In literature, it can sometimes seem like the daring extroverts have all the fun. They don’t seem to have issues building connections or jumping into the action, potentially facing dangerous situations. Not to mention, their charisma helps ensure they get along with just about everyone.
But for those of us who enjoy the quieter things in life, its nice to know there are scores of introverted heroes quietly waiting to save the day, without all the ostentatious hoopla. Looking for someone that resonates with your insatiable desire to read quietly at home under a blanket on a weekend? These 12 characters in fiction may be just the ticket.
Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables): Imaginative and sensitive, Anne is an introverted dreamer who often feels misunderstood but finds solace in her imagination and close friendships.
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”
Anne Shirley from “Anne of Green Gables”
Matilda Wormwood (Matilda): A gifted child with a love for books, Matilda is intelligent beyond her years, often retreating into her own world to escape her difficult home life.
Catherine Morland (Northanger Abbey): An introspective and imaginative young woman, Catherine often feels out of place and grapples with her romantic ideals versus reality.
Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series): Quirky and perceptive, Luna embraces her uniqueness and often feels like an outsider, making her an endearing and relatable who those of us who’ve felt like we didn’t belong.
“Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.”
-Luna Lovegood
Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre): A fiercely independent and introspective character, Jane navigates her turbulent life with quiet strength and a strong sense of self.
Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings): A quiet and thoughtful hobbit, Frodo carries the weight of the One Ring, showcasing his bravery in the face of immense challenges.
Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter): A strong yet introverted woman, Hester faces societal judgment with quiet resilience while grappling with her past and identity.
Daria Morgendorffer (Daria): A witty and cynical teenager, Daria often feels disconnected from her peers and navigates high school life with a sharp sense of observation.
Winston Smith (1984): A deeply introspective character living in a dystopian society, Winston grapples with loneliness and a desire for truth while feeling alienated from the world around him.
Clarisse McClellan (Fahrenheit 451): A curious and thoughtful young woman, Clarisse is an introspective character who questions societal norms and encourages Montag to think differently.
Bet I know something else you don’t. There’s dew on the grass in the morning.”
-Clarisse McClellan
Liesel Meminger (The Book Thief): A quiet and observant girl, Liesel finds solace in books and words during the horrors of World War II, forming deep connections with those around her.
Gregor Samsa (The Metamorphosis): A deeply introspective character, Gregor’s transformation leads him to profound alienation, reflecting his introverted nature and struggle for identity.
Who’d we miss? Who is your favorite literary introvert?
More at nite:
