By The Letter Meme
I was looking through my files when I stummbled across this meme that I had started but never finished. If memory serves, it became a victim of November 2008. Thing is, I was almost done and it seems a pity to let all that good work go to waste. So without further ado, here it is.
Here are the rules:
1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.
caz963 gave the letter W, which was surprisingly hard. Because I’m a little insane, I also commented on cantbesilent ’s post, who gave me the letter M. Because I am a lot insane, I gave myself the letter Z, just because it should have been hard, but really wasn’t!
In fact the hardest part was limiting myself to just five (especially with the letter M). So I cheated and had an honorable mention category. These characters are ranked as well, but not assigned numbers nor did I let myself talk about any of them, no matter how much I wanted to, because that really WOULD be cheating! The honorable mentions are also characters that I love and would gladly explain why if anybody is interested.
Now, I know a lot of people had been providing pictures to go along with the names, but since half my characters are from books (more than a few of which have no television or movie adaptation), I decided to save myself some grief.
Ms
1) Marcus Didius Falco from the book series by Lindsey Davis.
It’s really hard not to like Falco. A hardboiled detective in Ancient Rome (yes, you read that right), he is as cynical as they comes… or so he appears at first, but this is the same man who baby-sits his two year old niece without complaint, takes his mother’s scolding with good-natured affection and really doesn’t mind when he comes across as a love-stuck school boy when in the company of the woman he loves, because that’s exactly how she makes him feel. And that’s just the first book! He is may be cynical, sarcastic and even obnoxious (and that’s what makes him so fun), but he is also a devoted family man and loyal friend and someone who you want at your side when things go sour.
2) Minna Pratt from the book The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
Minna is an 11 year old cellist who is in search of her vibrato, falling in love for the first time and generally just trying to make sense of the world around her. It’s hard to describe just why I love Minna so much, if that description isn’t reason enough. Seeing the world through Minna’s eyes is so much fun. Let’s just say that Minna is the book and the book is one of my favorites of all time.
3) Mason from the television show Dead Like Me
For a somewhat schizophrenic, controlled/illegal substance loving slacker who died because he decided to drill a hole in his own head (don’t ask), Mason is surprisingly sweet, very witty and, at times, even clever. And the fact that he’s portrayed by someone as fine looking as Callum Blue doesn’t hurt either!
4) Donna Moss from the television show The West Wing
Donna is one of the characters with the most heart and determination. Honestly the credit for this character does not go to Aaron Sorking at all, but to Janel Maloney, who managed to take a one dimensional character whose primary purpose was exposition and turn her into a well-rounded character. No matter how ridiculous the plot line (the dropping the underwear still doesn’t make any sense), Janel made it seem feasible
5) Meliara Astiar, Countess of Tlanth from the book Crown Duel (and Court Duel) and a few short stories by Sherwood Smith
After her mother was murdered, Mel’s father burned her mother’s library leaving his child to be raised without any formal (or even informal) training whatsoever. As a result, she is mostly self-taught, reading everything she can get her hands on. She is keenly loyal, open-hearted and generous. She has her flaws of course. Her temper is fierce and her insecurities are heartbreaking. I think many of us bookish, introverted types have a bit of Mel in us, which makes her so appealing.
Honorable Mentions:
Mairelon aka Richard Merrill from the books Marielon the Magician and The Magician’s Ward
Claire Meade from the television show Ugly Betty
Michael Lee for the animated television show Witch Hunter Robin
Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Yukawa Manabu from the Japanese television show Galileo
Professor Minerva McGonagall (Two Ms in one name! Double points!) from Harry Potter books and movies
Kenny Moritorri from the television show My Boys
Mikage Sakurai from the novella Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
Daniel Meade from the television show Ugly Betty
Ashiya Mizuki from the Japanese television show Hanazakari no Kimitachi e aka, better known as Hana Kimi
Ws
1) Captain Frederick Wentworth from the book Persuasion by Jane Austen
Say what you want about Mr. Darcy, for me it’s Captain Wentworth. Just like Darcy, he has his own pride to overcome with a ridiculous stubborn streak to boot. Of course, that stubborn streak does serve him well, when he finally comes to his senses. And if that wasn’t enough, the man writes one of the most passionate, beautifully worded love letters to win the girl.
2) Bruce Wayne aka Batman from all related comics, movies and television shows
Think about it… Batman has no superpowers. Yes, being a billionaire helps, but all that fancy equipment isn't going to do anything for you if you don’t have the skills and brainpower to use them correctly. He is a complicated man with unflinching focus and that’s what makes him the best.
3) Will Stanton from the book series Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
On one hand Will is a powerful mystical figure, the last of a long line. One the other, he is a regular pre-adolescent boy. It’s as if Dumbledore and Harry Potter had been merged into one character. (Though any comparison to J.K. Rowling is honestly an insult to Susan Cooper’s literary skill and mastery and her beautifully constructed prose.) For all his wisdom and power, you never forget that Will is the same age as his companions. The duel role is a heavy burden for anyone to bear, but you get the sense that Will can handle it.
4) Hoban "Wash" Washburne from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Okay, first off, he’s a grown man who plays with dinosaurs. How awesome is that? He gets many of the best lines. He’s like Xander with a pilots license and a really hot wife. But it’s his devotion to his wife that is most appealing. He worries about her and is unafraid to admit it. He is totally comfortable with the fact that SHE is the warrior and he is not, but still willing to help in a fight anyway that he can.
5) Wonder Woman aka Diana of Themysciria from all related comics, movies and television shows
I really don’t think I need to explain this one. Wonder Woman was a superhero that little girls could call their own… and still do once that they’re grown. She was strong, independent and very cool. Sadly, she doesn’t get the attention that Batman and Superman do.
Honorable Mentions:
William the Bloody, better know as Spike, from the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Will from the Keys of the Kingdom series by Garth Nix
Wren from the book series by Sherwood Smith
Charles Winchester from the television show M*A*S*H
Willow Rosenberg from the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Will Parry from the His Dark Material trilogy by Philip Pullman
Zs
1) Toby Ziegler from the television show The West Wing
Of all the characters I’ve listed, Toby just might be my favorite. (Okay, so Falco gives him a run for his money.) Toby is a mass of contradictions. He is gruff and grumpy, but it hide an incredibly caring heart and a sweet nature. He is cynical and jaded, yet he nurtures a passionate hope for the future. His life is mired in sadness, but he is not at all a tragic figure. Even in his deepest, most inexplicable betrayal, he showed the most noble loyalty. Toby may just be Aaron Sorkin’s greatest creation, but only Richard Schiff could breathe life into him.
2) Zuko of the Fire Nation from the animated television show Avatar: The Last Airbender
Oh, Zuko. Loyal, messed-up, inept and socially-awkward Zuko. It’s been fun watching the angry jerk with the ponytail transform into a caring, albeit dorky, hero over the course of three seasons. And you have to admire a character for who never giving up is a character trait.
3) Zoe Washbun from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Zoe was a character I knew I was going to love before I even watched the show. She just excludes coolness. She is strong, level headed and just about everything you want in a “big damn hero.” And then there’s who she married. Who you choose as a partner says a lot about you. She chose Wash and is clearly heads over hells in love with him.
4) Zeniba from the movie Spirited Away
Without giving too much of the plot away, Zeniba is very different from her twin sister. Though it’s hard to believe that when we first meet her. But perhaps it is more accurate to say that the sisters are two sides of the same coin. But while Yubaba just enjoys making thing difficult for those around her, there seems to be a purpose to Zeniba’s mischief since…. Oh just go rent the movie, would you?!
5) Zazu from the movie The Lion King
Zazu had a surprising number lot of good lines and frankly anyone that had to put up a bratty prince and, later, an insane king and can keep his sense of humor is someone that you want to spend time with. Would “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” be half as great if Zazu wasn’t making snide remarks? I don’t think so. Plus, in the Broadway version, he got to sing his Morning Report, which is one of the most awesome songs ever.
Honorable Mentions:
Zoë from the online comic Sluggy Freelance
Admiral Zhao from the animated television show Avatar: The Last Airbender
Jiang Zhao Zi from the Taiwanese television show It Started With A Kiss
Zoe Carter from the television show Eureka!
Zack Morris from the television show Saved By The Bell (Hey, that’s a M name too! Double points!)
P.S. Tell me if you want a letter so that you can try this yourself, because I'm not feeling evil enough to bother otherwise.
Here are the rules:
1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.
caz963 gave the letter W, which was surprisingly hard. Because I’m a little insane, I also commented on cantbesilent ’s post, who gave me the letter M. Because I am a lot insane, I gave myself the letter Z, just because it should have been hard, but really wasn’t!
In fact the hardest part was limiting myself to just five (especially with the letter M). So I cheated and had an honorable mention category. These characters are ranked as well, but not assigned numbers nor did I let myself talk about any of them, no matter how much I wanted to, because that really WOULD be cheating! The honorable mentions are also characters that I love and would gladly explain why if anybody is interested.
Now, I know a lot of people had been providing pictures to go along with the names, but since half my characters are from books (more than a few of which have no television or movie adaptation), I decided to save myself some grief.
Ms
1) Marcus Didius Falco from the book series by Lindsey Davis.
It’s really hard not to like Falco. A hardboiled detective in Ancient Rome (yes, you read that right), he is as cynical as they comes… or so he appears at first, but this is the same man who baby-sits his two year old niece without complaint, takes his mother’s scolding with good-natured affection and really doesn’t mind when he comes across as a love-stuck school boy when in the company of the woman he loves, because that’s exactly how she makes him feel. And that’s just the first book! He is may be cynical, sarcastic and even obnoxious (and that’s what makes him so fun), but he is also a devoted family man and loyal friend and someone who you want at your side when things go sour.
2) Minna Pratt from the book The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
Minna is an 11 year old cellist who is in search of her vibrato, falling in love for the first time and generally just trying to make sense of the world around her. It’s hard to describe just why I love Minna so much, if that description isn’t reason enough. Seeing the world through Minna’s eyes is so much fun. Let’s just say that Minna is the book and the book is one of my favorites of all time.
3) Mason from the television show Dead Like Me
For a somewhat schizophrenic, controlled/illegal substance loving slacker who died because he decided to drill a hole in his own head (don’t ask), Mason is surprisingly sweet, very witty and, at times, even clever. And the fact that he’s portrayed by someone as fine looking as Callum Blue doesn’t hurt either!
4) Donna Moss from the television show The West Wing
Donna is one of the characters with the most heart and determination. Honestly the credit for this character does not go to Aaron Sorking at all, but to Janel Maloney, who managed to take a one dimensional character whose primary purpose was exposition and turn her into a well-rounded character. No matter how ridiculous the plot line (the dropping the underwear still doesn’t make any sense), Janel made it seem feasible
5) Meliara Astiar, Countess of Tlanth from the book Crown Duel (and Court Duel) and a few short stories by Sherwood Smith
After her mother was murdered, Mel’s father burned her mother’s library leaving his child to be raised without any formal (or even informal) training whatsoever. As a result, she is mostly self-taught, reading everything she can get her hands on. She is keenly loyal, open-hearted and generous. She has her flaws of course. Her temper is fierce and her insecurities are heartbreaking. I think many of us bookish, introverted types have a bit of Mel in us, which makes her so appealing.
Honorable Mentions:
Mairelon aka Richard Merrill from the books Marielon the Magician and The Magician’s Ward
Claire Meade from the television show Ugly Betty
Michael Lee for the animated television show Witch Hunter Robin
Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Yukawa Manabu from the Japanese television show Galileo
Professor Minerva McGonagall (Two Ms in one name! Double points!) from Harry Potter books and movies
Kenny Moritorri from the television show My Boys
Mikage Sakurai from the novella Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
Daniel Meade from the television show Ugly Betty
Ashiya Mizuki from the Japanese television show Hanazakari no Kimitachi e aka, better known as Hana Kimi
Ws
1) Captain Frederick Wentworth from the book Persuasion by Jane Austen
Say what you want about Mr. Darcy, for me it’s Captain Wentworth. Just like Darcy, he has his own pride to overcome with a ridiculous stubborn streak to boot. Of course, that stubborn streak does serve him well, when he finally comes to his senses. And if that wasn’t enough, the man writes one of the most passionate, beautifully worded love letters to win the girl.
2) Bruce Wayne aka Batman from all related comics, movies and television shows
Think about it… Batman has no superpowers. Yes, being a billionaire helps, but all that fancy equipment isn't going to do anything for you if you don’t have the skills and brainpower to use them correctly. He is a complicated man with unflinching focus and that’s what makes him the best.
3) Will Stanton from the book series Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
On one hand Will is a powerful mystical figure, the last of a long line. One the other, he is a regular pre-adolescent boy. It’s as if Dumbledore and Harry Potter had been merged into one character. (Though any comparison to J.K. Rowling is honestly an insult to Susan Cooper’s literary skill and mastery and her beautifully constructed prose.) For all his wisdom and power, you never forget that Will is the same age as his companions. The duel role is a heavy burden for anyone to bear, but you get the sense that Will can handle it.
4) Hoban "Wash" Washburne from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Okay, first off, he’s a grown man who plays with dinosaurs. How awesome is that? He gets many of the best lines. He’s like Xander with a pilots license and a really hot wife. But it’s his devotion to his wife that is most appealing. He worries about her and is unafraid to admit it. He is totally comfortable with the fact that SHE is the warrior and he is not, but still willing to help in a fight anyway that he can.
5) Wonder Woman aka Diana of Themysciria from all related comics, movies and television shows
I really don’t think I need to explain this one. Wonder Woman was a superhero that little girls could call their own… and still do once that they’re grown. She was strong, independent and very cool. Sadly, she doesn’t get the attention that Batman and Superman do.
Honorable Mentions:
William the Bloody, better know as Spike, from the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Will from the Keys of the Kingdom series by Garth Nix
Wren from the book series by Sherwood Smith
Charles Winchester from the television show M*A*S*H
Willow Rosenberg from the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Will Parry from the His Dark Material trilogy by Philip Pullman
Zs
1) Toby Ziegler from the television show The West Wing
Of all the characters I’ve listed, Toby just might be my favorite. (Okay, so Falco gives him a run for his money.) Toby is a mass of contradictions. He is gruff and grumpy, but it hide an incredibly caring heart and a sweet nature. He is cynical and jaded, yet he nurtures a passionate hope for the future. His life is mired in sadness, but he is not at all a tragic figure. Even in his deepest, most inexplicable betrayal, he showed the most noble loyalty. Toby may just be Aaron Sorkin’s greatest creation, but only Richard Schiff could breathe life into him.
2) Zuko of the Fire Nation from the animated television show Avatar: The Last Airbender
Oh, Zuko. Loyal, messed-up, inept and socially-awkward Zuko. It’s been fun watching the angry jerk with the ponytail transform into a caring, albeit dorky, hero over the course of three seasons. And you have to admire a character for who never giving up is a character trait.
3) Zoe Washbun from the television show Firefly and movie Serenity
Zoe was a character I knew I was going to love before I even watched the show. She just excludes coolness. She is strong, level headed and just about everything you want in a “big damn hero.” And then there’s who she married. Who you choose as a partner says a lot about you. She chose Wash and is clearly heads over hells in love with him.
4) Zeniba from the movie Spirited Away
Without giving too much of the plot away, Zeniba is very different from her twin sister. Though it’s hard to believe that when we first meet her. But perhaps it is more accurate to say that the sisters are two sides of the same coin. But while Yubaba just enjoys making thing difficult for those around her, there seems to be a purpose to Zeniba’s mischief since…. Oh just go rent the movie, would you?!
5) Zazu from the movie The Lion King
Zazu had a surprising number lot of good lines and frankly anyone that had to put up a bratty prince and, later, an insane king and can keep his sense of humor is someone that you want to spend time with. Would “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” be half as great if Zazu wasn’t making snide remarks? I don’t think so. Plus, in the Broadway version, he got to sing his Morning Report, which is one of the most awesome songs ever.
Honorable Mentions:
Zoë from the online comic Sluggy Freelance
Admiral Zhao from the animated television show Avatar: The Last Airbender
Jiang Zhao Zi from the Taiwanese television show It Started With A Kiss
Zoe Carter from the television show Eureka!
Zack Morris from the television show Saved By The Bell (Hey, that’s a M name too! Double points!)
P.S. Tell me if you want a letter so that you can try this yourself, because I'm not feeling evil enough to bother otherwise.