If you have read The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, you probably know just how influential Holden Caulfield is. He is just 17 years old but already a cynic. He sees the world differently from anyone else, and despises the phoniness that comes with growing up. Holden has dimension and complexity which is why he is probably one of the top literary characters we'd love to meet!

I don't know if there needs to be an explanation as to why Sherlock Holmes is on this list. He is a legendary detective and extremely popular worldwide. Sherlock Holmes has the best skills in communication, deductive reasoning and it seems like his brain works a thousand times faster than any other average brain. Meeting him would be intimidating, but it would be interesting to see what he can tell you just from a glance!

The Hunger Games is now one of the most popular trilogies worldwide, and it stands out when compared to other books. Instead of the storyline revolving around a helpless girl who always needs saving, Katniss Everdeen is a hero herself. She is a strong and courageous female character that can take care of her loved ones. She has class, integrity and honor, that make her an inspiring character.

You must have read “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald during your high school career or some other time in your life. The story of Jay Gatsby is melancholy and dark, but as readers we still become very interested in his life. There is a reason why the word 'great' precedes his name. As a character he made his American dream come true, he changed his life and reached his goals. However, the higher you climb, the harder you fall and that's exactly what happened to Gatsby.

You might be familiar with Mulan from the famous Disney movie, but Mulan is actually a legendary character from a Chinese poem, The Ballad of Mulan. The poem was written to show gender equality, so Mulan was depicted as a strong female figure who is outspoken and self-reliant. She is a really influential character to people of all ages!

Crooks is an isolated character full of pride from the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Although there is a plethora of significant characters in this book, Crooks stands out to me the most. He is a recluse who is always by himself. He doesn't feel like he fits in because of the color of his skin. However, Crooks doesn't show his loneliness on the exterior and instead comes off as being proud. Nevertheless throughout the book we are able to really see the vulnerability behind his facade.

Charlie from the Perks of Being a Wallflower, may be one of the most influential characters in literature. He lives in his own head, trying to figure out life and its meaning. He says things we have all thought of at some point in our lives and he is honest. He is a wallflower! There is part of each and everyone one of us in him, which makes it a lot easier to relate to him as a person.

We may grow attached to a fictional character without expecting it and although they are not real, we take away something from what they say or do. In reality, they have a significant effect on us. What are some of your favorite fictional characters you would love to meet? Share in the comments!