CHARACTERS WHO LOVE BOOKS: NATIONAL DROP EVERYTHING AND READ DAY!
We all love a good character arc or personality quirk in a character, but if we love books, well, the characters who love stories too make us happy. On this national drop everything and read day, we are going to take a closer look at the characters who love to read or perhaps collect books. Honestly, I probably have featured most (if not all) of these characters on other lists, but we always love keeping the spotlight on solid characters or good stories, so let’s keep the love going for their arc.
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CHARACTERS WHO LOVE BOOKS: NATIONAL DROP EVERYTHING AND READ DAY! #NationalReadDay #BookCharacters #ReaderCharacters #FavoriteCharacters Share on XFairytales and regency eras, and modern characters alike, let’s meet some of the fitting candidates who fits this framework.
CHARACTERS WHO LOVE BOOKS on national drop everything and read day
BELLE from BEAUTY and the BEAST
Is Belle an overtly obvious character to include? Yes. But we still have to include her. She is such an appreciator of books and instead of pretty gowns, it’s a stunning library that delights her most. I don’t remember how Emma Watson portrays Belle’s love of books in the live-action version, but the animated one definitely shows off Belle’s delight in the simple things like books.
ELIZABETH BENNET from PRIDE and PREJUDICE
Elizabeth Bennet is another obvious addition, but again, we have to include her. She’s also a really cool character too. Fierce and opinionated she also learns to adopt a softer side and falls in love for the first time too.
2005 Synopsis: Outspoken Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) faces mounting pressure from her parents to marry. Once she is introduced to the handsome and upper-class Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) there is obvious chemistry between the two, but his overly reserved nature threatens the fledgling relationship. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication with BritBox or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MARY BENNET from THE OTHER BENNET SISTER
Adding Mary is probably premature because I haven’t met her in The Other Bennet Sister (contemplating reading the book before the adaptation drops) but she seems like someone who would enjoy books and reading and studying and facts. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong, but I think she’s a good fit.
The Other Bennet Sister will be available to stream in the U.S. through BritBox on May 11
THE BOOK CLUB from THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB
The group of characters from the contemporary film The Jane Austen Book Club take a year (or so timeframe) to read and enjoy the novels of Jane Austen. In particular, I think the scene where Prudie and her husband Dean (Emily Blunt and Marc Blucas portray these characters, pictured below) reconnect (after she nearly makes a terrible mistake) through one of Austen’s books. It’s just really sweet.
Synopsis: Six Californians start a Jane Austen book club devoted to the English author’s intricate, romantic novels – and soon find their lives mirroring the 19th century stories they are reading! – via Prime Video
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
DIANE CHAMBERS from CHEERS
I cannot remember if Diane reads a lot, but I do know this character from the 80s sitcom is very bookish and interested in knowledge. The character leaves after a certain number of seasons but she remains confident in her intelligence and book knowledge.
Synopsis: Bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and the object of his unrequited love, Diane (Shelley Long), cross swords in hilarious episodes from the landmark television comedy. Joining them for the fun in one of the most popular television series ever are Norm, Cliff, Carla, Frasier and “Coach.” – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Paramount+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
JANE EYRE from JANE EYRE
Jane is a quiet character who has to learn how to stand up for herself and be her own person, and in most of the adaptations (as usual I’ve never read the book), this character arc plays out beautifully. She also pursues quiet things like knowledge and reading and books, and she is an underestimated character for certain.
2011 Synopsis: A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he’s hiding a terrible secret.– via Prime Video
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
RORY GILMORE from GILMORE GIRLS
Here we have yet another obvious character who enjoys books. Regardless she has to be included because the girl has her nose in a book often. Even Jess, the boy most fans want her to end up with, was mentioned as a bookworm too. I don’t remember this as vividly but do seem to recall this is something that the pair share. Alexis Bledel plays Rory in the Gilmore Girls show that follows the studious character of Rory and the wilder character of Lorelai, her mother.
Synopsis: In Stars Hollow, Connecticut, we meet 32-year-old Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter, Rory. When Rory’s attention turns from dreams of Harvard to boys and self-reliance, Lorelai notices more of her own rebellious youth in Rory. – via Prime Video
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
HAZEL GRACE from THE FAULT in our STARS
In my research, I ran across Hazel as one character who fits the characters who like to read mantle. It’s been far too long since I read the book or watched the movie (both of which are probably only one-time experiences), but she seems to fit the mold of being a quiet and bookish character.
Synopsis: Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) share a love that sweeps them on an unforgettable journey in this powerful film based on John Green’s New York Times bestseller.– via Prime Video
Stream with Disney+; or find to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
LAURA INGALLS from LITTLE HOUSE on the PRAIRIE
I’m not sure if it’s Laura or Mary who is the most bookish sister, but we’re adding Laura, famously played by Melissa Gilbert from the 70s show, since she became an author.
Synopsis: Little House on the Prairie,” based on the young adult book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, was one of the most beloved shows on television when it ran from 1974 to 1983. “Little House” told the story of the Ingalls family’s life on a Minnesota farm in the late 1800s. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video
KATHLEEN KELLY from YOU’VE GOT MAIL
Kathleen Kelly is the ultimate and perhaps underestimated bookworm character. She has great knowledge about selections of books, actually reads, ends up contemplating writing a book and she owns a quaint bookshop called The Shop Around the Corner.
Synopsis: Neighborhood bookstore rivals unwittingly become e-mail pen pals in thischarming remake of The Shop Around the Corner. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Netflix; or digitally purchase this film on places like Prime Video
JO MARCH from LITTLE WOMEN
The latest adaptation of this story is the 2019 adaptation from Greta Gerwig. The film has rave reviews with many saying this is the version that understands Louisa May Alcott’s story. I do understand and respect this perspective, and can even admit it may be true, but I didn’t connect with this quite as much as other adaptations. Still, the acting is really good and Jo March is one of the delightful reader and bookworm characters. If she doesn’t read, she’s putting on creative plays and of course, writing her own stories, too!
2019 Synopsis: Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about four sisters growing up after the Civil War. – via Prime Video
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
CATHERINE MORLAND from NORTHANGER ABBEY
Imaginative is the prime word one should use to describe this underrated Jane Austen heroine. She has vivid imaginings fueled by her varied and curious reading tastes.
Synopsis: In Austen’s gentle parody of gothic fiction, Felicity Jones (Meadowlands) plays romance addict Catherine Morland. Invited to a medieval country house that appeals to her most lurid fantasies, she forms a close friendship with the younger son on the estate, Henry Tilney (JJ Field, The Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton), but their budding romance is mysteriously cut short. Adapted by Andrew Davies. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication with Masterpiece PBS; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
WILLIAM MURDOCH from MURDOCH MYSTERIES
William reads, but I cannot remember how big a role this plays in shaping his character. I do know he has a thirst to learn which is what earns him a place on this list. Plus, he’s a pretty fun character and is ahead of his time as a detective from the 1800s who invents all kinds of things to help him solve his cases. It’s been a long time since I watched this show but it was always a cute watch. This one is also coming up on 20 seasons so there is PLENTY to catch up on!
Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV; or to digitally purchase on Prime Video
RAPUZNEL from TANGLED
Another Disney heroine, Rapunzel is a bookworm who becomes so because of necessity as it’s also been the only way for her to learn and self-teach. Still, I think it’s been for the betterment of her as it has given her an imagination and interest in learning.
Synopsis: When the kingdom’s most wanted bandit is taken hostage by Rapunzel, a teen with 70 feet of golden hair who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, the unlikely duo sets off on a hair-raising escapade. – via Prime Video
Stream with Disney+; or find to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
KAT STRATFORD from 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
Kat is more than a little opinionated, which in part translates to her snobbishly spouting facts, but let’s be real, we still love her.
Synopsis: On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca the gorgeous girl of his dreams. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Disney+ or Hulu; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
WILL THACKER from NOTTING HILL
The smitten hero from Notting Hill who falls for Julia Roberts’ actress owns a bookshop so we have to include him in our character who love books or to read roundup.
Synopsis: The life of a simple bookshop owner changes when the most famous star in the world walks in his shop and buys a book. – via Prime Video
Digitally purchase this film on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy | BritBox (The Other Bennet Sister)
Have you met any of these characters? Which ones would you like to meet? How many did we neglect? What characters who have a deep love of books or reading are your favorites? What will you be reading on this fine Sunday? Let’s meet in the comments!
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fun list to put together
Such a fun list! I love how you pulled from such a wide variety.