Who are the 100 most overrated characters in fiction?

[OmahaBlueDog]

You saw the list in this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x8547194

Who did you see on that list that made you slap your forehead and go "oh , no!?" Who did you see on the list that made you think "I wasted 6 weeks of my life reading that stupid novel in freshman lit?"

[Richardo]

1. I hate to say this but I do not find Ignatius O'Reilly all that funny.

I got some chuckles out of 'Confederacy', but I've laughed harder at MANY other books. :hide: It's in the second twenty of my top 40 favorite books. :shrug:

[Richardo]

2. Also, I first read 'Catcher in the Rye' in my late 40's and Holden Caufield is a jerk

Maybe I should have read it in my teens. :shrug:

[OmahaBlueDog]

4. I loved the book in HS, while Mrs. OBD shared your reaction

I'm not sure that it's just you being in your 40s; I'm not sure it's aging well as a work of fiction. Maybe it's just me.

[mitchum]

12. Agree with you about O'Reilly and I would add Atticus Finch

that second one will really send some people into a tizzy

[rcrush]

3. Han Solos stupid fucking kids.

When I used to read the star wars novels in high school I hated the fucking solo kids. They were so annoying and stupid.

[OmahaBlueDog]

5. I'm not a fan of whatever they call Sci Fi novels based on popular movies or shows

I fail to grasp the cult of Star Trek and it's multitude of novels and fan fic. I love the "Star Wars" movies, but I think the story ends there.

[Richardo]

6. Yeah, not sure that rises to the level of 'literary character'

Sorry, but really....

[XemaSab]

7. I'll say it:

Gatsby is one of the most overrated characters ever. x(

[Richardo]

8. Can't argue with you on that one

[OmahaBlueDog]

11. I'm not even certain he's the most interesting character in the book

...and I never found the book all that interesting

[jobycom]

18. He's underrated, to me.

Despite him appearing in the undeniable best example of English prose ever to be published, he's one of the most complex characters to wrap your brain around. Every trait you can assign to him has its exact opposite in him as well, mostly without the author explicitly defining that trait. Like America itself, as Fitzgerald hints at the end.

There are few equals in literature or film. Maybe William Munny. He's not necessarily my favorite character or book (though it's up there), but I can't think of a literary work I admire more.

Just my worthless opinion.

[DemBones DemBones]

20. Yes!!! Along with Ignatius O'Reilly. nt

[badgerpup]

9. Heathcliff and Catherine

Seriously, what's all the fuss about?
Nasty, self-centered, dysfunctional whiny-ass people...

Was really disappointed after I'd read the book :thumbsdown::thumbsdown:
This was the great, immortal Wuthering Heights?
:wtf:

[TZ]

10. Agreee with you 100%

Ugh. Annoying as hell people.

[WinkyDink]

16. Ah, but it is brilliant in its symbolism, and I kid you not! Dreams, dogs, doors, windows,...!

[mitchum]

13. That sociopath Scarlett O' Hara

[JitterbugPerfume]

14. most of Jane Austins characters

are instipid and whiney

I know that a lot of people don't agree , but I have never been able to finish one of her books

[WinkyDink]

15. Yes, HEATHCLIFF! And Catherine 1! Would like to slap them both silly!

[eppur_se_muova]

17. Ronald Reagan, the wonder boy of Repug fiction. nt

[XemaSab]

19. If you're going to go before 1900

any Dickens character. x(