When crafting male characters in literary fiction, skilled writers know how to make readers’ hearts beat fast. Whether he is the bad boy, the protagonist with a broken past, a gentleman, or a protector, readers form an instant connection with these male personas.
Consequently, many literary fictions include attractive male characters that have garnered cult-like followings. Here are some of the recommendations for such swoon-worthy male characters.
#1 Gilbert Blythe from Anne Of Green Gables
About The Book:
Title: Anne of Green Gables
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Genre: Coming of age, Romance, Comedy Fiction
Publisher: Vintage Children’s Classics
Pages: 496
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
It narrates the story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan sent to live with an old pair of siblings – the Cuthberts, on Green Gables farm in the small Canadian town of Avonlea. Anne is friendly, intelligent, chatty, and highly inventive. The story is set in the late 19th century and thus recounts how Anne makes her way through life with the Cuthberts in school. Being a top scholar at the Queen’s Academy, Anne is presented with a beautiful opportunity. However, an unexpected tragedy brings her to the most significant turning point.
Why Do We Recommend This Book?
The character of Gilbert Blythe starts as a cheeky classmate of Anne’s who makes fun of her red hair but evolves into a man who genuinely supports and loves her. He has a boyish charm and a kind and compassionate personality. On the whole, the story leaves you wishing he was real.
To Buy/ Gift Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery:
#2 Wolf (a.k.a. Zeev Kesley) from Scarlet
About The Book:
Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Dystopian
Publisher: Square Fish
Pages: 512
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
Cinder – the cyborg mechanic, is trying to break out of prison. Moreover, she is the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. Scarlet doesn’t know many things about her grandmother. When she comes across Wolf, a street fighter, she loathes to trust this stranger but is also drawn to him. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder.
Why Do We Recommend This Book?
The character of Zeev Kesley, or Wolf, was primarily portrayed as vague. He showed little confidence in himself. But his development in the book proves otherwise. He becomes warmer around people, showing compassion. Above all, he is willing to protect the ones that he is close with. His character surely reflects loyalty and devotion.
To Buy/ Gift Scarlet by Marissa Meyer:
#3 Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride And Prejudice
Title: Pride And Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Comedy
Publisher: T Egerton, Whitehall
Pages: 328
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
It revolves around the blooming relationship between Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth is the daughter of a country gentleman, while Darcy is an aristocratic landowner. It is set in rural England. The story follows the Bennet family, which comprises five distinct sisters, all of whom their mother is keen to see suitably married. Despite initial friction and prejudices, Elizabeth eventually accepts Darcy’s marriage proposal.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
Without including English Literature’s favorite leading male, Fitzwilliam Darcy, this list would be incomplete. At first, he comes off as arrogant and proud, but we see him evolve into a caring and sensitive gentleman. He develops a quiet love for Elizabeth Bennet, and how he pursues her makes our hearts swoon.
To Buy/Gift Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen:
#4 Tobius Eaton (a.k.a. Four) from Divergent
About the Book:
Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 496
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Divergent follows the story of Beatrice or Tris in a new dystopian world. In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of war, humankind broke into five different factions – Erudite, Amity, Candor, Abnegation, and Dauntless. Thus, Tris decides to leave her family and join the faction of brave-hearted – Dauntless. Now that Tris tries to fit in the new fiction, she struggles to figure out who she is and who her real friends are.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
The male lead of this title, Tobias Eaton or Four, oozes mystery throughout the plot. He surely has an appeal between his fighting skills and somewhat dismissive personality. He is protective, brave, intelligent, and handsome. Additionally, how he looks out for Tris makes him a perfect heartthrob.
To Buy/Gift Divergent by Veronica Roth:
#5 Valek from Poison Study
About the Book:
Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 416
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
This is a tantalizing tale about Yelena. About to be executed for murder, she is given the chance to live, but she must decide whether her life is worth living, considering all the heartaches she has been through. She has been appointed the Commander’s new food taster, and every meal could be her last. In such a situation, she must decide whether to stay loyal or flee to freedom.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
The character of Valek is not likable at first. He’s strict, blunt, and seems uncaring. An air of mystery surrounds him. However, his feelings for Yelena develop subtly and over time. As the plot advances, his actions prove that he will risk his job and life for the people he loves.
To Buy/Gift Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder:
#6 Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion
About the Book:
Title: Persuasion
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Romance, Young Adult Fiction, Classic Literature
Publisher: John Murray
Pages: 256
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Persuasion narrates the story of a second chance, the reawakening of love between Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth. Eight years earlier, he made a marriage proposal to her, which a well-wisher persuaded her not to accept. Soon, Wentworth returns from war with money and social acceptability. He is now an eligible suitor, acceptable to Anne’s snobbish father. As the plot advances, Anne discovers the continuing strength of her love for him. Will they both be able to overcome all the hurdles and unite after so many years?
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
Frederick Wentworth loves Anne even eight years later. Still, he does not pursue her again until it is certain she returns his feelings as well. He reflects a firm mindset, and his patience shows that his love extends beyond himself. He wants the person he loves to be genuinely happy, even if it means he must make sacrifices. Undeniably he is one of the best literary male character in classic literature.
To Buy/Gift Persuasion by Jane Austen:
#7 Romeo from Romeo And Juliet
About The Book:
Title: Romeo And Juliet
Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Tragedy, Romance
Publisher: John Danter
Pages: 95
Goodreads rating: 3.7/5
An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A young lovesick Romeo falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet. Juliet, with the help of her nurse, arranges to marry Romeo the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s cousin, for which Romeo is banished. In an attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet fakes her death. Eventually, believing Juliet is dead, Romeo kills himself. On finding Romeo dead, Juliet also kills herself. Thus it’s a tragic love story.
Why Do We Recommend This Book?
Romeo is initially presented as a comic lover with inflated declarations of love for Rosaline. After meeting Juliet, he abandoned the tropes of a traditional lover and became more intense and genuinely passionate about Juliet. His love story is tragic but a passion so kindling that it is talked of even today.
To Buy/Gift Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare:
#8 Augustus Waters from Fault In Our Stars
About the Book:
Title: Fault In Our Stars
Author: John Green
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 313
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Hazel is reluctant to go to the support group, but she soon realizes it is a good idea. She meets a young boy named Augustus Waters. He is charming and witty. Augustus has had osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Hazel and Augustus embark on a roller coaster ride of emotions, including love, sadness, and romance, while searching for the author of their favorite book. They travel to Amsterdam, where Augustus breaks some heartbreaking news to Hazel, and their worlds fall apart.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
The male lead Augustus Waters charms the reader from the very first page with his crooked smile and leather jacket. His sacrifices for Hazel so she can visit Amsterdam make him deserve a spot on the list of best literary men. His selfless love for Hazel will stay in the heart of readers forever.
To Buy/Gift Fault In Our Stars by John Green:
#9 Edward Rochester from Jane Eyre
About the Book:
Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Bildungsroman
Publisher: Smith, Elder, and Co.
Pages: 536
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
The novel follows the story of Jane, a seemingly plain and straightforward girl who battles through life’s struggles. Jane indeed has many obstacles in her life – her cruel Aunt Reed, the grim conditions at Lowood school, her love for Rochester, and Rochester’s marriage to Bertha. However, Jane overcomes these obstacles through her determination, sharp wit, and courage. The novel ends with Jane married to Rochester with children of their own.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
Edward Rochester is a classic heartthrob, controversially. Despite his mysterious lies, he is still painted as a good man. He acknowledges and admires Jane’s intelligence and strength. He cares for his young ward, though he is not obligated to. His conflicted nature and ultimate decision to do the right thing earn him a spot as one of the best literary male characters.
To Buy/Gift Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte:
#10 Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games
About the Book:
Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: N/A
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
It is written from the perspective of 16-year-old Katniss, who lives in the future, post-apocalyptic nation of Panem in North America. The Capitol, a highly advanced metropolis, exercises political control over the rest of the country. Basically, The Hunger Games is an annual event in which one boy and one girl aged 12-18 from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death.
Why Do We Recommend this Book?
Finnick Odair is a charming person with a tragic past. He loves more profoundly than anyone else in the series – definitely one of the best literary male characters in thriller fiction. His love for Annie, his self-sacrificing nature, and his overall journey in the plot make readers fall in love with him.
To Buy/Gift The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:
These characters allow the novels to stand the test of time and draw us in. I hope you enjoyed reading about these swoon-worthy characters as much as I did.
That is all for the recommendations for Best Literary Male Characters worth falling in love with.
| 1 | Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery | Buy Now |
| 2 | Scarlet by Marissa Meyer | Buy Now |
| 3 | Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen | Buy Now |
| 4 | Divergent by Veronica Roth | Buy Now |
| 5 | Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder | Buy Now |
| 6 | Persuasion by Jane Austen | Buy Now |
| 7 | Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare | Buy Now |
| 8 | Fault In Our Stars by John Green | Buy Now |
| 9 | Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte | Buy Now |
| 10 | The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Buy Now |
Read every book on this list. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
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Disclosure: All our recommendations are honest; most importantly, some links in this post are affiliate links (i.e.) we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we recommend.
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