An Author’s Random Musing: Top Five
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DR. JOHN WATSON, SHERLOCK HOLMES by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“I would be lost without my Boswell.” Can there be any more loyal a friend that Dr. John Watson? That is the quality I adore about this character in all the stories. He is, understandably, taken aback by the habits and quirks Holmes when they first meet but takes it all in his stride as he becomes accustomed to the other man’s ways. Though sometimes seen as inferior in intelligence, he is a true friend.
Favorite film portrayal: Jude Law in Sherlock Holmes, 2009. He’s loyal, intelligent, and doesn’t take any flack from Holmes.
CAPTAIN FREDERICK WENTWORTH, PERSUASION by Jane Austen
Captain Frederick Wentworth has good manners, consideration, and sensitivity, along with gallantry, independence, and bravery that come with being a well-respected Naval officer. He has made his own fortune through hard work and good sense. I love this character who proves himself worthy of Miss Anne Elliot after he overcomes his resentment and pride.
This is a close one. Ciarán Hinds in the 1995 film adaptation is phenomenal, but so is Rupert Penry-Jones in the 2007 one as well! I’m just going to go with these two make a tie with their performances.
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SHERLOCK HOLMES by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Perhaps not a hero in the romantic sense, but the great detective has been a favorite of mine since I first read The Speckled Band when I was 11. How could I not be fascinated with a man who, in my opinion, understood the world around him so well, he could immediately spot the unusual and deduce the meaning?
While I love ever portrayal for the different aspects they show (and a special place in my heart for Benedict Cumberbatch), my favorite portrayal on screen has to be Jeremy Brett from the Granada tv series. While other actors play up certain aspects of Sherlock Holmes’ character, Mr. Brett encompassed the whole complex character of Holmes.
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GILBERT BLYTHE, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L.M. Montgomery
When we are first introduced to Gilbert Blythe, he is a handsome young man…and he knows it. He is confident, self-assured, and -let’s be honest- a bit of a jerk. But then, he matures into a kind, sweet boy. Honestly, the growth he has through the books is one of my favorite things!
My favorite film portrayal: Jonathan Crombie in the 1985 film version. He has had my heart from the time I was a teenager until now. In my mind, no one can ever replace him as Gilbert Blythe.
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HENRY TILNEY, NORTHANGER ABBEY by Jane Austen
Considered one of the nicest of Austen’s heroes, Henry Tilney is a teasing mentor, knowledgeable about female matters; he is bookish and all around amiable. I suppose this is what makes him my favorite. A quote about Jane Austen’s brother certainly fits: “affectionate & kind as well as entertaining….he cannot help being amusing.” His charm more than makes up for the passive way he goes about falling in love. He has a strong moral compass and is my absolute favorite.
JJ Field as Henry Tilney in the 2007 film adaptation makes me absolutely giddy. The actor is charm itself and I love every time he is on screen. This is why I will happily watch this movie again and again.
