(From Emma by Jane Austen)

Mr. Knightley is the sanest person in a book full of crazy characters.  He has a wonderful talent for reading people and being patient with difficult neighbors.  His arguments with Emma are some of the highlights of the book.  A kind and compassionate landlord, he has a high moral character and is often disappointed in Emma's blunders and he's not afraid to tell her.  Despite his maturity, he has his own playful side as well.

  Colonel Brandon  
(From Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen)

Colonel Brandon is the quiet hero that no one ever seems to give enough credit to.  He's not young and dramatic, but he is the true gentleman and philanthropist.  He's self sacrificing and loyal.  I wish more girls preferred heroes like him instead of ones like Edward Cullen and Jacob Black.

  Merry and Pippin  

(From The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien)

A medieval version of Fred and George in several ways, Merriadoc Brandybuck and Peragrin Took act as the innocence and humor in the midst of many dark circumstances.  Merry is considered to be one of the smartest and most perceptive of the hobbits.  Pippin was quite young for a hobbit and showed it in his happy, but sometimes thoughtless manner.

  Faramir  
(From The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Can anyone say "daddy issues"?  I mean seriously!  Poor Faramir!  I have to give him lots of credit for his loyalty and love for his brother, Boromir.  I don't know if I could do the same if my father constantly put me down for not being as good as my sibling.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
He's one of the few people who can resist the temptation of the Ring.  Now THAT is impressive.  He of all people would have been tempted by what the Ring offered.  His father's favor.  Glory for Gondor.  Finally stepping out of his brother's shadow.  But he still had the strength and honor to turn it down.  He's a real hero and an inspiring leader.

  Bilbo  
(From The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien)

This sweet little hobbit has charmed generations over the years, and nothing has changed.

  Clark Davis  

(From the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke)

I wish there were more people like Clark in the world.  In the books, he is the head of the Davis family.  He is a spiritual leader to the whole community.  His faith, courage, and selflessness influenced dozens of people.  He is a wonderful father/grandfather.  Even when faced with tragedy he finds a way to use his experience to help others.  It really warms the heart.  

  Mendanbar  

(From The Enchanted Forest series by Particia C. Wrede)

Mendanbar is the young King of the Enchanted Forest.  He is an intelligent young man who does not particularly enjoy being king or "being 'Your Majestied' every third word".  He's rather more practical than the royals from the rest of the kingdoms.  Like Cimorene, he finds them silly and ridiculous.  Being King of the Enchanted Forest gives him a unique and fascinating power.  He can see/sense magic and manipulate it.  In the forest this usually involves moving the threads of magic that invisibly criss-cross the forest.  He down-to-earth humor is refreshing. 

  Faithful  

(From The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce)

Though he may look like just a cat with purple eyes, Faithful has a lot of hidden abilities.  When he wants to, his meows can sound like words and he often gives advice even if no one wants it.  He uses his magical powers to do things such as put people to sleep, protect himself from magical attacks, sense danger, etc.  He has a rather sarcastic and sometimes black sense of humor.  He also appears as Pounce in another of  Tamora Pierce's Tortall series.

  Numair Salmalin  

(From The Immortals series and other Tortall series by Tamora Pierce)

Numair (he was called Aram Draper in his youth) is the most powerful mage in Tortall and one of the only black-robed mages in the world.  He's one of the only experts of Wild Magic and becomes Daine's teacher.  He is has a great sense of humor and an assortment of talents you'd expect more from a Gypsy.  He juggles, lights fires, jokes, mends tack, rides terribly, protects refugees from the rain, and can turn into a black eagle.  For being so powerful and important, he's really quite sweet.

  Onua  
(From The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce)
When it comes to horses, she's one of the best out there.  She takes care of the horses for the Queens Riders and doesn't mind ordering the trainees around.  She's the one who first takes Daine in and realizes her potential.  She banters will all of the laid back nobles that run Tortall and is completely comfortable with who she is.

  Kel  

(From The Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce)

Keladry of Mindelan is the protagonist of "The Protector of the Small" series.  She is the first girl to attempt to complete training as a knight since Alanna the Lioness.  She lived for six years in the Yamani Isles (which are very like the Japanese Isles) where they are taught to hide their emotions.  She is very good at keeping her face blank (her enemies even call her the "Yamani Lump") and she knows when to keep her mouth shut.  This training comes in handy as she is looked down on and treated differently every where she turns because she is a girl.  She soon gains respect though.  She starts a war on the custom of hazing the younger pages.  She takes in stray animals and humans when they need help.  She has a sense of humor, though she doesn't show it much until she gets to know a person really well.  She can be rather motherly at times.  She makes sure Neal (who is 5 years older than her) eats his vegetables, checks the boys' uniforms before they have to serve at a banquet, and teaches the younger pages tips for staff work.  Along with Neal, she is one of my favorite literary characters.

  Neal  

(From The Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce)

Nealan of Queenscove started out in the university where he was trained as a healer.  He is extremely sarcastic and rather moody, unlike Kel.  In many ways he's her opposite.  She says sometimes that he has no sense of when to keep his mouth shut.  That trait often is what gets him in trouble.  He's one of my favorite characters of all time.  Loyal, a major smart-aleck, deceptively talented, dramatic, and fiery.  What's not to like?

  Tobe  

(From Lady Knight in The Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce)

Tobias (aka Tobe) Boon is a nine-year old indentured servant that Kel saves from his abusive master.  Neal complains that she can't stop herself from picking up strays.  Tobe is an amusing character.  At first he thinks Kel is drunk, crazy, high, or all three.  He soon realizes that Kel is serious about taking care of him though.  He devotes himself to looking after her in return for taking him in.  After a while he becomes a lot more comfortable with speaking his mind and will sometimes tell her when she takes to many risks.  He follows her around like a puppy sometimes, afraid that she'll disappear on him.  He has a wild magic gift with horses, a stubborn streak to rival Kel's, and can be rather blunt.

  Peachblossom  

(From The Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce)

Peachblossom is the sassiest horse you'll ever meet.  A giant gelding, he's extremely picky about who handles him.  He seems to have it out for Neal in particular and will bite him whenever possible.  Given above average intelligence by the presence of a Wild Mage, he has no problem getting his own feelings on any subject known.  He is described as being the embodiment of Kel's emotions that she hides under her Yamani training.

  Sorrel  

(From Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke)

Sorrel is a Forest Brownie and a close friend to Firedrake the silver dragon.  She has a quick temper and is never happy without someone to quarrel with.  She is always complaining about one thing or another.  As a Brownie, she cares a great deal about food.  Can't fault her for that...  Much of her attention each day goes toward foraging for and eating mushrooms.  She is suspicious and sarcastic.  When irritated she uses a lot of strange fungi names as swear words.  Underneath all of the bristles though she is really loyal and a great friend. 

  Dickon Sowerby  
(From The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett)
Dickon Sowerby is a simple moor boy that lives near Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England.  His is the younger brother of Martha.  He's grown up on the moor and has an almost magical gift with the animals that live there.  Dickon embodies the simple life where man lives in harmony with nature.

  Marilla Cuthbert  
(From the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery)
Marilla Cuthbert is a spinster living with her brother on a farm (Green Gables) in Avonlea, Canada.  She and her brother Matthew adopted a young redheaded girl named Anne Shirley.  The girl's imagination and stubbornness soon grew on Marilla, even if she wouldn't admit it.  Though Marilla has never raised a child before she is determined to do it right.  She is very strict and conservative in her parenting methods.  Anne gets into so many scrapes that Marilla sometimes doesn't know what to do with her.  Despite this however, the two of them develop a close bond that is truly touching.  I played Marilla in a play version of "Anne of Green Gables" last year.  I have to admit that it was my favorite part that I ever played!  She has so many different layers.  On the surface she's stern and strict and old fashioned.  Underneath all of that, she has her own sense of humor and a warmth for those she loves.  Underneath that is a sadness for things that might have been, and a weariness that only Anne seems to lift.

  Matthew Cuthbert
(From the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery)
Matthew Cutbert is Marilla's bachelor, elder brother.  He's worked on the family farm (Green Gables) all of his life.  He is the opposite of his sister in many ways.  He's extremely shy (especially around women) and a bit of a loner. Unlike Marilla, he takes to Anne right away.  Being a quiet man himself, he doesn't mind the girl's chatter one bit.  Anne loves him dearly and shows it openly.  He often says how proud he is of his little girl.  He's very sweet and loves to surprise Anne with gifts that Marilla might say were unnecessary or that would spoil her (including a dress with "puffed sleeves").  Matthew is one of those literary characters that one can't simply help but love.

  Little Arliss  
(From Old Yeller and Savage Sam by Fred Gipson)
Little Arliss embodies the spirit of the world's pesky younger siblings.  He's always getting into mischief and driving his family up the wall.  Annoying but completely adorable at the same time.

  Templeton  
(From Charlotte's Web by E.B. White)
Templeton is a sneaky, self-serving little rat that is constantly thinking of food.  He's definitely selfish, but he can also be easily bribed.  He's the most worldly of the barn animals.  His cynical comments annoy the people around him, but he's comfortable with his own mocking style.

  Dustfinger  
(From Inkheart by Cornelia Funke)
(I was personally disappointed with Inkheart's two sequels, so I'm ignoring them for the moment.)  Dustfinger is a many-layered character.  He wavers between cowardice, courage, irritation, gentleness, shyness, selfishness, and loyalty.  He has a weakness for Maggie because of the family he lost.  His companion is a horned martin by the name of Gwin.  On top of all this, he has a magical connection with fire that is truly fascinating.  He can hear it speak to him and works with it like an animal tamer.

  Leo Valdez  
(From the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan)
This kid hides his sorrows from the past with a seemingly large ego, sarcasm, and jokes.  He has mechanical and fire talents.  It's really hard not to like him.  I mean, come on!  He names a giant metal dragon "Happy" in Greek (aka Festus) for pity's sake!

  Mr. Kadam 
(From The Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck)
Mr. Kadam is very much the wise old fairy godfather.  He has a taste for nice boats and fancy cars.  It seems like there is nothing he can't do and no myth or story he doesn't know.  I'd love to listen to him tell stories for hours like Kelsey gets to.  He's a lovely father figure to the younger characters.

  Jo March  
(From Little Women, Little Men, and Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott)
Jo has always felt like a kindred spirit to me.  I too have a younger sister I adore as well as a love of books, writing, acting, and teaching.  Her dedication to her family is lovely.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
Unlike many others, I approve of Jo turning Laurie down.  I think she made a very mature decision.  I also think her relationship with Mr. Bahr is entirely sweet and adorable.

  Beth March  
(From Little Women by Louisa May Alcott)
Beth has one of the purest souls I've ever seen.  Everyone loved her.  She loved music, animals, and dolls.  She was especially fond of Jo and looked after her when she needed it.  She happily lived a simple life surrounded by the home and family that she loved.  There are too few characters like her.

  Peeta  
(From The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins)
Humble, charismatic, and extremely self-sacrificing.  He was the true hero of the series.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
He was a modern prince charming who paid a heavy price for his kindness and heart.  

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     This post ended up being a lot longer than I'd expected.  But I'm sure I'll add more characters later.  Let me know what you think and I'll post again soon!  

          Sincerely,

                  The Crazy Book Lady