Day 4 of Book Kaleidoscope is the freebie day,
you can create whatever bookish categories you want to feature. For me, it’s
the underappreciated secondary characters.
After having praising five ‘shinning’ male (or female) characters in Top Five Book Boy/Girl Friends, now it is fair to make room for secondary
characters to shine a bit in Book Kaleidoscope. They are not what the books are
about, but without them, perhaps our heroes/heroines won’t be what they were.
Here are my picks:
#4 Sancho Pança in Don Quixote
I loved
Sancho because he is very loveable: simple, humorous, and loyal. While Don
Quixote is absurd, Sancho is more down to earth. I think he is one of the most
interesting side-kick characters in classic literature.
Alfredo
Landa as Sancho Pança
|
#4 Major Duncan Heyward in The Last of the Mohicans
Maybe
Heyward has not the strong character of Hawkeye, although they are both white
people among Indians. However, during difficult times he proves himself to be
brave and kind. Not the real hero, but an amiable person with integrity.
Steven
Waddington as Duncan Heyward (1992)
|
#3 Mr. Edwards in Little House on the Prairie
Who would
refuse to have such a kind friend and neighbor as Mr. Edwards? He is a
bachelor, but he knows how to treat Ma Ingalls politely. But especially…..his
generous act of going through thick snow to get Laura and Mary Christmas
present, and to make their Christmas so unforgettable.
Victor
French as Mr. Edwards
|
#2 Mr. Traill in Greyfriars Bobby
Here is a
businessman who does not only think about business, but has a sense of
humanity. He provides Auld Jock a special place at his restaurant, regardless of his shabby
appearance. After Auld Jock died, Mr. Traill still provides Bobby his lunch
every day without payment. He treats everyone (including dog) equally and
always kindly.
Laurence
Naismith as Mr. Traill (1961)
|
…and the winner is…
#1 Thorpe Athelny in Of Human Bondage
Athelny is a
perfect person you would like to have as a friend. Love, joy, and affection can
always be found abundantly in him. He also cares about his friends; when Philip
is burdened with a problem, he knows instantly, and listens to him calmly
without judging. Athelny is a man who dedicates his life for others (family and
friends), and get happiness and satisfaction from it. I am pleased to pick him
as….
What are you
featuring today in Book Kaleidoscope? Or do you have any favorite unappreciated
secondary character too? Share it in the linky below!
Ahh yes. Great list. I think my favorite under appreciated side character would have to be Sonia from War and Peace. Every time she appeared I had to smile a little.
ReplyDeleteAh yes...the quiet and wise Sonia. Without her, Natasha would have been ruined. Good choice, Susanna!
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