The Most Popular Main Characters, Ranked

Choose the main characters you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:59
In the realm of stories, whether told through books, movies, or television series, main characters play a pivotal role in captivating audiences. Their actions drive the plot, and their personalities make us laugh, cry, or feel inspired. However, with so many characters out there, it can be hard to keep track of who stands out the most in the hearts of the audience. This dynamic ranking is driven by your votes, allowing you to participate in shaping the list of the most adored mains. By voting for your favorite main characters, you not only get to see where they stack up against others but also influence the ranking for future visitors. Your participation makes this a lively and constantly updating battle of characters.

Who Are the Most Popular Main Characters?

  1. 1
    84
    votes
    Harry Potter
    Nzgabriel · CC BY 2.5

    Harry Potter

    J.K. Rowling
    The boy wizard who defeated the dark lord Voldemort is one of the most beloved characters in literature. His journey of self-discovery, friendship, and bravery captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world.
    Harry Potter is a fantasy book series that follows the journey of a young wizard named Harry Potter as he attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books chronicle Harry's battle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who seeks to become immortal and conquer the wizarding world. The series incorporates elements of magic, friendship, adventure, and coming-of-age themes.
    • Genre: Fantasy
    • Publication Year: 1997-2007
    • Number of Books: 7
    • Main Protagonist: Harry Potter
    • Setting: Wizarding World (primarily in the UK)
    Harry Potter in other rankings
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    The brilliant detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has been a popular character for over a century. His deductive reasoning and eccentric personality have made him an iconic figure in literature and pop culture.
    Sherlock Holmes in other rankings
  3. 3
    15
    votes
    The Dark Knight of Gotham City has been a fan favorite since his debut in 1939. His tragic origin story, impressive gadgets, and impressive fighting skills make him one of the most popular superheroes of all time.
    Batman is a fictional superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Batman is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book superheroes of all time.
    • Alter Ego: Bruce Wayne
    • First Appearance: Detective Comics #27 (1939)
    • Abilities: Peak physical and mental conditioning, expert detective skills, martial arts and combat expertise, advanced gadgets and technology, highly skilled strategist
    • Secret Identity: Known to very few individuals, including trusted allies
    • Base of Operations: Gotham City
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    The protagonist of the Hunger Games trilogy is a fierce and determined young woman who fights against a dystopian society that forces children to fight to the death. Her bravery, compassion, and strength make her a role model for many readers.
    Katniss Everdeen in other rankings
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    The hobbit who carried the One Ring to Mount Doom in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a beloved character for his bravery, loyalty, and humble nature. His journey across Middle-earth to save the world from darkness has inspired generations of readers.
    Frodo Baggins in other rankings
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Elizabeth Bennet
    C. E. Brock · Public domain
    The witty and independent heroine of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a timeless character who has captured the hearts of readers for centuries. Her intelligence, humor, and strong will make her a feminist icon.
    Elizabeth Bennet in other rankings
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    The rebellious and disillusioned teenager from J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a complex and controversial character who has resonated with many young readers. His struggles with adulthood, identity, and alienation make him a symbol of teenage angst.
    Holden Caulfield in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Atticus Finch
    Universal Pictures · Public domain
    The wise and compassionate lawyer from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a heroic figure who fights against racism and injustice in the segregated South. His integrity, courage, and moral values make him a role model for many readers.
    Atticus Finch in other rankings
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    The hobbit who embarks on an unexpected adventure in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is a charming and endearing character who has captured the imagination of readers for decades. His courage, humor, and love of home make him a relatable hero.
    Bilbo Baggins in other rankings
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Hermione Granger
    Mademoiselle Ortie / Elodie Tihange · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Hermione Granger

    J.K. Rowling
    The brilliant and loyal witch from the Harry Potter series is a fan favorite for her intelligence, bravery, and compassion. Her role as Harry's best friend and ally has made her a beloved character for millions of readers.
    Hermione Granger is a fictional character from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She is one of the main characters and is portrayed as a highly intelligent and talented witch. Hermione is known for her extensive knowledge of magic and her dedication to her studies. She is also a loyal friend and exhibits qualities such as bravery, resourcefulness, and determination. Throughout the series, Hermione plays a crucial role in helping Harry and Ron in their quests, using her quick thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles. She is a strong advocate for justice and equality, founding the society known as S.P.E.W. to campaign for the rights of house-elves. Hermione's character development showcases her growth from a studious and rule-abiding student to a courageous and compassionate leader. She has become an iconic character and a role model for many fans.
    • Intelligence: Exceptionally smart
    • Knowledge: Extensive understanding of magic and spells
    • Friendship: Loyal to her friends Harry and Ron
    • Bravery: Displays courage in challenging situations
    • Resourcefulness: Quick thinking and problem-solving abilities
    Hermione Granger in other rankings

Missing your favorite main characters?

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Ranking factors for popular main characters

  1. Likability
    How much do viewers like the character? Are they relatable or endearing?
  2. Development
    Has the character grown and changed over the course of the story?
  3. Impact
    How important is the character to the overall plot and narrative?
  4. Performance
    How well has the actor portrayed the character?
  5. Memorability
    Has the character left a lasting impression on viewers?
  6. Iconic Moments
    Has the character been a part of any memorable scenes or storylines?
  7. Fanbase
    How passionate and dedicated is the character's fanbase?
  8. Cultural Impact
    Has the character become a part of popular culture or influenced the way people think about the story?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular main characters. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Main character is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2211 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Main character once every 24 hours. The rank of each Main character is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular main characters

When it comes to popular main characters, everyone has their own favorites. Whether it's the brave and selfless hero, the cunning and charismatic anti-hero, or the relatable and flawed everyman, there's no shortage of compelling protagonists to choose from in the world of fiction. From books and movies to TV shows and video games, these characters capture our hearts and imaginations, inspiring us to root for them, laugh with them, and sometimes even cry with them. So who are the most popular main characters of all time? Let's take a look at some of the contenders and see who comes out on top.

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