Top Ten Tuesday - 1/18/11

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.


This week they asked us:
Who are your top 10 most inspirational characters?


**Since Tevya isn't feeling well I got to answer all 10! I feel kind of spoiled since I usually have to share, lol.**


1. Neville Longbottom - The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Okay, I have to admit that part of the reason for choosing Neville is that I just feel that he doesn't always get enough love and he is my favorite HP character. Sure, he doesn't have a lightning bolt scar and he isn't labeled the chosen one, but Neville does have his own share of tragedy to overcome. Like Harry, Neville must live with what happened to his parents as a result of Voldemort's reign of terror. I also find Neville to be inspirational because he's the geeky awkward kid who makes more mistakes than anyone else yet finally gets his chance to shine. I don't want to spoil anything for people who have not read the series, but Neville does step up to conquer his fears and become the hero all Neville fans knew he could be. I truly loved seeing Neville evolve and grow throughout the series. I wear my My Hero shirt emblazoned with Neville's picture on it proudly.



2. Atticus Finch - To Kill a Mockingbird
What's not to love about Atticus? He's a wonderful father who loves his children dearly - being both mother and father to them. He's also a man of strong principles who was willing to stand up for what he believed was right even when everyone in his town disagreed with him. Atticus has always been a symbol of truth and hope for me. He truly is a good man all the way around; I have always admired him and his strength.






3. Jamie Sullivan - A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Jamie always sticks out in my mind when I think of inspirational because even in the face of a terminal disease she never lost her faith. She loved with all her might and tried to hold everything together. She had goals and she sought to achieve as many of them as possible in spite of her limited time. I am not so sure I could handle this with as much grace as she did.






4. Carlisle Cullen - The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Carlisle inspires me because he is able to hold true to himself even in spite of what others want him to be. He never loses his faith or his compassion - even after suffering so much. I also love how loyal Carlisle is to his family and friends.




5. Jake Brigance - A Time to Kill by John Grisham
Jake is another strong southern man who stands up for what he knows is right. Jake agrees to defend an African American client in Mississippi in his murder trial for the death of two white men. The subject matter is often extremely emotional, but I have always admired that Jake never backs down - even when his own life is on the line. He sticks to what he knows in his heart and tries to change the decades of hurt and hate.




6. Sam Roth - Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater
Sam is also a character that has had to overcome tremendous obstacles that would have caused lesser people to just give up. Sam fights for what he loves and never lets what is expected of him change his course. I also admire how devoted he is to Grace.




7. Alex Fuentes - Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Alex is such a strong character. He exhibits strength, intelligence, devotion, and love. All of his traits make him something wonderful that teens can see as a symbol of hope. He truly inspires those around him to make changes for the better. Alex's devotion to Brittney and his family is awe inspiring.




8. Amber Appleton - Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick
Look up the word inspirational in the dictionary and you are sure to see Amber's picture. This character makes me rethink how much I take what I have in life for granted. She and her mother are homeless after bouncing from apartment to apartment as her mom changes boyfriends. Amber never has anything stable in her life, but still manages to be such a wonderful, giving teen. You would think her spirits would be dampened after spending her evenings sleeping on her mom's school bus, but she keeps trucking along like nothing is wrong. She volunteers at a nursing home and helps Korean women learn English in her spare time. This kid is all around exceptional. I also admire how she is able to pick up the pieces when tragedy strikes.




9. Charlotte - Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
She goes out of her way to save her friend. What isn't inspirational about that?




10. Anne Shirley - Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Yet another person who overcomes great obstacles to go on to be something remarkable. I have always loved Anne's story and her personality.