It’s one thing to be asked for your favourite ten books… but
your favourite ten characters? That’s
not so simple, especially when you have to try and give reasons for your
choices. Here’s my attempt at an answer – the fictional people who stuck out
and stayed with me. They’re in no particular order, but each one of them meant
something to me. Read on, and see if any of these would make it into your top ten…
Inspector Morse
from "Last Seen Wearing" by Colin Dexter
It's tempting to think we know Morse from the TV series, but
while I love John Thaw's version, the original written character is
refreshingly different. In those first books Morse is a driven, seedy man,
recklessly embracing one possible theory after another. He makes terrible
mistakes, and seems a lot less assured than a heroic detective ought to, but
therein lies so much of his charm. A brilliantly flawed man.
Gerald Tarrant
from "The Coldfire Trilogy" by C.S. Friedman
There's something wonderfully unsettling about a charismatic
villain, and Gerald Tarrant is the perfect example – simultaneously rational
and evil, yet absolutely bound by a complex code of ethics that elevate him
above being a mere monster. More than any other character, he helped to inspire
my own serial killer, and his presence on the page is so compelling that it
sends the morale compass spinning.
Biba Capel from
"The Poison Tree" by Erin Kelly
Every so often, you meet a character who burns brighter than
everyone around them. Biba Capel is the perfect example of this – a captivating
young woman, a catalyst for chaos, her presence irrevocably changing the lives
of everyone she encounters. As a reader, you find yourself drawn to her, just
like the other characters in this story of destructive obsession, and the
memory of her resonates long after the final page.
George Smiley
from "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John le Carré
In many ways, Tinker Tailor is a crime novel, albeit one set
in the shadowy world of the cold-war secret services. George Smiley takes on
the role of the weary detective, patiently following the clues to uncover a
high-ranking double agent. He's a quiet man, gripped by a profound sadness, yet
even after retiring he finds himself unable to turn his back on the job that
brought him so low. Tenacious, with a deeply buried passion that rarely
surfaces, he exhibits extraordinary intelligence and insight about those around
him, while remaining endearingly puzzled by his own life.
Arthur Dent from
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams
There's something rather reassuring about Arthur Dent.
Despite being catapulted through space and time, from one absurd situation to
the next, he remains unalterably British, albeit a caricatured, 20th
century British, that's fuelled by tea, understatement, and good manners. His
resolute determination not to forsake this, even when Britain and the whole of
the Earth are mistakenly demolished, is surely an upper-lip stiffener for us
all.
Doctor Sheppard
from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie
A neighbour of the great Hercule Poirot, Doctor James Sheppard
is one of the most perfectly written characters I've ever encountered. People
often talk about unreliable narrators but, if you know the plot, you'll
appreciate how terribly clever his personal telling of the story is. Also, he's
such an engaging person to be in the company of – wonderfully witty and
considerably more genial than his Belgian detective friend.
Silk from “The
Belgariad” by David Eddings
I first read David Eddings’ epic fantasy series as a
teenager, and even now, with a more mature eye, I still find a great joy in the
books. The reason for their enduring appeal is the wonderful cast of
characters, and the best of these has to be Silk. When we meet him, we see a
rat-faced little man – a common thief and trickster – with roguish morals and
wicked sense of humour. As time goes on, we discover that he is much, much more
than this – a complex character, with unexpected depth and vulnerability – yet
over the course of five books (ten, if you include Eddings’ subsequent series
“The Mallorean”) his character never stops developing. There always seems to be
more beneath the surface, and he’s so likeable that you can’t help but want to
find out what it is.
Sebastian Flyte
from "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh
Brideshead Revisited contains both one of my favourite
characters, Sebastian Flyte, and also one of my least favourites, Charles
Ryder. Although he is weak in many ways, Sebastian is wonderfully honest and
entertaining, ultimately remaining true to himself despite the chaotic life he
leads. His presence lights up the chapters that include him, providing a
wonderful contrast to the more cynical Charles.
Miss Marple from
"A Murder Is Announced" by Agatha Christie
I've always had a soft spot for Jane Marple, ever since I
saw Joan Hickson's portrayal in the BBC series. Reading her as originally
written, she's even better – a dignified, yet ruthless inquisitor who calmly
uses her insight to lay mysteries bare. Save for occasional flashes of sharp,
deadpan humour, there are few outward clues to the keen mind behind the shawl,
but she certainly deserves the nickname bestowed by one of her acquaintances:
"nemesis".
Frodo Baggins
from "The Lord Of The Rings" by J R R Tolkien
On the surface, Frodo may seem an odd choice, but he
underpins so many of the key values in the book. At the start, he volunteers to
do what is right, for the sake of others, no matter what the risk to himself.
He continues his quest even when he is sure there is no hope of success or survival.
After terrible suffering and wrongdoings, he still shows mercy, even sparing the
evil Saruman, who has sought to destroy his home. Above all though, Frodo's
character embodies Sacrifice. When speaking to his friend Sam, he says of their
idyllic land, "It has been saved. But not for me," and he says it
without regret. I absolutely love this quality – that one person would gladly
give everything to protect a way of life for others.
This piece was originally written for The Festival Of Book Clubs.
