It's easy to fall in love with the dashing, leading men of literature. Often, the romantic teenage girl within all of us yearns for these boys to come beyond the pages and into real life. While these boys only live between the pages of some of our favorite books, there's no arguing that they are our escape from the real life boys who often cause us so much trouble:
1. Gilbert Blythe.
Gilbert Blythe from "Anne of Green Gables" is the first on this list because he's probably my favorite literary character of all time. He starts off as a cheeky classmate of Anne's who makes fun of her red hair, but throughout the book, evolves into a man who supports and loves Anne nearly as much as Marilla and Matthew. He has the boyish charm paired with a naturally caring personality, which leaves you wishing Gilbert would walk out of the book and into modern real life.
2. Carswell Thorne.
Not gonna lie, when Carswell Thorne is first introduced in the second book of "The Lunar Chronicles", "Scarlet", he kind of annoyed me. He was an archetype for the lovable rogue, while I love many other characters that fit that stereotype, I was often thrown by his less than serious attitude. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed his banter with Cress and liked him as a side character. However, when he becomes the main love interest in the third book, "Cress." I was surprised by the evolution I saw in his character. He was more intelligent than I first perceived and much more perceptive. It didn't take me long to fall in love with him and for him to overtake the previous two love interests in the series as my favorite.
3. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
I don't think there's a list like this that exists without including English literature's favorite leading man, Fitzwilliam Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice". While he comes off abrasive at first, throughout the book we learn of his caring nature and quiet love for Elizabeth Bennett. I think it's a truth universally acknowledged that there comes a time in every book lover's life where they discover and fall in love with Mr. Darcy, and a secret wish he existed in the 21st century.
4. Aristotle Mendoza.
Aristotle, from "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," can seem a bit depressing and rooted in himself. However, he literally gets hit by a car to save his best friend's (and love interest), Dante's life. He's loyal, hardworking, and extremely smart. Not only is a fantastic character, but he's a good person who cares about Dante and his friends deeply.
5. Dante Quintana.
Dante, from "Aristotle and Dante," is charming and intelligent. He has a dream-like quality that draws both Aristotle and the reader to him. He believes in the good of people and is unapologetically himself, even when he doesn't fully understand himself. Dante's charm is irresistible and I really wish I had someone like him in my life.
6. Tobias Eaton (Four).
With a name like "Four" (at least for part of the book), Tobias from "Divergent" oozes mystery. Between his fighting skills and somewhat dismissive personality, he has an appeal that is undeniable. However, it doesn't take long to recognize his feelings for Tris and the way he subtly looks out for her.
7. Valek.
Valek, from "The Poison Study," isn't likable at first. He's strict, blunt, and seems uncaring. He's an assassin and royal adviser, causing an air of mystery to surround him, much like many of the men on this list. However, it soon becomes evident that his relationship with the main character, Yelena, goes beyond one of a mentor. Much like Four, it is subtle and not immediately noticeable. However, as the book progresses, Valek proves that he is willing to risk his job and life for the people he loves.
8. Fredrick Wentworth.
Another Austen hero, this time from "Persuasion". Fredrick Wentworth was rejected by the heroine, Anne Elliott, eight years before. He still loves her but does not preposition her again, until it is certain she returns his feelings as well. Not only is this rare in the 21st century, but it shows Wentworth's love extends beyond his own selfish means. He wants the person he loves to be happy, even if that means being without her.
9. Prince Kaito.
Another character from "The Lunar Chronicles," Kai is the love interest in the first book, "Cinder". The Prince of the Eastern Commonwealth, he is handsome, smart, and a little goofy. He sees the good in people and listens intently, allowing his own sympathies and sensibilities to be challenged and questioned in the process. He doesn't care about breaking tradition or the fact that Cinder isn't royal. Once he finds out she's a cyborg, he doesn't allow it to hinder his feelings for her. Even after it seems like she betrayed him, he still remains (albeit secretly) supportive, hoping she won't be captured.
10. Finnick Odair.
Forget Peeta or Gale! I'm Team Finnick all the way! He is charming but hides a tragic past and a person he loves deeper than anyone else. His love for Annie is one of my favorite parts of "The Hunger Games" and his death was the only one that truly made me sob. His self-sacrificing nature and sugar cubes make him absolutely swoon-worthy.
11. Mark Antony.
Out of all of the Shakespearean men, Mark Antony was the only one I found myself taken with. Compared to immature Romeo and the brooding Hamlet, Antony has much more appeal. He is fiercely loyal and his command of sarcasm and rhetoric is downright sexy. He has one of the most logical minds of Shakespeare's characters and ultimately ends up winning in the end, simply because he is loyal and logical.
12. Edward Rochester.
Rochester, like Darcy, is a classic pick. However, the hero of "Jane Eyre" is also a controversial one. Out of all the character's on this list, he's certainly the one that is hardest to redeem. He kept his syphilitic wife locked in the attic for years, which is certainly not an admirable deed. Yet, he is still painted as a good man. He acknowledges and admires Jane's intelligence and conversation. He cares for an Adele, his young ward, which he is not obligated to do. He does face consequences for his actions and is ultimately redeemed by the end of the novel. His placement on this list is solely for his conflicted nature and his ultimate decision to do the right thing.
13. Neville Longbottom.
Neville Longbottom is a minor character in "The Harry Potter series", yet he stands out from the rest. He is kind, loyal to his friends, and always does the right thing. He has a passion for herbology and remains true to himself throughout his school years despite bullying from his peers and teachers. He becomes a hero in the end, but his vein of heroism is not unseen throughout the book. He constantly attempts to help his friends (or stand up to them when he believes they are getting into too much trouble). He's truly a character that deserves more recognition and love.
14. Wolf.
OK, this is the last boy from "The Lunar Chronicles," but I had to include Wolf. He's brooding, intimidating, but ultimately a huge sweetheart. His big heart and witticisms make Wolf a character easy to fall for. His protective instincts toward Scarlet make him a boy we all wish we had around.
15. Augustus Waters.
Augustus Waters, from "The Fault in Our Stars," basically charms the reader from the very first page with his lopsided smile and leather jacket. The ultimate reason Gus makes this list is his sacrificing of his wish for Hazel so that she can visit Amsterdam. He creates a small infinity for Hazel and the reader that will stick them forever.
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