Great characters have a way of pulling us in—not just because of their stories, but because they feel real. When a character’s struggles, emotions, and choices mirror our own, it’s easy to get attached. We see parts of ourselves in them, or maybe they inspire us in ways we never expected. I have many favorite characters, but a few stand out the most. Today, I’m sharing three fictional characters who left a lasting impact on me.
Piggy – Lord of the Flies
Piggy may annoy some readers, but I see him as someone who truly believed in human goodness. He wanted the best for the boys on the island, even if they didn’t always listen to him. His ideas, made sense, but he lacked the leadership skills to make others follow. In the novel, Lord of the Flies, Piggy stood by his beliefs and cared for the group, making his fate even more heartbreaking.
Boxer – Animal Farm
As a horse, Though a horse, Boxer represents innocence, hard work, sacrifice, and the tragedy of blind loyalty. Essentially, Boxer stands in for the working class. His unwavering dedication to Animal Farm, the other animals, and Napoleon eventually leads to him being exploited and, ultimately, betrayed. Injured and no longer useful, he is discarded by society. Boxer’s tragic end exposes the exploitation of the working class and its modern echoes.
Jacob Marley – A Christmas Carol
This might come as a surprise, but Jacob Marley isn’t usually the first character that comes to mind as a favorite—after all, his role in A Christmas Carol is relatively small. Unlike many characters who suffer trauma in life, Marley’s torment begins after death, a direct result of his greed and selfishness. His endless suffering is symbolized by the heavy chains he’s forced to carry in the afterlife. Unlike Scrooge, he doesn’t get a second chance, but he uses what little power he has left to warn his old business partner before it’s too late. At its core, Dickens’ message is clear: regret can be a prison, but it can also be the push that helps others change.
The best characters stay with us because they reflect our struggles, hopes, and flaws. Piggy, Boxer, and Marley each offer powerful lessons that linger long after the story ends.
