Surprise! I’m doing lists now!
One day I was thinking about my favorite YA literary characters and realized that many of them are neither the hero nor the heroine but rather the cast developed to support the conquering protagonist. I don’t know why I like “minor” (wow, I don’t think that word is fitting at all) characters as much as I do, they give me someone to relate to perhaps. But also it’s the same reason, probably, that I love the show Jane the Virgin but absolutely hate Jane. I think she’s a well-written/played character, but she isn’t at all likable. Ya know? I’d much rather have a chat with Alba or Petra who get to avoid the majority of the limelight. Anyway, I decided to make this list of my favorite supporting characters in ya lit. Ta-dah!
10. Juliette Butler from Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer–Juliette is so underrated! I remember every time she entered a scene with her single braid and ethnic ambiguity I pined to be exactly like her. Like, I literally ached to be a muscular, independent, body guard fighting evil (or good???). She was one character who influenced me to become and expert in Judo…just kidding, haha, that’s a good one! But in all seriousness, she did show me that I am capable of doing anything I want, gender-stereotypes be damned!
9. Mr. Gray from The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater– This guy is not only an assassinating fiend, he’s just plain awesome. He’s monochrome, basically, like Spiderman Noir in Into the Spider-Verse, and gray is my favorite color. I really like his redemption and his budding romance with Maura. It gives me starry-heart eyes just thinking about them. Anyway. Mr. Gray was an instant favorite the moment he was introduced, but I can’t reveal any more than that. Go read the book!
8. Grover Underwood from Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan–Despite appearances, Grover’s hircine-boyish combination isn’t what makes me love him most. In fact, eating the occasional can is endearing, but his consistent endorsements of Percy and his adventures is what really wins me over. He is loyal, while also living his own life chasing dryads and nymphs (because he’s a teenage boy after all). Definitely the kind of confidant you want to have in your entourage.
7. Nainsi from The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer– What a faithful companion! Nainsi is a boss android/robot determined to help Prince Kai (aka Emperor Kaito) solve mysteries about their lunar neighbors. She’s simple enough, but also key in playing, unknowingly at first, matchmaker for Kai and Cinder. She’s a wonderful advisor and exactly what any supporting character should be.
6. Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis– Aslan is constantly ducking in and out of the series and always at the least convenient times. But he’s still so likable! I remember being fascinated with him as a child. He was this giant, like huge!, lion that was pretty much the god of this tiny country found only by crawling through a wardrobe or a puddle. Anyway, Aslan is obviously the pinnacle of the messianic archetype, but it fits the fantasy world so well. His role is merely to encourage the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve to rule the world fairly and then only intervene when no one else can. As a minor character he is as round as round can be and for that he is admirable.
5. Valentine from Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card– The second born in the Wiggin family, Valentine is the most compassionate. She has a brilliant mind like her brothers, but she deliberately resists power and the manipulation of others when Peter welcomes it and Ender falls into it unwillingly. She tries her best to use her influence for good and eventually helps Ender figure out a more efficient way to travel space AND even donates her doppelgänger body to science. She wields her power as best she can and loves unconditionally.
4. Ripred from The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins–He’s, again, loyal and has a mentoring attitude towards all the younger more involved characters. I wasn’t sure I could even call him a supporting character at first, actually. He’s quite present throughout the entire series and plays a key role in the rebellion against King Gorger. In any case, he urges Gregor to become his best self and for that I love him and let him stay on this list.
3. Kitty from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han– Kitty is the biggest little ball of fun and snark I have ever read about. She is my hero and my rock. If she were my little sister, I would have abs of steel because I would be laughing all day. She reminds me of my little cousin who is 13 years younger than me who, and I do not tell a lie, still wants to hang out with me and go get my tires rotated on Black Friday. I love her brutal honesty and her naïveté. Plus who doesn’t want an awesome braid crown?
2. Fflewddur Fflam from The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander–Maybe I’m more a fan of the giant house cat he rides into battle or it could also be his lie detecting harp. But Fflewddur is a helpful, comedic character full of useful information, interesting skills, and puzzling backstory. I believe that he first caught my attentions upon a reread of my favorite YA series.
1. Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling–Unabashedly, Neville has been my favorite YA character and I often think about the injustice the movies did him. I haven’t read them in such a long time, I’m not exactly sure what he did to win my affection. Maybe it’s his loyalty and true heart. Quite the best Gryffindor to ever grace the common room with his presence since the founder himself!
Now I will encourage you to look up these books and/or series at your local used book store (give the community some love). Read read read. These books cover practically every fiction genre so you’re sure to find something you love.
THEN comment with your favorite supporting characters throughout literature, genres, and/or time!
Mel Reviews Books 