Discussion + Hop: When Characters Impact Our Lives

They may be fictional, but in our hearts, they’re real.


Every once in a while, we find those gems that make leave such a lasting impression, we can’t stop gushing. The characters leap from the pages and into our lives within seconds. We want to be best friends with them. We want to help them when they need it. We laugh with them and cry with them. We love them.


Most importantly, when there’s a loss, our hearts are broken too.


I wanted to compile a list of some of the best written characters ever. Of course, this is my own personal list, but I’d definitely be interested in seeing others’ choices. I’ve included a linky below if you’d like to link up and hop to other blogs (please link directly to your post). List as many or as few as you’d like!


Adrian Ivashkov (VA, Bloodlines)-- I think it’s not a surprise with this one. Everyone already knows how big of a fan I am of his. His entrance in Frostbite when I began reading the VA series a few years ago changed me. I love his humor and intelligence. He's the character I probably go around asking "why can't he be real?" the most. He would be my best friend I think. 


Hazel/Gus (The Fault in Our Stars)-- I hadn’t laughed and cried so much in quite a while until I read this book. A lot of the reason these two characters, mostly Hazel, had such an impact though was because I actually relate. I’m a cancer survivor and I have thyroid disease. The both of them were inspirational in their determination and desire of life.


Benvolio (Romeo and Juliet)-- I can’t name all of my favorite Shakespeare characters of course. This is a post about those that made the most impact. One of my all-time faves, from one of my fave plays. Also the first play I read, so I think it did have the most impact over all the others too.


Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)-- my first tortured “hero.” Romantic, but bitter and haunted. I loved the irony of him. I think I re-read this book every year.


Professor Snape-- That’s right. I didn’t say Harry Potter or Ron or Hermione. I said Snape. Really, I loved so many of the characters in the series, but Snape was probably the one that had the most effect on me from the beginning. It was like I knew at the start he wasn’t evil…he was hiding something…protecting something… and I admired him throughout the entire series.


Rue (The Hunger Games)-- as I said, our hearts get broken....


Queen Mab (The Iron Fey)-- when I was in high school, I was required to take Drama. I loathed that class. I love the theater. I love plays. But I am not a person to act. I prefer to stay behind the scenes, thank you. Anyway, one of my assignments was to remember two monologues for my final. Guess which two I picked? You got it. Both Shakespeare. One of which being Mercutio’s famous speech at the beginning of R&J in which he speaks of Queen Mab. I’ve been a fan of the fairy queen since. Even if she is a little…cold. When I picked up Julie’s series last year, I was pleasantly surprised to find the character but in her own style. So, there was its own impact. The woman is evil…but secretly, I think she has some good in her.



Liesel Meminger (The Book Thief)-- Not a true story, but set in a time period with actual events and Liesel’s experiences sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. One character I’ll never forget. Zusak made her real.




These are the characters that have impacted me most. I have a lot of favorite characters of course, and favorite books/series/authors…Haha.

Join the discussion hop!


What characters have left an impact on you?