TOP TEN MALE CHARACTERS

Pictures found on Google Images

I LOVE characters.

I love my characters. I love your characters. 

I love April Erwin's characters. 

I love Dorian Tsukioka's characters. 

I love J.L. Hendricks's characters. 

I LOVE all characters. 

You want to know why? Keep reading!

For the last four months, I asked authors questions about their writing life and shared with you what they know and do as authors. They are FABULOUS authors whose books I have read and loved, and do you know why? Because they have created characters I connect with, bond with over common likes and interests, and feel as though I know them because they're having a bad day too. 

Sometimes, you just want someone to understand. Someone to say, "Hey! I get YOU!" 

No one can say it better than a made-up, you-will-never-meet-them-in-real-life, do-they-really-look-like-THAT, I-think-I've-found-my-soul-mate-character in a book you have come to love. 

Am I right?
  

So, let's get this party started! Here's a list of my current favorite Top Ten Male Characters. This was a difficult list to make, but I'm sure you'll agree, it's a great foundation to build from! I'm super excited to share my favorites with you and to hear what you think.

Are they your favorites too?

Do you have other favorites that aren't on this list?

I want YOU to share them with me!

Top Ten Male Characters From Literature Who Stole My Heart 

(And Yours too! Be honest!), In No Particular Order, And You're Welcome to Disagree:

 1. Micheal Hosea -Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

   

Unconditional Love:

    One of the greatest, Michael Hosea, is Francine Rivers's best male character. Michael is a character who aspires to be what the Lord created him to be, not to judge, and to love unconditionally. He's a character who makes a statement: Love conquers all. 

                           

2. Captain Frederick Wentworth- Persuasion by Jane Austen

Forgiveness:

I know what you're thinking, "Where's Darcy?!" Well, I have to give props to someone outside of the Darcy Fandom. Granted, I love Darcy. Especially when he's played by Colin Firth. Yes, take a moment to enjoy...     

However, I have to give some love to Frederick Wentworth. Persuasion's male star is in my Top Ten for a few reasons:

a. He didn't let rejection bring him down.

b. He went out and channeled his loss in a productive way.

c.  He never forgot his first love.

d. He was willing to forgive.

Basically, that should sum up how amazing he is. Forgiveness is very important in life, and it's nice when it works out for the best. Also, it doesn't hurt seeing Rupert Penry-Jones play Captain Frederick Wentworth. He is nice to watch.

 3. Owen Armstrong - Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Honest Listener:

Owen Armstrong is perfect for the Top Ten Male Characters because he does something better than anyone else: He's an honest listener. The connection he shares with Annabel Greene blossoms over music, and as it continues, their relationship is based on honesty and hearing what the other has to say-- to be honest, no matter what you think.

As Owen likes to say, "Don't think. Don't judge. Just listen."

Point well-taken, Owen. 

 4. Wes Baker - The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen 

Sympathetic:

Wes is the strong, silent type. A down-to-earth, modest artist, Wes has helped take care of his younger brother since their mother died. What makes Wes a Top Ten pick is his sympathetic nature. He is sensitive, considerate, and comforting. Even with their game of Truth, Wes doesn't have to say much to show what a good character he is. 

 5. Peeta Mallark - Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

Self-sacrifice:

Really? Did you seriously think I would create a Top Ten Male Character list and NOT put Peeta Mallark on it? 

You don't know me too well if you even considered I'd leave him off.

Peeta may not be considered the strongest character in the world. He may not be ready to kill the enemy and destroy the bad guys at a moment's notice. He may not be a super-hero or total bada**, but he is a character we all need on our side-- someone we need to see in real life. Someone who wants to see the good side in everyone, every situation, and desires for the good to overcome the bad. He usually finds it, even if he has to search.

Peeta is the type of character who would give bread to a girl who was hungry. He's the type who would align himself with the villians to make sure he protects the girl he loves. He's the one who is willing to die for her. Not once, not twice, but multiple times. After being tortured and brain-washed, Peeta is a character who struggles to find the truth in the lies. These are only a few reasons why Peeta makes the perfect candidate for the Top Ten Male list. 

Mostly, Peeta is the epitome of self-sacrifice. 

He's the best character to love.

 6. Varen Nethers - Nevermore series by Kelly Creagh

Unpredictable:

Varen is on this list because he is unpredictable. He isn't your typical hero. Well, he is, but he isn't. Varen is a moody, mysterious, goth boy with a back-story. Varen takes us outside the literary box and brings us into his world. A dreamworld where life and death are paramount. Varen brings on this new world through a complex and tortured characterization which makes sense to readers and draws them into his narrative. Varen is exceptional. He maintains his individuality while learning to open up to others. He's one of a kind. 

Learn more about him in this interview conducted by "Refracted Light" blog, which I loved: http://refractedlightreviews.com/?p=8316

 7. Aiden McLeod - Justice Burning by April Erwin

Realistic:

Aiden is a great character because he's realistic. Aiden is a father and a fireman. He takes his job and his family seriously. Losing his wife has been hard, but Aiden devotes himself to helping others. Although the romance is sweet, the genuine personalities of the characters makes this a great read. Besides, who doesn't want to read a story about a God-fearing fireman?

 8. Kaito - Ai of the Mountain by Dorian Tsukioka

Surrender:

A new twist on a classic, Ai of the Mountain gives us a new beast to love. Kaito is a warrior Ai has fallen in love with, but he isn't someone she has met face to face. Kaito seems to be only a dream, but he's much more than a figment of Ai's imagination. He's willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to save the one he loves. His surrender makes him worthy of the Top Ten Male Characters.

 9. Hercule Poirot - Murder on the Orient Express (and every mystery) by Agatha Christie

Justice:

Hercule Poirot is a multi-dimensional character who brings humor, obsessive-compulsive habits, an eye for details, and the desire for justice to the table. He may be a "small, round man with an egg-shaped head", but in this reader's eyes, he's the personification of perfection. Hercule's intelligence is just one reason he made this list. His absolute dedication to finding the culprits and putting them behind bars is another. Overall, his sense of justice for those in need makes him an ideal example of Top Ten Male Character role-models.

Also, David Suchet is the perfect Poirot!

 10. Ove (Unknown) - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Loyal:

Ove is a cantankerous, old man who's lost the love of his life and has to figure out how to go on. This irascible, disagreeable, and grouchy senior citizen isn't taking life lying down. He has no trouble speaking his mind, telling people how to do things correctly, or taking over. Ove is a character which shows a genuine, candid, and natural look at getting older and being "left behind".   

Ove's humanity is so loyal and genuine that it make him the very best contender for a spot in the Top Ten Male Character's list.

This is by no means a complete list; nor is it a stationary list that never changes. As you can see, Mr. Darcy doesn't appear on this version (except courtesy of Colin Firth's lovely pictured image), but you better believe he falls somewhere on the list! Even if it isn't in this current version of my Top Ten. 

Why? What makes them list material? You may be asking yourself this, or maybe you already know why...because you have read these books and interacted with these characters in your vivid imagination. 

I gave a few ideas and A PHRASE which summed up their entrance to my Top Ten above. However, they can't be defined by just one word or perspective. These characters are 3D figures who jump off the pages of their authors' stories and grab our hearts.  

Simply put: They are MORE than what you expect. It isn't because they are "good" or "right" or even "perfect"-- many of them aren't. It's because they make you think about their side. See the flaws in their character. See how they struggle to overcome obstacles and take care of the people they love. They aren't just one-dimensional. THAT'S what readers want. 

It's what you want. It's what I want. It's what the universe wants.

 

You have been welcomed into my reading world and perused my favorite Top Ten Male Characters. Yet, the list may change at any time. A new book is a new opportunity to fall in love. 

Which do you agree with? Disagree with? Wish you had seen on my list? 

Feel free to share with me your thoughts! I'm interested in hearing what male characters make your Top Ten of favorites!

~Thanks, and HAPPY READING!  

Pictures above were found via Google Images, Amazon, and Pinterest.

Picture found online @ DaisiesHeartBook