It’s my birthday so I’m back! Happy Birthday to me! I decided to go with characters that I love for my birthday because as a fiction writer, characters are so important to me. I have connected with a lot of them over the years and they have all influenced me in some way. I picked 27 characters which I’ll admit was harder than I thought it would be. Now, I know you’re thinking, why 27? Well, it’s because I’m 27 now. Which is a little crazy but here I am. (Other birthday posts if you’re interested: 26, 25, 24, 23)
I divided these character into categories–now, I realize that some of them are in more than one but the one I put them is how I was introduced to them or where I like them the most (***Book Ginny FOREVER). Pop Culture is a huge part of my life from books and movies to the TV. TV is probably my favorite genre, I know a lot about it and I understand how it works. I love the long-form nature of it so that I dig into certain characters and storylines. I’m excited to introduce you to some of my favorite characters. I hope I inspire you to watch some of my favorite TV Shows or read a new book or watch a movie you haven’t seen in a while.
Some of my favorites on TV:
Felicity Smoak on Arrow
Felicity is my favorite character on television. Her sassy one-liners, constant babbling, and her love for Oliver inspire every week. Arrow is Comic Book Show on the CW but Felicity is not in the comics. Emily Bett Rickards, who plays her, was originally only supposed to be one episode but she impressed Stephen Amell, who plays Oliver Queen, the lead of the show and a Warner Brother’s Exec. Now she main love interest and third billed on the show. She makes me laugh every week and the love between Oliver and Felicity made me start editing my novel again. (If you’re interested, Arrow is on Netflix all the way through season 6. Season 7 premieres in the fall)
Regina Mills on Once Upon A Time
I’m still dealing with the fact that Once is over, it’s fine. But let me explain something to you, when this show started I hated Regina but over the course of the show, she became one of my favorite characters on TV. I even had one point had a start of a blog post about Life Lessons from Regina. But Regina’s spice for life and her ability to persevere through all the things that life throws at her with such grace and humanity is incredibly inspiring. (Once Upon A Time Seasons 1-6 is on Netflix and I’m sure 7 is coming soon but know that season 7 is very different from the first 6, still great but it’s a whole new story. ALSO, this is my favorite series finale to date, LONG LIVE REGINA!)
Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy
My love for Grey’s knows no end and Meredith is at the top of my list of favorites on this show. Meredith is a deeply flawed character who is constantly fighting for herself and her friends. She is a fiercely loyal person which I always love to see portrayed because it’s a characteristic I value in myself. (Grey’s just recently wrapped season 14 and will be back with 15 in the fall, so be prepared if you decide to embark on the emotional rollercoaster that is Grey’s Anatomy and yes, it’s on Netflix)
Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls
I love Gilmore and Lorelei is my Spirit Animal. Let’s be real, Lorelai is totally me as a mom, sassy and sarcastic (“If you’re going to throw your life away, he better have a motorcycle!”). And if you haven’t seen Gilmore Girls, you’re missing out. Go run to Netflix and start it but yourself a favor and don’t watch A Year in the Life, just don’t. Also because I’m probably going to get asked, #TeamLogan FOREVER.
Kara Danvers on Supergirl
If you know me you know that my current obsession is Superheroes, especially the ones on the CW. If you don’t know, Supergirl is the thing that started all of that so putting Kara on this list was a must. Kara Danvers is Supergirl who happens to be Superman’s cousin. Kara’s journey to be a superhero has not been an easy but so cool to get to her struggle with her balancing everything in her life from her superhero work to her love life. (Season 3 ends on June 18th but the first two seasons are on Netflix. If you’re into girl power and social issues, this show handles them wonderfully.)
Iris West-Allen on The Flash
Iris West-Allen. Y’all. I can’t. She’s just the best and she makes Flash even better. The relationship between Barry and Iris is one of my favorites. Iris is a fierce leader and journalist who always tells the truth in her writing. Iris, in so many ways, is the heart of Team Flash and I love getting to see her in action. If I could take anything from Iris, it would be her strength in the face of crazy circumstances. (Seasons 1-3 are on Netflix and Season 4 will hit on Wednesday, May 30th.)
Sara Lance on Legends of Tomorrow
Sara Lance runs through time kicking butt and taking names, not fully caring who she hurts in the process. She is a great captain and who cares about her team. Sara has been through some stuff and has fought off the darkness in her life. (Legends is one of my favorite shows because it’s just crazy and it’s so funny. I will say this if you decide you want to try it, skip Season 1. I know, I don’t normally say things like that but trust me on this one. Don’t watch it, just start with season 2. It’s on Netflix)
DJ Tanner on Full House and Fuller House
DJ has always been my favorite. I have loved Full House my whole life and like DJ, I am the oldest of three and have always struggled with my weight. I related to DJ so much and now, I get to see her being a mom on Fuller House to three boys. To have a character to grow up with like I have DJ has been so incredible. (Every Episode of Full House is on Hulu and Fuller House is a Netflix Original so you can find it there!)
Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl
Blair Waldorf Forever. Gossip Girl was might have been my first TV show binge to the point where I had to end up buying season 6 so I could finish it because I didn’t want to wait. I like to think that Blair is the reason that I wore headbands every day for over a year because headbands are a Blair Waldorf signature. Blair is a Queen B who loves to scheme, her relationship with Chuck Bass is a unique one but they work so well together. Blair carries herself with such grace and dignity that I hope I can carry myself the same way. (Gossip Girl is on Netflix if you’re interested!)
Up next Movies and Musicals:
Diana Prince from Wonder Woman
Y’all. Wonder Woman, I can’t. I’m obsessed. She is such a powerful woman who doesn’t always understand the power that she wields. She goes above and beyond to protect everyone. She has some cool weapons and my favorite is the lasso of the truth which causes people to have to tell the truth when it is wrapped around them. This scene is from Justice League; it’s so funny and shows off the Lasso’s power.
Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables
When I was in middle school, I fell in love with Anne Shirley watched all the movies with my Mimi. Anne is a spunky girl who so full of life, plus she’s Anne with an ‘E’ and that’s how my name is spelled. Anne also cares so much about friendship which is a huge part of my life so I always appreciate it.
Maria Von Trapp from The Sound of Music
Okay, I tried so hard to stay away from real people but I just couldn’t. I love Sound of Music with my entire heart. I think I was about ten when I watched Sound of Music with Mimi and then went to the library to research the real Von Trapps. My senior of high school, I had the privilege of being in the musical and choreographing a lot of it. Maria is someone who is strong enough to stand her ground and wants to honor the Lord but when the opportunity to fall in love comes her way, she ultimately takes it and will do whatever it takes to protect her family.
Elphaba from Wicked, the Musical
There was a point in time when all I wanted was to see Wicked would ask about all the time (I can be persistent when I really want something). I’ve gotten to see in on Broadway twice, it will forever be my favorite show. Elphaba is the wicked witch of the west from the Wizard of Oz and I loved getting to see the other side of the story. (If you haven’t seen Wicked, find the nearest place it’s showing and go see it. It’s worth every penny)
Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray
Hairspray will always hold a special place in my heart from dancing to it in a dance recital to seeing on Broadway during my 13th birthday, to go to the midnight premiere of the movie for a friend’s sweet 16. Tracy is a girl who is not afraid to go after her dreams and will do what it takes to achieve him. If you haven’t seen Hairspray, I suggest you find it ASAP. My favorite version is the 2007 Movie with Nikki Blonski, Zac Efron, and John Travolta.
Last but certainly not least, Books:
I am Eadlyn Schreave. I love the Selection Series and if you haven’t read them, I highly suggest them, it’s like Hunger Games meets Bachelor. The first three books are about America Singer and the last two are about her daughter, Eadlyn. Eadlyn is a strong, independent woman who is hesitant to open herself up to love. The line she says to herself often is “I am Eadlyn Schreave and I am the most powerful person in the world.” Eadlyn is full of spunk and wit and reminds me so much of myself.
Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Ginny Weasley is my favorite Harry Potter character, always has been always will be. But she got the short end of the stick in the movies, Book Ginny is a thousand times better than Movie Ginny. Ginny is fearless and willing to do whatever it takes to help those she loves. And for the record, Harry and Ginny’s first kiss is one of my all-time favorite moments in the books.
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Is it really a character list if don’t have a Jane Austen character on it? Well, Lizzie Bennet is mine. I love her fierce independence, the way she bucks against the structure of the society is in, and her undying devotion to her family.
Ali Daniels from A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury
My favorite Karen Kingsbury book of all time is A Thousand Tomorrows. Ali Daniels is a barrel racer with Cystic Fibrous who is doing what she loves despite the fact that it could actually kill her. She strives to live every day to it’s fullest and I hope that I do the same.
Bailey Flanigan from The Baxter Series by Karen Kingsbury
Bailey Flanigan, I am probably too invested in this character but at this point–oh well. I connected with Bailey from the very beginning. I’m still kinda annoyed that she didn’t end up with who I originally wanted her too but I understand it. She is the oldest in her family, has a great relationship with her mom, and uses her influence to spread the good news that Jesus loves you and died on the cross for you but rose again three days later so that you could spend forever with Him.
Ashley Baxter Blake from The Baxter Series by Karen Kingsbury
Ashley is my favorite Baxter, her love with Landon is such a beautiful thing and how she has to deal with her past mistakes is so incredible. Ashley has taught me a lot about forgiveness, how to learn from your mistakes, and God can use you, no matter how bad you think you messed up.
Liz from The Epic Order of the Seven Series by Jenny L Cote
Liz is a French Cat who is one of the Order of the Seven who the Maker has tasked with helping His gospel spread around the World. Liz is super smart, sassy, and works hard to complete the things asked of her.
Sadie Franklin from All of This by Anna Schaeffer
Sadie is a girl from Seattle who finds herself in rural Georgia for the summer and it’s quite sure what to make of it. She is a spit-fire who has to learn to adjust to new things. (One of my friends also happened to write her which just makes her even more special!)
Andrew is a time-traveler who finds himself out of luck a couple times and has to figure out how to get back to his time. Andrew is a quick thinker who has to figure out how to stay out of trouble. (I’ve actually reviewed both of these if you want to check it out because LA is awesome…here and here)
Henry Whitmire from Glass Girl and Perfect Glass by Laura Anderson Kurk
Henry Whitmire is everything that I want in a future husband–okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little. But Henry is a great friend who understands what it means to love and sacrifice. I loved these books and cannot recommend them enough, the story in is beautifully told!
Jack Buchanan from The Vestige by Caroline George
There is some crazy stuff that happens in The Vestige and more than anyone, Jack Buchanan is at the center of it. I have a lot of respect for the hard decisions has to make and how he handles them. (Check out my review here and shout out to Caroline George for her words of wisdom through Instagram DMs)
August Pullman from Wonder by R.J. Palacio
If you have not read the book or seen the movie, I suggest you do so immediately. They are both incredible and will make you cry. Auggie has a disease that caused his face to be disfigured but he does not let that stop him from living his life. It’s ultimately about kindness and how we treat everyone.
Hadassah from The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
Hadassah is a Jewish slave girl who finds herself serving a family in Rome and interacting with a Gladiator. She is an incredible woman who makes a profound impact on those around her just like I hope I do on the people in my life.
Well, there you have it, 27 characters from Movies, Books, TV, and Musicals that I love and inspire to be like in my own life. Who are some of your favorite characters?
I’ll be back SOON, I promise! But for today, I’m going to enjoy my birthday with my friends and watch the premiere of the Bachelorette tonight!
Walking in My Shoes 
Musical Theatre Characters: They come to mind a lot as characters I love
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I hope you enjoyed the ones I included!
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You did include my favorite musical character: Elphaba
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Yay! She’s the best!
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One of my biggest topics on my blog is musical theatre. But for now talking about states I have been to
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That’s awesome!
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Ruthie, I loved this!! You’ve given me some great possibilities to watch and to read! Yesterday I watched Season 1 of This Is Us with your Mama, Jim and John, LOVED it— they all said you could help me get season 2, I tried last night on Amazon Prime Video, but it costs $30!! But I did order DVD of Season 1 to watch again, but I hope there’s another way!! Have a wonderful birthday, I love you so much! 💗💗
Sue. Sent from my iPad
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Thanks so much! I love you too!
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Wow I have a lot of things to watch and read so I can get to know these kick-ass characters!
My favourite from your list is probably Elizabeth Bennet, she is SO great, and i especially love Keira Knightly’s take on her! Lovely post!
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Haha, you definitely should check some of them out! I love the Keira Knightly version too. Thank you!
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LOVE Gilmore Girls! I always loved Lorelei Gilmore! She was such a kick-butt mom to Rory.
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Right?!
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Love these powerful and inspiring characters!! Happy Birthday!
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Thank you!
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I’ve got to get back into watching Arrow!
Also I LOVE The Crown series!
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You definitely should! Season 5 was one of it’s strongest and this past season was the first one without flashbacks! and it’s one my favorites!
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SO fun! I love LOVE the Mark of the Lion series. I just told someone to read them and decided I wanted to reread them! Also anything Julie Andrews!!
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I need to reread them too, it’s been way too long!
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Oh man, it’s been years but I loved reading the Hadassah series!
Anne will always be in my top 3 characters! Then Kathleen Kelly (You’ve Got Mail)…And I don’t know if I would put her in my top 3, but I was always more of a Serena fan =) Fun post!!
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Thanks! That’s a great top 3!
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Happy birthday, Ruth Anne! I love this list, especially all the superheroes.
SO happy with Regina’s ending. She definitely grew on me as a character throughout the series, and I really liked Zelena in this season as well.
Iris is probably my least favorite character from Flash, but I can agree that she is a fierce woman. I love Caitlyn and her character arcs with Killer Frost.
Supergirl’s first season was wonderful, but I stopped watching in the middle of season two because I didn’t like the route they were going with Alex. But, I love Kara. She is very realistic to me and even reminds me of myself in some scenarios.
Wonder Woman YES. Just yes.
I haven’t heard about a lot of these books so I will definitely need to check them out sometime.
Thanks again, Ruth Anne!
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Thanks, girl! You should definitely check out the books!
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What a fun roundup! Gilmore Girls has always been my favorite.
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Happy Birthday Ruth, I also just recently turned 27! I’m a huge Harry Potter and Blair Waldorf fan myself, I am just about to start re-watching the Gossip Girl series!
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Thank you! So fun! Yes, great decision!
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