From feisty and exuberant to outright peculiar, these ten book characters jump off the pages of your favourite books to provide you with the first-class entertainment during this festive season.
Contents
- Daisy Miller (Daisy Miller by Henry James)
- Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing (The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde)
- Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries by Helen Fielding)
- Reginald Jeeves (My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse)
- Isabella Thorpe (Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen)
- Don Quixote (Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes)
- Charley Davidson (First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones)
- Oswald Cornelius (My Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl)
- Katherina Minola (The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare)
Daisy Miller (Daisy Miller by Henry James)
For Daisy Miller, the world is her oyster. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, this young American heiress likes to travel around Europe as a part of her cultural education. She is a tiresome flirt making the most of her striking looks and incredible confidence. At times, her naivety, ignorance and childlike behaviour raise a few eyebrows in high society. However, what she lacks in sophistication, she makes up for in ‘natural elegance’.
Added Bonus: Your male guests will certainly enjoy the company of this charming young lady.
A Word of caution: Don’t be surprised if Daisy is given the cold shoulder from female guests for obvious reasons.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonAlgernon Moncrieff and John Worthing (The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde)
Meet Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing — two wealthy Londoners who are bound by deception and secrets. In their desperate attempt to avoid burdensome social conventions, the gentlemen switch their fictitious identities by escaping to the countryside and back to London. When plotting and scheming become their second nature, both friends become inextricably entangled in a web of lies. Nevertheless, these fun-loving bachelors will certainly dazzle your guests with their charisma, witty banter and keen sense of humour.
Added Bonus: You might overhear them devising their next grand scheme.
A Word of caution: This duo does not conform to social standards.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonBridget Jones (Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries by Helen Fielding)
When a 40-something singleton, who ‘drinks like a fish and smokes like a chimney’ arrives at the party, you know you’re in for a good night out! Having had her fair share of heartbreaks, this savvy Londoner might entertain other book characters with her rollercoaster dating experience in the 21st century. Despite her special talent for embarrassing herself at social gatherings, Bridget Jones still remains an irrepressibly endearing soul, who is guaranteed to be a hit with both males and females.
Added Bonus: Having been weight-obsessed for quite some time, Bridget will happily swap some diet tips.
A Word of caution: You might want to lock up you liquor supplies
Buy it on AmazonReginald Jeeves (My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse)
Reginald Jeeves is no ordinary butler. His cool, unflinching facade, impeccable manners and ability to resolve precarious situation at the drop of a hat makes him one of the most indispensable valets in England. And the fact that his loyalty lies with his ‘idle rich’ master Bertie Wooster, does not necessarily make him less discreet either. Rest assured, whatever is said over a glass of whisky will remain behind closed doors.
Added Bonus: If you play your cards right, he might even serve your dinner
A Word of caution: Prone to embarrassments while intoxicated
Buy it on AmazonIsabella Thorpe (Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen)
One of the most ambitious characters in Austen’s world, Isabella Thorpe represents an ironic caricature of superficiality in Victorian society. On her quest to secure the most advantageous marriage for herself, she has been known to be courted by several gentlemen at the same time. Yet, despite her scheming and self-serving motives, this charming villainess will draw upon her inexhaustible fund of sharp humour to entertain your literary guests.
Added Bonus: An expert at word games.
A Word of caution: Isabella might steal your thunder.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonDon Quixote (Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes)
This original bumbling knight gained the worldwide popularity thanks to his delusional pursuit of ideals. Deeply influenced by the concept of chivalry and with nothing else to lose, an impoverished Spanish nobleman sets off on his quest accompanied by his ignorant squire Sancho. As the thrilling adventure turns into a series of epic failures, Don Quixote’s vivid imagination slowly drives him to madness. However, one thing you can be sure of is that this eccentric old man will charm your guests with both gallantry and utter silliness.
Added Bonus: Adventurers at heart will not be able to get enough of his own stories.
A Word of caution: Do not mention the windmills!
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonCharley Davidson (First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones)
A part-time investigator and a full-time grim reaper, Charley Davidson is possibly the most intriguing fictional character you can invite to your Christmas party. A woman of many talents, she has been blessed with the most precious gift of all — the ability to see the dead. Dealing with earthbound spectres, who seek the revenge for their untimely death, on a daily basis, this seasoned ghost whisperer ultimately helps them to cross over into the light. Charley’s unconventional line of work is bound to generate some interest among other partiers, who will be eager to hear her stories from beyond the grave.
Added Bonus: This book character might provide first-class entertainment through a live séance.
A Word of caution: A blunt vacant stare which lasts over a minute is never a good sign! You might find people leaving the party a little earlier than expected!
Buy it on AmazonOswald Cornelius (My Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl)
Oswald Cornelius has been called many names by many people — a rapscallion, a fornicator, a scoundrel – just to name but a few. Having discovered a source of great wealth, this irresistibly attractive young man wields a lethal combination of male magnetism, which, he is genuinely convinced, would be a sin not to put to a good use! Sometimes, the scandalous bon vivant, whose entire existence is dedicated to decadence and dissipation, likes to indulge in the memories of his youth.
Added Bonus: If you are seeking an unconventional way to add a spark to your party, this flamboyant character should be the first on your guest list.
A Word of caution: Gentlemen, hold on to your ladies and refuse any insect-based drugs.
Buy it on AmazonKatherina Minola (The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare)
If your party turns into a battle of wits, this book character will become an invaluable asset to your team. Born in Italian city of Padua, this headstrong and hot-tempered young lady is married away against her will to a self-proclaimed shrew-tamer, who tries to break her spirit through emotional abuse. A rebel at heart, acid-tongued Katherine despises sexist remarks and does not shy away from expressing her disagreement with patriarchal culture and female obedience.
Added Bonus: Katherina will gain an instant seal of approval from other female characters.
A Word of caution: Misogynistic jokes are off the menu
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonStella
Stella is a Marketing Consultant and has been writing content for Full Text Archive since 2015. When she is not writing, she is meticulously planning our social and e-mail campaigns. Stella holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Russian Literature, which has provided a broad foundation from which she continues to explore the written world.
She spends her free time reading, visiting old castles and discovering new coffee shops. She can be reached at stella