Villains that I LOVE to hate:

Mrs. Danvers in “Rebecca“ by Daphne du Maurier

Mrs. Danvers is at the top of my favorite villain list because she is the epitome of creepy. This sinister housekeeper is always lurking around the Manderley estate. Mrs. Danvers has kept a shrine to Maxim de Winter’s deceased first wife Rebecca. She has kept all of Rebecca’s things just as they once were. Mrs. Danvers is determined to keep Rebecca’s memory alive…

Annie Wilkes in “Misery” by Stephen King

Author Paul Sheldon is driving through a blizzard when he crashes his car. He is extremely lucky to have been rescued by a woman named Annie who is a nurse. Annie is what you could call the ultimate super fan.  Paul soon learns that Annie loves to read and is obsessed with her favorite author…which just happens to be him!

Napoleon in “Animal Farm” by George Orwell

Napoleon is an interesting character in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Napoleon becomes the leader after the animals’ rebellion against farmer Jones. Napoleon does some very suspect things such as running off his old friend Snowball and rewriting history to make himself into a hero.

Dorian in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray is a complicated character.  On the outside, he appears to be a good guy. He is handsome and curiously never ages. Dorian is able to mask his true nature. However, there is something strange about the portrait of Dorian and it reveals a hideous side to Dorian.

 

Every story needs a hero:

Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Atticus Finch’s moral integrity is what stands out for me in this novel. The novel takes place during the Great Depression in the South. Atticus shows courage when he stands up for and defends a black man in court.

Tom Joad in “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck

This story is set during the Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression. The character of Tom is an unlikely hero because, as a reader, you are introduced to him as he is getting out of prison for killing a man. He is also a character that makes the most transformation, becoming someone totally different than what you think at the beginning of the novel.

Imogene “Idgie” Threadgoode in “Fried Green Tomatoes” by Fannie Flagg

Fried Green Tomatoes is a favorite of mine. Idgie faces many struggles in her lifetime. The way that she handles situations that arise such as the death of a brother that she idolizes, her best friend Ruth’s violent marriage, and the sexism she experiences during her lifetime is inspiring.

Jo March in “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

I was first introduced to Little Women when I was in middle school. Jo March quickly became one of my favorite characters.  The love that she had for her family and the strength she showed in difficult times is what made me admire this character.

Who are your favorite villains and heroes? We would love for you to share in the comments below.

Happy Reading 🙂