First off, I’ll confess that I haven’t put a lot of thought into this one. It’s just a list off the top of my head. The characters mentioned below are from books that I have loved reading, not from all the books that I have read. Secondly, I’m going to imagine an ideal world where it wouldn’t be weird to date some of them who are obviously a lot older than me. Let’s pretend they’re all 20 for the time being.
1. Most Romantic – Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien)
I know I should probably justify this one. I don’t read romance at all. All the romance I have read about are generally sub-plots in a fantasy novel. Having cleared that up, let me tell launch into my explanation.
Sam has a thing for Rosie ever since the book begins and ends up marrying her after he returns from his adventures. He was too shy to do anything about it before he sets off, but he does get his happy ending after a year. It’s obvious that he often thinks of home and he remembers her in the darkest of times. He’s brave, resourceful, dutiful, extremely loyal and the perfect gentleman. Although their romance is only a minor story in the grand scheme of things, Sam will always be my hero. Ever since I have watched Peter Jackson’s movies, I really wish I were Rosie Cotton.
2. Dark and Moody Bad Boy with a Good Side – Severus Snape (Harry Potter Series – J. K. Rowling)
The character of Snape is easily the most complex character in the series. He’s a typical Slytherin who ends up becoming a Death Eater. His only redeeming quality is his love for Lily Potter. He turns away from the dark path after her death and becomes a double agent, working as Dumbledore’s inside man. He’s extremely brave and clever, but he is, by nature, dark and moody. Although he’s been cast in a bad light because of the way he treats Harry, his good side is revealed at last. I love complicated characters and he is undoubtedly the best choice for this one.
3. Paranormal Boyfriend – Nico di Angelo (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series – Rick Riordan)
I’m not sure how paranormal is defined, so I’ll assume a Son of Hades who can control the dead counts. Although Rick later reveals he’s gay, and he’s probably too young for me, I have always liked Nico. Being the son of the Lord of the Dead and losing his sister at such a young age has its toll on him. He seems perpetually sad, as if he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s mature for his age and his powers are remarkable. In my ideal world, Heroes of Olympus hasn’t come out yet. Shh!
4. Boyfriend You want to Tame – Sherlock Holmes (The Complete Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle)
It’s well-known that this detective from London with his amazing powers of deduction feels that romance is not for him. Despite modern adaptations which link him with Irene Adler, he will always be the cold, calculating bachelor that Doyle intended him to be. Bringing out his softer side would probably be an impossible task, but if it were up to me, I’d love the challenge because in all other respects, he’s just perfect. Of course I’d have get him to stop being an addict first.
5. Boy You Friend-zoned – Simon Lewis (The Mortal Instruments – Cassandra Clare)
Simon is exactly the kind of character that you wish you liked more, but just can’t. He’s smart, funny, loyal, caring, understanding and he even plays in a band. He suits the best friend part perfectly, just not the boyfriend part, in my opinion. Sorry, Simon.
6. Soul Mate – Aragorn II Elessar (The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien)
You can pretty much make out by now that this is my favourite series. He’s the first character I remember falling in love with, frequently casting myself in the role of Arwen. From Strider to King Elessar, his character shines throughout the series. A king in exile, he is a skilled Ranger, Chief of the Dunedain, unmatched in combat and the descendant of the Kings of Númenor. He wields power, but never abuses it. The fact that I liked most is that he loves Arwen and remains faithful throughout the many circumstances that keep them apart. He has the special honour of being my fantasy soulmate. (Yeah, okay, I’ll stop now.)
7. Boyfriend You Want to Elope With – Sirius Black (Harry Potter series – J. K. Rowling)
I don’t think I have to elaborate on this one. Popular at school, wrongly convicted, Animagus, skilled and handsome wizard who has a hippogriff. Need I say more?
8. Boyfriend You Would Venture Anywhere With – Carter Kane (The Kane Chronicles – Rick Riordan)
Carter has been places with his father while growing up. He adapts well and has experience surviving in different environments. He is also the host of the Egyptian god Horus. Of course I’d go anywhere with a guy like this.
9. Boyfriend You Would Want to be Stranded on a Deserted Island With – Nealan of Queenscove (Protector of the Small series – Tamora Pierce)
Neal, who is one of Kel’s closest friends and her sponsor as a page, is my pick to be stranded on an island with. He’s clever, has a healing Gift and witty. He can find humour in any situation and just can’t keep his tongue in check. He is knowledgable, having studied at the University, and often tries to discuss about topics such as philosophy and history. I’d love to listen to everything he has to say while waiting to be rescued. Coming from a wealthy and influential family, there will obviously be people out there trying to find him. Did I mention he’s incredibly good looking and a romantic at heart too?
10. Most Badass Boyfriend – Legolas Greenleaf (The Lord of the Rings series – J. R. R. Tolkien)
If you’ve read the books, and, better still, watched the movies, you know just how badass this Prince of Mirkwood is. Armed with a bow and knife, he is deadly in combat, but is kind and cares greatly for his friends. Like all Elves, he appreciates nature and is skilled at climbing trees. He also forms an unlikely friendship with a dwarf, Gimli. According to Tolkien,
“He was as tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.”
That did it for me.
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