Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters

This is probably more of a "Top Ten Characters I really, really love" list. I don't think there are only ten characters that I love. However, I am going to give you ten I especially love.

1. Cal Trask from East of Eden by John Steinbeck -- Cal is perceived as the "bad" brother throughout East of Eden, but in reality he is a symbol of the potential for mankind to overcome mistakes and grow into greatness. He has more potential for greatness than his favored brother, Aron, because he chooses. I need to reread this book, because it has been about seven years and the details of the greatness are fading from my mind. But suffice it to say, my husband and I are probably naming our first-born son after this character. That is how much we love him.
2. Will from His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman -- I have been in love with Will since I was about nine years old. He is one of the strongest, yet least arrogant, characters I have ever encountered. He is the strong, silent type, but he devotes his every action to protecting the people he loves.
3. Jean Valjean from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo -- This is another character that represents the human ability to change and overcome adversity. I wish he was real so I could hug him every day.
4. Virgil from Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly -- Virgil is, quite simply put, one of the coolest characters I have ever encountered. He is so unique, talented, perfect for Andi. He was my favorite part of that entire fabulous book.
5. Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling -- Guys, Hermione is my soulmate. I actually got called Hermione in the sixth grade when the books were first becoming popular -- I am a bookworm with poofy hair and big front teeth. And yes, I always raise my hand in class. I love that she makes it cool to be smart and contributes just as much, if not more, to the adventures with Harry and Ron.
6. Harry Potter from the same... I am relistening to the beginning books of the Harry Potter series, and I love Harry so much. He's just so likable. He isn't arrogant, despite the fact that he defeated the Dark Lord over and over again. He is loyal. He tries at all costs to do what is good. Yet, he isn't annoyingly perfect. Which makes him all the more perfect.
7. Death from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak -- What a weird, crazy character, and one that I would never expect to love. However, the creativity and unexpected tenderness of this dark and strange character was awesome.
8. Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott -- She is so fierce and funny and AWESOME! Minus the fact that she says no to Laurie. Professor Baehr is sweet, but I don't think I'll ever get over the rejection of Laurie.
9. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery -- Anne is so positive, willing to look on the bright side of every situation, and learning from her hilarious "scrapes." I would love to be her bosom friend.
10. Swede from Peace Like a River by Leif Enger -- This is another smart, awesome, precocious girl. Swede writes epic poetry and views ife with astounding insight.

This was an awesome Top Ten Tuesday -- it was so fun to revisit these characters in my mind. What are some of your favorite characters?