1

Huckleberry Finn

Image: Pedro Forester Da Silva

Mark Twain has given us some of the most iconic characters in our country's literature, and Huckleberry Finn is one of them.

He stole our hearts as the main character of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), where his experiences and charm made him unforgettable. Adventurous, independent, rebellious (rightly so), and very smart, "Huck," as he is called in the novel, surprises us with reflections and critiques on the society of his time.

Huck not only escapes an abusive home but also makes an incredible journey down the Mississippi River in search of freedom. Along the way, he forms deep connections with those he meets, making it impossible not to feel attached to him.

2

Atticus Finch

Image: Scott Graham

When discussing classics of American literature, it is impossible not to include in the list the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee.

And if there's one thing this novel has to offer, it's some unforgettable characters. At the center of it all is none other than Atticus Finch. Atticus is described as an honorable lawyer with a profound commitment to justice and equality, serving as a moral beacon in a society defined by its lack of both. He always stands up for his principles , even when they go against the dominant norms.

One of his most iconic lines in the novel is a phrase that defines him very well: "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

3

Holden Caulfield

Image: Hiroyoshi Urushima

J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye (1951) is undoubtedly a landmark of American literature. And one name that has stayed with us forever is Holden Caulfield, the novel's unforgettable protagonist.

With his characteristic red hat , Holden Caulfield is the definitive teenager: rebellious, curious, somewhat cynical , selfish, and mischievous. As he roams New York City after being expelled from several prep schools, we are witnesses of his intense and often smartly critical thoughts and experiences. However, despite his disillusionment with the world, Holden demonstrates a deep sensitivity .

4

Jay Gatsby

Image: Hardini Lestari

Published almost 100 years ago, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925) has become one of our classics , portraying life during the Roaring Twenties and inspiring many film adaptations. Jay Gatsby, with his ambition, idealism, and charisma, gets all the attention in this novel as an enigmatic character who is proof of the majesty of its author.

Much like Dante's Beatrice, the character of Daisy Buchanan inspires in Jay Gatsby an almost obsessive love that drives him to make key decisions and take powerful actions throughout the novel. It is this passion that fuels his rise to wealth and eventually leads to his downfall.

5

Tom Sawyer

Image: Lawrence Chismorie

Endlessly reproduced in other art forms, Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is one of the most representative characters of American literature.

The first and most famous book featuring the Missouri boy is, of course, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), but we also see him in the sequel named after his friend, a character we have already talked about: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884).

Despite his mischievous nature and penchant for getting into trouble with his tricks and pranks, Tom is a clever and independent boy who constantly seeks out new adventures.

6

Scarlett O'Hara

Image: Lizelle De Wit

Gone with the Wind (1936) by Margaret Mitchell is a title everyone has heard of, whether you've read the book or not. Its characters have also become famous beyond the pages of this iconic novel.

One of them is none other than Scarlett O'Hara, the central character of this story. The novel portrays the American South during and after the Civil War , where Scarlett O'Hara, shaped by her circumstances, appears as a self-centered and spoiled character. However, as the story progresses, Scarlett evolves, showcasing her tenacity , determination, and protective spirit when she sets her mind to something. You probably remember the iconic line, "Tomorrow is another day."

7

Dean Moriarty

Image: Rémi Jacquaint

A fundamental member of the so-called Beat Generation , Jack Kerouac gifted us with one of the most famous novels in American literature: On the Road , published in 1957.

One of his most remembered characters is Dean Moriarty, who was based on a real person , Neal Cassady, a close friend of the author. Moriarty embodies some of the most outstanding characteristics of the Beat Generation, portraying an enthusiastic, adventurous, free-spirited, energetic, and charismatic character. With such a personality, it's no surprise that Dean Moriarty creates unforgettable moments and becomes an important figure in the story.

8

Hester Prynne

Image: Chris LaBarge

Hester Prynne, from Nathaniel Hawthorne's acclaimed novel The Scarlet Letter (1850), is undeniably one of the earliest and most significant female characters in our country's literature.

Hester defies the norms of her time by having an illegitimate child, making her a target of dramatic criticism and punishment from her contemporaries. Set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, the story unfolds in a society defined by strict rules and oppression. In this context, Hester Prynne appears as a strong woman who endures the severe judgment of her time with courage.

Despite her harsh circumstances, Hester Prynne is described as a powerful, dignified, and empathetic character with extraordinary sensitivity.

9

Santiago

Image: Anastasiya Chervinska

Another undisputed classic is Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea , published in 1952.

Santiago is the central character in this novel, which explores various aspects of the human condition in depth. Santiago, the old man of the title, is a fisherman who has gone many days without catching a single fish. Faced with diverse challenges and, above all, his own physical limitations , Santiago is described as a strong character of great constancy , dignity, and resilience who has a strong bond with the sea and its mysteries.

The character's perseverance shines through in his battle with the giant marlin , which stands as one of the most important moments in this story.

10

Ishmael

Image: Richard Sagredo

Continuing our journey along the sea, let's talk about one of the most iconic narrators in American literature: Ishmael. His name is perpetuated in the very first line of Herman Melville's great novel, Moby-Dick (1851). Who could forget the iconic opening: "Call me Ishmael" ?

Ishmael serves as the first-person narrator of one of the most memorable tales in literature, a sailor distinguished by his profound, analytical, and reflective personality.

Though he shares few details about his background or appearance, Ishmael masterfully narrates the events aboard Captain Ahab's whaling ship , giving us a unique perspective on the events.

1

Marlon Brando

Image: Trailer screenshottrailer at IMDB, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Marlon Brando was one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, admired for his talent, charisma, and unforgettable roles. He won his first Oscar for On the Waterfront (1954), but things took a very different turn with his second win. When The Godfather earned him another Academy Award in 1972, Brando refused to attend and sent a Native American representative in his place, using the moment to protest Hollywood’s mistreatment and misrepresentation of Indigenous peoples.

2

Tom Cruise

Image: Gabriel Hutchinson Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Like many of the actors on this list, Tom Cruise is a global icon whose career has earned him three Golden Globes: Best Actor for Jerry Maguire (1996), Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July (1989), and Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia (1999). But in 2021, he made headlines for a very different reason: he returned all three awards. According to reports, Cruise did so as a protest against the ethics and lack of diversity within the organization behind the Globes.

3

Woody Allen

Image: Andreas Tai, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Woody Allen is known for refusing to participate in awards season, despite earning many nominations throughout his career. With around 24 Academy Award nominations, he has attended virtually none of the ceremonies. He has won four Oscars, but he never went to pick them up, though he did not decline or return them. And it’s not just the Oscars: Allen rarely attends any award ceremonies, including the Golden Globes.

4

George C. Scott

Image: Directed by Stanley Kubrick, distributed by Columbia Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

George C. Scott was one of Hollywood’s great classic stars, celebrated for his powerful work on both stage and screen. And he was also the first actor in history to refuse an Oscar. Not only did he decline nominations for The Hustler (1961) and The List of Adrian Messenger (1963), but he also rejected the Best Actor award he won for Patton (1970). Scott believed that each performance is too unique to be ranked against another, and that art should never be treated like a competition. What do you think?

5

Dolly Parton

Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Dolly_Parton_with_guitar.jpg

Actors aren’t the only ones who turn down awards; musicians do it too. One of them is Dolly Parton, who has declined more than just music honors. She was selected three times for the Presidential Medal of Freedom and turned it down each time. The first two refusals were during the pandemic, and the third came from her concern that accepting might seem politically partisan. In addition, in 2022, she also declined a nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, saying she hadn’t yet "earned that right."

6

Katharine Hepburn

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios; Restored by Adam Cuerden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The incredible Katharine Hepburn won four Oscars! But she never showed up to collect a single one. She always sent someone else to accept them on her behalf. In fact, she only attended the Oscars once, and it wasn’t to receive an award but to present one. When asked why she stayed away, she summed it up perfectly: "Awards are nothing; my reward is my work."

7

Julie Andrews

Image: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Born in the United Kingdom, Julie Andrews is adored by Americans for many reasons, including the unforgettable films, such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965). But beyond her cinematic gems, she also built a remarkable career in theater. In 1996, she received a Tony nomination for her role in Victor/Victoria , and chose to decline it. Why? Because she was the only member of the entire cast and production recognized, and she simply didn’t think that was fair.

8

Will Smith

Image: photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

In the late 80s, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff won the first-ever Grammy for Best Rap Performance. But when they learned that their category wouldn’t be televised, they chose to boycott the 1989 Grammy Awards in protest. They didn’t turn down the award itself, but their stand made an impact: the following year, the rap category was broadcast on air, finally receiving the same visibility as the others.

9

Sinéad O'Connor

Image: Globe photo/Dave Shea, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sinéad O'Connor was world-famous, and in America, we remember her mainly for the unforgettable hit "Nothing Compares 2 U." As a passionate activist, she carried her convictions into her career choices, which led her to turn down her Grammy nomination. She specifically asked that her name be withdrawn, arguing that the Grammys were too commercial and rewarded popularity over ethics, artistry, and musical integrity.

10

Nick Cave

Image: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Australian artist Nick Cave declined his nomination for Best Male Artist at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. He even sent a formal letter asking that his name be withdrawn, famously saying: "My muse is not a horse, and I am not in any horse race."

1

Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee

Image: MediaEcke

At his Neverland ranch, the King of Pop had his own zoo with exotic animals such as exotic birds, an albino python, two tigers named Thriller and Sabu, and even an elephant, a gift from Liz Taylor. But by far, Michael Jackson’s favorite pet was Bubbles, a chimpanzee he introduced as his son and followed him everywhere.

You‘re probably wondering what happened to Bubbles, right? Well, you'll be glad to know that the 41-year-old chimpanzee now leads a quiet and normal life. He lives at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, where he pursues unique hobbies such as painting. Surely, Michael would be happy to see his beloved pet living a nice retirement.

2

Audrey Hepburn’s fawn deer

Image: Jen Dries

The mythical actress Audrey Hepburn had one of the most unique pets in Hollywood history: a baby deer named Pippin. This beautiful and gentle animal seems to match perfectly with the grace and elegance of the actress who captivated the hearts of fans around the world, don't you think?

Hepburn met Pippin in 1958 during the filming of Green Mansions and fell in love at first sight. The actress adopted the fawn and brought it to her Beverly Hills home, where it quickly made friends with Mr. Famous, the family dog.

3

Elvis Presley’s kangaroo

Image: Iván Lojko

Throughout his life, the King of Rock and Roll kept several pets at his beloved Graceland. But did you know one of them was a kangaroo? Yes, exactly! In addition to horses, dogs, a chimpanzee named Scatter, birds, and a squirrel monkey, Elvis had a kangaroo given to him by his agent Lee Gordon in 1957. Elvis tried to train it, but when he eventually failed, he gave it to the Memphis Zoo.

4

Melanie Griffith’s (many) lions, tigers, and cheetahs

Image: Glen Carrie

When Melanie Griffith was a teenager, her mother, the famous actress Tippi Hedren, decided to make a film about endangered lions. An animal trainer warned her that if she wanted to learn more about these felines, she had to "live with them for a while".

So the whole family moved to a ranch in California and adopted cheetahs, tigers, cougars, and lions. What was supposed to be a five-week shoot turned into five years. On one occasion, Melanie was attacked by a lion, resulting in over 50 stitches and reconstructive surgery on her face. The experience was so negative that the actresses now advocate for a ban on the exotic cat trade.

5

George Clooney's Vietnamese pot-bellied pig

Image: Jez Timms

Did you know that George Clooney once had a pet pig? In 1988, his then-girlfriend, actress Kelly Preston, gave him a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig as a gift. The animal grew to 300 lbs and lived with the Hollywood star for 18 years.

But that's not all! In 1994, when the infamous Northridge Earthquake that caused 72 deaths, 12,000 injuries, and $25 billion in losses hit Los Angeles, Max saved his owner's life. Clooney claims he was born again that day and will be forever grateful to his furry friend.

6

Reese Witherspoon’s donkeys

Image: Erwan Hesry

Reese Witherspoon is a big fan of animals. Owner of an entire farm, she tends to at least three dogs, two piglets, twenty chickens, three goats, and a pony.

But her most famous pets are Honky and Tonky, two incredible miniature donkeys that she and her children play with frequently.

7

Nicolas Cage’s albino cobras

Image: Anilsharma26

Nicolas Cage is well known for his bold and eccentric personality, both on and off the screen. He has a passion for exotic animals, so it's no wonder he once adopted two albino cobras —one of the rarest and most venomous snakes in the world— as pets.

Despite spending tens of thousands of dollars on them, his love for these rare reptiles caused him major legal and safety challenges, forcing him to reconsider his decision. Ultimately, he decided to send them to a professional wildlife center, ensuring they received the best care.

8

Paris Hilton’s kinkajou

Image: Aramburu Carlos, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Paris Hilton is known for her extravagant lifestyle. In addition to lavish mansions, closets full of designer clothes and shoes, and expensive jewelry, the hotel heiress invests much of her fortune in pets. That's how, in 2005, she adopted a kinkajou she named Baby Luv.

You're probably wondering what a kinkajou even is. Kinkajous are wild mammals native to the rainforest, relatives of raccoons and coatis. Their large, round eyes and playful nature make them seem like ideal pets, but in reality, they shouldn't be taken out of the wild. Paris learned this the hard way: the animal bit her arm, and she had to be hospitalized. After the incident, the socialite had to relocate Baby Luv to a wildlife sanctuary.

9

Miley Cyrus’ pig

Image: Forest Simon

Miley Cyrus is a well-known animal advocate who collaborates directly with PETA. She has a home farm where she lives with seven dogs, two horses, two ponies, several cats, and until 2019, a pig.

Of all her companions, Pig Pig was the recurring star on the singer's Instagram account. Miley adopted her in August 2014 after her dog, Floyd, died. Sadly, five years later, Miley had to share some bad news with her thousands of followers: "Very sad to say... my dear friend Pig Pig has passed away," she wrote.

10

Mike Tyson’s tiger

Image: Alicia Chong

The famous boxer Mike Tyson kept a considerable number of big cats as pets. But his favorite was a female Bengal tiger he named Kenya. They lived together for almost two decades, and it was amazing to see him next to the 550-pound animal. The former champion was in charge of feeding her, they walked together, and she even slept in his bed.

Tyson was never afraid of animals considered dangerous. But when the tiger began to age, it became too risky to keep her in the house. Eventually, he was forced to get rid of Kenya.