This is a really tough one for me, because as anyone who is familiar with me (or has read all my info) knows, I'm a huge bookworm. I have been ever since kindergarten when I taught myself to read. To nail this down to one singular character would be near impossible, so I'm just going to focus on the one I keep coming back to; the character of Stargirl, from Jerry Spinelli's book of the same name.
Stargirl has always been a huge influence to me (both the book and the character.) I've reread that book more times than I can count throughout my life (as I tend to do with ones I really like) my copy is getting a little battered.
I think one of the things that I admire most is her outlook on life; she is just a very free, positive, mellow person. She's pretty weird, and that's something that people don't like or understand, but she doesn't let their reactions openly get to her. She tries to see the good in and be nice to each person she meets, whether they necessarily deserve it or not. (That's a pretty tough one for me, but something I'm trying to work on.) She also has a way of making people are hidden truths about themselves and making them really THINK about things. That's the type of person I want to be; I want to let things roll off my shoulders. I want to be able to say, "you know what, you're a sucky person, but I'm not buying into it." I want to help people be who they REALLY are.
Oh, and it's also pretty cool that she has a pet rat. I've almost exhausted my Batman namesakes, so I think when we get new ratties they'll be named for famous literary rats. First up will be Cinnamon.
If you guys have a few spare hours, I'd love for you to pick up a copy of Stargirl and tell me what you think of it. If you're not really a reading-type of person, don't fret—its a quick easy read. If you're a seasoned bibliophile, I think you'll find the simple-but-deep storyline endearing. Just an all around good pitch for everyone.
@charmaine