5 Iconic Male Characters in Literature

“You can find magic wherever you look,

Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” 

– Dr. Seuss

Bookworms often don’t notice the absence of friends in flesh and blood, as they are so engrossed in the brilliantly different worlds their minds are immersed in. I have lost count of the amazing books that I have encountered thus far. My reading habits haven’t been as they once used to be. I miss staying up late at night, devouring the pages of a book, getting so deeply involved in the stories of the characters that I forget about reality for some time. I am slowly getting back into the habit of reading again. And what better to kick start my journey back into reading than by once again picking up the pen to write about books. 

A few months ago, I had shared my list of five iconic female characters in literature. I thought I would share the list for the male characters this time around. You may disagree with me or agree with me. Please, feel free to start a conversation with me about the same in the comments section below.

Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird 

I read Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird when I still in school I believe. I remembered being greatly impressed by Scout, Jem and mostly, Atticus Finch. I still remember as clear as day the line Atticus uses when Scout asks him ‘what is rape’. He doesn’t shy away from answering his daughter’s question and he answers her as honestly as he can. He is a role model to reckon with, a lawyer who fights for those who cannot fight for themselves – and he doesn’t even let his children off the hook. If you haven’t read this novel, you really should…you’ve missed out on getting to know one of the best characters in literature.

Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride & Prejudice 

Darcy recently turned 200 years old and yet, no one has encountered a real life Darcy. While the first impression of this character doesn’t sit too well with readers (being influenced by Elizabeth’s view on him), readers over centuries have delighted over how wonderful Mr. Darcy is. He apologises to Elizabeth when he realises his mistake, and gives her the time and headspace to make up her own mind about him. It is of no surprise that even today merchandise with ‘Looking for Mr. Darcy’ is widely available in the market even today! 

Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind 

Another man who has managed to steal countless hearts over time is Rhett Butler. He was twice Scarlett O’ Hara’s age but he is there for her as she struggles in her life. He understands her and tries to provide her with whatever she might need. Even though he marries her, and showers on her every luxury money could possibly bring, Rhett realises that Scarlett is too deeply infatuated with Ashley to think about him. Scarlett understands rather late that the only man who loved her and accepted her was him. Rhett Butler was perhaps not a perfect character in the story – but he did his best. He didn’t give up until he had to. To me, that was beautiful. 

Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables 

L.M. Montgomery ended up writing an entire series about Anne Shirley’s life. Even though Green Gables is the book that became the most famous, other volumes of the story are still doing the rounds today. For most of Green Gables, Anne and Gilbert were at loggerheads with each other. Although they realised later that they’d fallen in love with one another over time and in the later books get married and have a family together. Gilbert is good natured, serious and deeply amused by all the trouble Anne keeps getting herself into. It is hard not to like this character and he has been depicted to be quite the gentleman in all of the Anne Shirley books. 

Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them 

This will probably be an unpopular opinion because technically Newt Scamander met us via the screens of movies. The screenplay of the movie was released later on. However, he is one of my favourite characters from the Harry Potter universe. Largely overshadowed by all the Gryffindors, it is amazing to see this Hufflepuff rise above and really work towards freeing the wizarding world from the hands of Grindelwald. His philosophy of life, his awkward chemistry with Tina – and his genuine love for beasts, makes him an endearing character. 

Of course, this is just my personal opinion. You might think of some other character to be spectacularly iconic. Do let me know who do you think should be. Please let me know your thoughts on the same!