I’ve been seeing notes on facebook recently where people list the top 15 fictional characters who have most influenced them – whether from books or movies. It’s a rather intriguing idea. But I couldn’t help wondering what was so magical about the number 15?
Since I was unable to discover anything significant about “15”, I’ve decided to do something different. Although I’m going to list the most influential characters/people I’ve read/watched (hmm, including real historical people) I have decided to pick the number 14. Why? I’m not sure, it just seemed like a good enough number! ;)
These are in no specific order, simply listed as they popped into my head as I deliberated.
1. Aragorn – Lord of the Rings (books and movies)
2. Sam – Lord of the Rings
3. Frodo – Lord of the Rings (Ok, so I could probably put down all of the LoTR characters)
4. Dym Ingleford – Enemy Brothers (one of my favorite historical fiction novels!) Dym’s love for his younger brother is a great example of selfless love that never gives up.
5. Father Chisholm – Keys to the Kingdom (movie) Father Chisholm’s life is simple and dedicated to two things: loving and serving the people of China.
6. Guido Orefice – Life is Beautiful (movie) Another example of selfless love!
7. Aslan – Narnia
8. Corrie Ten Boom – The Hiding Place
9. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
10. David – The Bible.
11. Maximus Decimus Meridius – Gladiator (movie)
12. Aidan Erollson – Wilderking Trilogy
13. Janner Igiby – The Wingfeather Saga: North or Be Eaten!
14.The three main characters: Aidan, Antoinette, & Robby in the Door Within Trilogy: The Final Storm.
Needless to say, Jesus is at the top of the list. And I could go on and on with this list, but that could take a really long time and no doubt would bore all my readers.
As I was looking back over my list, I realized that there was a common thread. Each of my favorite characters lived a life of sacrifice, of service, of giving to others, of doing what was right regardless of consequences, a life of selfless love. Not that they didn’t have their rough moments, but in the end, they rose above the challenge, forgetting self and living (or dying) for others. That is the essence of true heroism.
Well, there were lots of other characters I could have listed. In fact, now that I’ve capped the list off, dozens of others are hopping into my mind. Oh well, I shall have to deal with them later. For now, it was interesting just to look back and see what made my favorite characters stand out to me. It’s something good to remember for my own writing, if nothing else!
Signing off,
~ A Servant of the King
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Galadriel says
I think I might do something like this sometime
Jake says
Janner Igiby! :D I love Janner as well. >_>