You:Rated Favourite Characters In Books

Whether they’re heroes, weirdos, or you can just see a little bit of yourself in them, in celebration of World Book Day, we asked you to shout out your favourite characters in books. Here are your top picks:

GANDALF

The Hobbit / The Lord of The Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien

It’s no surprise Gandalf is on the list really is it? He’s got everything! Long beard, big twisty walking stick, excellent hat, solid knowledge of most things, immortal spirit, oh and y’know, the ring. Gandalf is definitely a guy you want on your side - he’ll help guide your way, give you reassurance, suggest new perspectives and he also has a liking for fireworks, which is always fun!

You said: “He’s like a cool granddad”

MATILDA

Matilda, Roald Dahl

Matilda may not be entirely loved by her wicked parents, but the world sure does love her. It’s her determination, curiosity and absolute love of escaping into other worlds through books that make her a great protagonist. Oh and also she has magic powers too. She may be small, but she’s not afraid to stand up to bullies, she understands the difference between right and wrong (and has hilarious ways of showing people) and in the end, she gets everything she wants.

You said: “She’s like me”

THANOS

(First appeared in) The Invincible Iron Man #55, Jim Starlin

Thanos is a really good villain, and that’s why people love him. He has godlike powers, devoted henchmen that follow him without question, built a superweapon that can blow up planets, and has an evil plan to kill half the galaxy. Casual. And he’s covered in a gold costume. But Thanos also has a weakness of sorts. He loses, a lot. He knows deep down that he’s not worthy of the power he holds, so he usually ends up leaving ways for his enemies to defeat him. Maybe there’s more to him than first meets the eye...

You said: “Thanos is clever, strong, skilled and loving too”

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery

Anne was created at a time when women were encouraged to be subservient, but she is anything but! Anne is the type of girl who doesn’t let anyone else define her, she’s passionate, strong in her opinions, and cares whole-heartedly about her friends. She’s also got an incredible imagination that helps her think outside the box and gives her a love of learning.

You said: “She is unashamedly herself and describes things beautifully”

MARVIN THE PARANOID ANDROID

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams

Marvin has a brain the size of a planet. And he hates everyone and everything. Perfect choice for a companion! He’s super smart, great at maths, a whizz at technology (you’d have to be as a robot, right?), writes poetry and songs, and loves a good rant. And, much to his disdain, Marvin does what he’s told all the time. He’s the robotic depiction of depression, and people love him for it!

You said: “He’s just amazing”

LUNA LOVEGOOD

(First appeared in) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling

Luna is a quirky girl - she even gets called Loony Lovegood. She remains true to herself in the face of adversity and acts as if things don’t bother her. She’s reliable, insightful, empathetic...and a really good Quidditch commentator! And her way with words goes beyond games. As Luna is an empath, she knows just what to say at the right time, especially in difficult circumstances, and chooses to see beauty in everything, even if it’s temporary.

You said: “She reminds me to be as weird and as camp as I want”

Who are your favourite characters and why do you love them? Let us know over at @NCS!