The Most Famous Literary Characters, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the literary character you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 1, 2024 07:09
In the realm of literature, characters brought to life by words have sparked the imaginations of countless readers. Over centuries, these fictional beings have stood the test of time, capturing hearts and provoking thoughts across various cultures and backgrounds. Determining the most iconic among them has always been a topic of lively debate at book clubs, classrooms, and online forums alike.
This interactive ranking system offers everyone a chance to have their say in settling these discussions once and for all. By casting your vote, you contribute to a dynamic tally where each character's fame and impact are quantified by collective opinion. It's a fun and engaging way to see where your favorite characters stand and perhaps discover some remarkable ones you haven't met yet in your literary journeys.
Who Is the Most Famous Literary Character?
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186votes
Special Collections Toronto Public Library from Toronto, Canada · Public domainCreated by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the most famous literary detective of all time. His stories have been adapted into numerous movies, TV shows, and stage productions, making him a cultural icon.Sherlock Holmes in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous detective in literature
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous detective in real life
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular main characters
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248votesHamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is the titular character of William Shakespeare's play of the same name. Widely regarded as one of the greatest works of English literature, Hamlet is a complex character whose tragic story has resonated with audiences for centuries.Hamlet is one of the most challenging roles in theatre and literature. It is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, featuring the complex character of Prince Hamlet.
- Genre: Tragedy
- Year of Publication: 1603
- Setting: Elsinore, Denmark
- Number of Acts: 5
- Length: Approximately 4 hours
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312votes
C. E. Brock · Public domainThe protagonist of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is a strong-willed and intelligent young woman who defies the societal norms of her time. Her wit and charm have made her one of the most beloved heroines in literature.Elizabeth Bennet in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular main characters
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423votesThe narrator and protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is a rebellious and disillusioned teenager who struggles with the hypocrisy and phoniness of the adult world. His voice has become an emblem of teenage angst and alienation.Holden Caulfield in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular main characters
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519votes
Paramount Pictures-Famous Players-Lasky · Public domainThe titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who embodies the excess and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. His tragic story has become a symbol of the American Dream gone awry.Jay Gatsby in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous tragic hero
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66votesThe protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes' novel Don Quixote, Alonso Quixano is a middle-aged nobleman who becomes obsessed with chivalric romances and sets out to become a knight-errant. His delusions and misadventures have made him a literary icon of idealism and folly.Don Quixote is a classical ballet that premiered in Moscow in 1869. It is loosely based on the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes and follows the adventures of Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza. The ballet is known for its lively and colorful choreography, showcasing the talents of the dancers through virtuosic solos, energetic group dances, and breathtaking pas de deux.
- Premiere Date: December 26, 1869
- Setting: Spain
- Act: Three acts
- Style: Classical ballet
- Main Characters: Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, Kitri, Basilio
Don Quixote in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful ballet performance
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78votesThe protagonist of Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind, Scarlett O'Hara is a headstrong and determined Southern belle who survives the Civil War and Reconstruction by any means necessary. Her fierce spirit and resilience have made her a feminist icon.
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810votesThe obsessed and vengeful captain of the whaling ship Pequod, Captain Ahab is the central character of Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick. His pursuit of the eponymous white whale has become a symbol of man's doomed struggle against nature.Captain Ahab in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous captain
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910votesThe hobbit protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is a timid and unassuming creature who embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim the treasure of the dragon Smaug. His adventures and transformation have made him a beloved figure in fantasy literature.Bilbo Baggins in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular main characters
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous dragon slayer
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1012votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThe eponymous heroine of Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre is a strong-willed and independent woman who overcomes poverty and oppression to find love and fulfillment. Her story has become a feminist classic and a symbol of female empowerment.Jane Eyre in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Jane
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Ranking factors for famous literary character
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Cultural impactHow well-known is the character across different cultures, ages, and languages? Has the character become a cultural icon that is immediately recognizable to many people?
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TimelessnessHow enduring is the character's popularity over time? Has the character remained relevant and beloved despite the passage of time and changing social norms?
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Character developmentDoes the character have a well-developed backstory and personality that resonates with readers and viewers? Are they unique, memorable, and intriguing?
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Influence on literature and popular cultureHas the character had a significant impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring new works and spawning adaptations?
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Emotional resonanceDoes the character evoke strong emotions in readers, such as empathy, admiration, or love? Do they tap into universal themes and struggles that resonate with readers across generations?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous literary character. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Character is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2387 views
- 231 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Character once every 24 hours. The rank of each Character is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous literary character
When it comes to famous literary characters, there are endless options to choose from. From classic tales to modern stories, each character has captured the hearts and imagination of readers around the world. But who truly stands out as the most famous literary character of all time?
Some might argue that it's Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant detective of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. Others might suggest Harry Potter, the young wizard who captured the hearts of a generation. And of course, there are timeless characters like Romeo and Juliet, Captain Ahab, and Jay Gatsby.
The truth is, there's no one answer to this question. It all depends on personal preferences, cultural significance, and historical context. But one thing is certain: the most famous literary characters have left an indelible mark on the world of literature and beyond. They continue to inspire us, challenge us, and make us feel deeply connected to the human experience.
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