Top 10 Best Characters from Young Adult Fiction Books

The Top Ten
1 Percy Jackson - Percy Jackson and the Olympians Perseus "Percy" Jackson is a fictional character, the title character and narrator of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series.

Although Percy Jackson and the Olympians is not the best young adult fiction ever written, the son of Poseidon is probably the most heroic teenage character ever portrayed in this genre. He is brave, bold, loyal, sarcastic, open-minded, non-angsty, and funny. Even though he has done amazing deeds, Percy Jackson is not at all arrogant. He is the epitome of an easygoing, normal kid.

I think people never properly realized what a great person Percy Jackson is because all the first books are told from his own narrative. If we could read them from someone else's perspective, then I think our love for the hero of Olympus would only rise more.

Percy is such a loyal, lovable character. It's impossible not to fall in love with him. He is charismatic, funny, and overall the perfect guy. He set my standards so high with guys it's ridiculous. He has everything: courage, humor, dorkiness, loyalty, sarcasm, selflessness, sweetness, and so many other amazing traits.

His narrative throughout the books is what draws readers in, and I'm proud to say he was and still is my first-ever book crush. The Percy Jackson and the Olympians novels introduced me to YA literature in the best way possible. He evolves through the books and becomes, I guess, a part of you as the reader. You learn from him and admire him. He definitely deserves number 1!

2 Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen is a fictional character and the protagonist of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. She is portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptation franchise.

Katniss could have lived by the Capitol's rules and lived happily ever after, but she didn't. She fought for the ones she loves and for the future, to see something bright when it was full of darkness. She fought, sacrificed herself to defend everyone, and took risks for simple things that would change their generation for the better.

And if that isn't bravery, courage, sacrifice, and all the world's focus on strength, then what is? I think courage, initiative, sacrifice, and bravery should have Katniss written as the definition.

She literally feels like a better me. I love her so much. Her sassiness is inspiring at some point, same as her great thoughts and the archery.

Why is Katniss second on all these lists? She deserves better. Katniss is the best, and I'm sorry, but I hate Percy Jackson, the character and the series. I just don't get why it's supposed to be good. The Hunger Games is what I call a great book series, or Warrior Cats, but not some prance-about little boy who likes going around pretending he's the greatest and likes saving the world.

3 Annabeth Chase - Percy Jackson and the Olympians Annabeth Chase is a daughter of Athena and one of the main characters of both the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series and the Heroes of Olympus series. She's also Percy Jackson's girlfriend and has no particular powers aside from her brains and tactics.

Does anyone else realize how similar Hermione and Annabeth are? I mean, if we're being honest, they would both be Gryffindors. They're both intellectual geniuses, and they would both sacrifice more than I can say for those they love. They are both needed in their respective series, or else everyone else would be dead. They both had to fight and work harder than most to get to the places they were in the series. They are both amazing characters, and I don't understand how Annabeth can be ranked over 10 places behind Hermione.

I think of Hermione erasing her parents' memory and Annabeth falling into Tartarus, and I want to cry.

Annabeth is the smartest book character ever, probably even more than Hermione. She always has an answer and the best plan in life-and-death situations, which happen all the time. She never left Percy's side and turned down immortality for him at Circe's island. She found the Athena Parthenon even though people had been looking for it for thousands of years. She survived Tartarus and also held up the sky.

She's much better than Hermione. She should be in the top 10.

4 Harry Potter - Harry Potter Harry James Potter is the title character of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The majority of the books' plot covers seven years in the life of the orphan Potter, who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he is a wizard.

Harry Potter wasn't the smartest or the most powerful wizard of his age. He had his faults, and that is what makes him a hero. He was human. He made mistakes. Yes, he could have been more educated, perhaps tried harder, but couldn't we then also?

Harry was a child like so many of us were, someone with whom we grew up. He was part of a completely different world than the one in which he was raised, a foretold hero. One who had suffered before he was aware of the circumstances, of the reason why. He may have not had the worst of childhoods compared to other heroines and heroes, but to us, he did. To witness his friendships and watch him mature and grow at our side is perhaps Rowling's greatest gift.

Why the hell is Harry below Katniss? I like Katniss, but she's kind of boring. I like Percy, but he is a Gary Stu. Harry is the most complex, multi-faceted main character I have ever read! Most main characters tend to be stereotypical Mary Sues and Gary Stues. Not Harry.

He's badass, he's snarky, brave, intelligent, kind, and an overall incredible character! I am shocked that he's not number one. He's practically an icon, a role model! Percy Jackson was a fun character to read about, but hardly as iconic as Harry Potter! Come on, people!

5 Hermione Granger - Harry Potter

In the movies, she was obviously cool, but she had so much more characterization in the books. She was the leader, the bravest, and most relatable - more often than Harry himself. While I like Katniss and Percy, honestly, they were kinda boring at times. They were so generic, while Hermione was incredibly interesting.

She was annoying at times but always put helping people who needed it first - SPEW, she led most of the quest for the horcruxes, she created Dumbledore's Army to help teach the other students. She was the leader the whole time, and Harry was the more famous and talented one who always ended up being the one everything major happened to.

In other series, Annabeth and Tris were interesting but still not as diverse as Hermione, and almost no one on this list grew as a character over the course of the books like she did. Percy, Harry, and Katniss are the poster children of their series, but they were honestly just not as interesting. Maybe Harry. I'm sorry, I'm a big HP fan, so this may be biased, but as someone who writes stories myself, I can say that Katniss and Percy are as generic as they come. They may be likable, but neither is good enough to be the best overall character. Not even close.

6 Hannah Baker - 13 Reasons Why

The thing that I admire about Hannah Baker is that she's real. She has a story that doesn't involve magic, powers, or weapons, but a powerful and heartbreaking story all the same. And moreover, a story that applies to so many lives at least as much as any of the other books on here. No, her story was not a happy one. She didn't end up living happily ever after with the boy she was meant to be with, but that's reality. It doesn't always happen. While I love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, etc., I am very happy that this book is so far up on the list. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend it times 1000.

Hannah, even though she killed herself, was a great character. She helped me be strong and has inspired me to never give up and to never feel hopeless.

Hannah is a character that is relatable, and even if I don't have a ton of like or respect for her, I get it. Even if I think she took the coward's way out, I highly recommend this book.

7 Augustus Waters - The Fault in Our Stars

I love the way he smiles. I love the way he talks. I love the way he loves Hazel. I love the way he says, Hazel Grace Lancaster.

He is the most adorable, lovely character I have ever read the story of, and you are unable to fail to fall in love with him. No other boy can compare to Augustus Waters!

You just fall in love with Augustus immediately. It's inevitable. Just like oblivion.

8 Jace Lightwood - Mortal Instruments

#23? Really, people? How can you not love Jace? He's funny, sarcastic, arrogant, and badass, but also has this secret vulnerability to him that he hates people to see, and he only reveals his true self to Clary. He's totally brave and nearly fearless, which I really admire in a character.

But he's secretly really selfless, which is a quality I think should be in everyone, but unfortunately, is not, because some people feel that they should put themselves first, but Jace doesn't think that. Sure, he's a bit rude and full of himself a lot of the time, but he would never let anything bad happen to the people he loves. He's a very entertaining character to read about, there'll never be a dull moment if he's there. He will always be my favorite fictional character.

I love Jace... and I don't believe that he is ranked 10? He's just so cool and funny. Even a moment full of tension could turn your face up in a smile if he's there. He has this habit of taking responsibility for everything, which makes me feel so bad for him. Nobody knows who the true Jace is except Clary, Alec, and Isabelle to some extent.

He is so good-looking, arrogant, and has killed more demons than anyone else his age. He has an attitude and he is gold all over. What more do you ask for?

9 Finnick Odair - The Hunger Games

I'm a little confused. Finnick outranked Katniss in the top ten best Hunger Games characters, but she way outranked him in this. I still vote for Finnick. I don't know how to describe him. He's not an anti-hero, he's just a flawed hero. He may seem vain and violent, but deep down he's sweet and a wonderful caretaker.

He helps Annie after she gets PTSD from the Hunger Games, and he still loves her even though she isn't like she used to be. He cares about people and he helps them. He's the best person on this list by far!

Finnick was just such a great character. I very rarely get attached to characters, but Finnick is my favorite character out of every single book I've ever read. I sobbed for two hours when he died (which kind of stunk because I was on a field trip and not even supposed to be reading). I couldn't even watch his death in the movies. I despise those stupid lizard mutts for killing him, and I will forever hold a grudge against lizards.

10 Celaena Sardothien - Throne of Glass

Celaena is definitely one of the strongest characters ever. She can knock your lights out without a problem, but she also loves to read, puppies, shopping, and chocolate. I think this is amazing! I feel like most young adult books have characters that are either really stupid and have no helpfulness, or are your stereotypical girly-girl. Alternatively, they are a stereotypical tomboy and hate all things remotely girly.

Well, most people aren't like that, and Celaena isn't either. Even though she is the most successful and feared assassin in the kingdom, she is sarcastic, sassy, badass, and just a tad bit girly. She also is totally confident in herself and doesn't need a man to tell her she is beautiful or protect her. Celaena also shows true character development unlike most YA characters (I love you Percy, but I'm looking at you). She goes through many relationships, which is way more realistic than having two dashing suitors to decide from and ending up marrying the one you pick.

The Newcomers

? Holly Hills - Diary of a Wimpy Kid
? Beatrice Leep - Hoot
The Contenders
11 Alaska Young - Looking for Alaska

She is smart, but not only in the way that she reads a lot of books, but also in the way that she thinks in ways people often don't think unless she shows them. You just have to read what she said in the books and you will realize that she is a million times smarter than you.

She is a feminist and will stand up for women's rights no matter what, even if she gets on someone's nerves. That may just encourage her. She lives her life the way she wants to and doesn't care about what others think about her. Sometimes people think too much about the future and forget that they are living in this moment, in this time, at this exact second.

She is the person in a group who comes up with the craziest ideas, but they are also the ones that make the best memories. You cannot meet Alaska and forget her later on because she has a storm that lives inside her that makes her unforgettable.

She seems like a dark secret and then she shines so bright.

"She is a hurricane."

12 Albus Dumbledore - Harry Potter Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
13 Max Ride - Maximum Ride

I love Max. Not only is she an incredible leader, but also a great friend. She supports the flock even when she disagrees with them (Nudge). She is sassy, sarcastic, and great in a fight. Max also does what she thinks is the right thing, no matter the consequences - a trait many people today lack.

Max. I really can't describe all of her. Max is one of the best-written characters I have ever read about. She is a little daredevilish. She clearly makes her own decisions and loves her family. She is the one to keep everything together.

Max is so independent and powerful, and she's only 15! She proved she doesn't need anyone to help her or her flock. To me, she is way better than Harry or Percy on so many levels. This girl is #1 on my list. P.S. Fax all the way!

14 Leo Valdez - Heroes of Olympus Leo Valdez is a major character from the book series Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. He is one of the seven heroes in the Prophecy of Seven. He is a Greek demigod and is the son of Hephaestus / Vulcan, and has the ability to create and manipulate fire (pyrokinesis).

Ok, don't get me wrong, I love Percy, but he never had to go through what Leo did. Leo is one of the funniest, saddest, loneliest characters ever, and I felt so bad for him... When Nemesis said he was the seventh wheel, the one who would never find a place, when Calypso said he was a mistake... Leo had every reason to fall apart and become broken on the inside and out, but instead, he put on a brave face and covered everything up with humor. And although at first he was never considered a hero by the demigods the way Jason or Percy were, he did some things they didn't that deserve remembering. He went through fire and death (literally!) to come back for Calypso, and [SPOILER] ended up being the one to die at the end. He's a genius! Who built the Argo II? Who repaired Festus? Who did the impossible, coming back from the Underworld to help Calypso? Leo is the most relatable and lovable seventh wheel for all of us.

15 Nico Di Angelo - Percy Jackson and the Olympians Nico di Angelo is a fictional character created by Rick Riordan. He appears in Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Hero of Olympus, and parts of Trials of Apollo. As a son of Hades, the boy is a demigod. He befriended Percy and had many roles in his long time appearance including stopping Minos, fighting Titans, traveling back and forth camps and during the war with Gaea he had to transport the Athena... read more

I LOVE NICO! How on earth is he so low on this list? He deserves a much higher spot, and he is underrated in many other ways! I adore Solangelo, and The Sun and the Star was, I kid you not, life-changing. He deserves a much higher spot on this list!

I am glad to see Nico on this list. He was a character I related to and still do. He is realistic, has his flaws, and is a very interesting person. Why is a girl who killed herself above him, the hell?

I love the darkness and torture Nico goes through and the fact that no matter how bad things get for him, he still helps his friends save the world.

16 Connor Lassiter - Unwind Dystology

Connor Lassiter is a funny, moral, Percy-esque character. Unlike other dystopian characters (I'm looking at you, Tris), Connor, Risa, and all the Unwind characters aren't rip-offs. I can be satisfied with him being #14, and Risa at #27. But, read the books - they're funny.

17 Newt - Maze Runner

Newt deserved so much better! (Warning, spoilers below). He is to me, and I think to everyone else as well, so much more than a fictional character. He had feelings for everyone, he cared for many people, and he was respected by all of his friends.

He was innocent, he had a family that cared for him, and he never got to remember his sister. He deserved a life as a normal human being just like everyone else, even though he wasn't immune. He was one of, if not the, most real characters I think in the book. He is a great leader, people really looked up to him, and he was a great role model for everyone. He deserved so much more. I think every Newt fan will agree!

Newt is so much more than a fictional character! He is a boy with a soft heart, he is considerate and kind! He is the Glue that holds all the Gladers together, but also because people always grow attached to him! Like how can you not love Newt? Such a sweet character who cares for everyone but himself!

Newt is sensitive and after all, he is not a hero. He has weaknesses like all normal people, that's why we can all relate to him so easily! Newt for me is not a fictional character. He is a person... And the best role model you are looking for in a book. Basically, there are no words to describe how amazing he is! Most importantly, Newt will always be there for you. He will always be your friend... No matter what.

18 Katsa - Graceling

Katsa carried a girl on her back through a passage that no other hero survived. She endured for miles despite frostbite, exhaustion, and fatigue.

Katsa blatantly refuses marriage to a respected nobleman - a prospect many girls would desire. She rested her case with her opposition to marriage even when she found love.

Katsa stood up against the most powerful man in her kingdom, who happened to be her despised uncle - the very person who molded her into a killer.

When her allies told her to kill a whole troop of guards, Katsa refused. Instead, she put them to sleep by knocking them out in less than a minute.

Katsa traveled the world to fight a king who had nothing to do with her, all for the sake of a stranger and his half-dead grandfather.

The list goes on. All of this to say that Katsa is the most brave, selfless, and strong character of YA fiction. She shows determination, strength, and resilience in situations where no one else would. She even chooses to spend the rest of her life teaching defenseless girls how to defend themselves. What more could anyone ask for?

19 Peeta Mellark - The Hunger Games

Many people really miss the essence of Peeta when they read this series. Contrary to popular belief, you see someone who is not ordinary and useless. You see a person who takes beatings to feed another kid. Tris is selfless, I will say that, but I personally think Peeta is more selfless. He always wanted Katniss to live even if he didn't. Not many characters are that selfless.

He may not have sacrificed himself like Harry or Tris, but he was willing to do so multiple times. I personally think he should be high on the list.

Peeta is so kind and thoughtful. Instead of putting himself first, he puts the needs of those he loves in front of his own. I just don't understand how anyone can dislike him.

How can you go wrong with a charismatic guy like Peeta? He deals with trauma and is always there in the ways a supporting character should be.

20 Suze Simon - The Mediator

I love Susannah, the badass girl who ain't afraid of no one. And I am hopelessly head over heels in love with Jesse Da Silva.

21 Effie Trinket - The Hunger Games

Effie has a wonderful sense of fashion. It would be so fun to be her for Halloween!

22 Finn - Incarceron

Finn is a good guy in his heart of hearts and was thrown into a hellhole that is perceived as paradise from the outside.

23 Mia Hall - If I Stay; Where She Went

She's a great role model to look up to in both the performing arts and as an older sibling. As an older sibling, I look up to her as she loves her brother so much and cares for him in every way possible. Her story is a tragic, beautiful, and amazing story that will make you weep buckets and pull at your heartstrings.

Mia Hall is going through hard times but still manages to excel at her cello playing. I'd love to have a strong friend like her to confide in, to ask for advice, and just hear her play (if she really existed). She really sounds like someone I'd really like.

She's thoughtful and intelligent. I cried buckets of tears when I read her story.

24 Grover Underwood - Percy Jackson and the Olympians

The funniest sidekick ever. He's always there for you and cares even about the littlest things. If you're hurt, he'll make you better. If you're alone, he'll be there for you.

If you don't like Grover, then you, my friend, have a damn problem.

No one can match this goat, and ping-pong balls and cheese wiz doesn't sound all too bad...

25 Aaron Warner - Shatter Me Trilogy

In starting Shatter Me, I was actually rooting for Adam. Then this guy shows up, with his amazing personality, his perfect lines, and did I mention good looks? I like how he developed throughout the trilogy and he makes people believe that everything is not what it seems - there are millions of sides to a certain story.

He has jagged edges, but that just makes him even more amazing. He can get angry, he can be selfish, but in the end, we all are. I love how he's so humane, yet somehow seemingly unattainable. He's also fashionable.

You don't know how happy I was to see Aaron on this list! I think I fell in love with a book character.

Can someone be sassy, fashionable, and stunning so much so that you fall in love through pages? Meet Aaron Warner.

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