Happy Fathers’ Day! In honor of this important holiday, I thought I would share a list of 5 Fascinating Fictional Fathers from literature. These fathers aren’t perfect; however, they provide a lot of food for thought when it comes to thinking about the role of a father in a family. There are so many examples of interesting father figures in literature that I could discuss, but for now here are just a few!
Mr. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Some time ago I posted a little discussion about this rather controversial father. While I really enjoyed his character in P&P, many people have told me that they think he’s a terrible father. While I agree that he could definitely benefit from some parenting classes, his flaws nevertheless make him all that more interesting as a character. It makes you wonder why he’s determine to be present at some points in his daughters’ lives but surprisingly absent during others. However, he does have moments when it’s clear that deep down, he really does care about the well-being of his daughters. If only he would show it more often!
James Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
It’s interesting to reflect on how much we know about James despite the fact that his character isn’t even alive in this series itself. This might sound a bit strange, but I’ve always felt as though the spirit of James has lived on through the many father figures that Harry has throughout his life: Arthur Weasley, Sirius Black, Dumbledore, and Remus Lupin, just to name a few. It seems like they all try to be a father for Harry in their own ways at different times throughout his years at Hogwarts. For this reason, perhaps the spirit of James Potter never really dies.
Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I couldn’t write a post about fictional fathers without mentioning the wise, kind-hearted, loving Atticus Finch. Where would Scout (and we!) be without this remarkable father figure? Not only is he one of the most scrupulous literary fathers, but he also offers some incredibly valuable advice about empathy, justice, and morality. At one point, he tells Scout: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Arthur Avery from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Although one might not automatically think of him as one of the primary characters in Fangirl, Cath and Wren’s father is nevertheless an important and interesting aspect of the novel. He is certainly flawed– he struggles with mental health issues and consequently cannot always be there to take care of his daughters– but he still does his best to be a caring, supportive father. Arthur Avery is there when Cath and Wren most need him, and in my mind that’s what counts the most.
Charles “Pa” Ingalls from Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I though I would end this list with an old childhood favorite of mine: Pa from the Little House on the Prairie series. I vividly remember reading this first book in particular when I was younger and falling in love with the simple yet wonderful life of this family. Pa is the a perfect example of a stereotypical father figure: strong, caring, kind, resourceful, and a provider for his family in more way than one.
Thanks to all of the fathers out there, fictional and otherwise! What are your favorite fictional fathers? Have any fun Fathers’ Day traditions? Let me know in the comments section below!
Yours,
HOLLY
Atticus from to kill a mockingbird yes yes yes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Atticus is fantastic! ❤
LikeLike
Ah yes Atticus Finch ❤️ I loved how he knew exactly how to handle his children in the book. One of my favourite fictional fathers would have to be Ned Stark from A Game of Thrones. I just admire his dedication to his family and house so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never read (or watched) Game of Thrones, but it’s on my TBR! I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for Ned Stark’s great parenting haha 🙂
LikeLike
I was glad that Cath and Wren’s father was involved at least in a small way in Fangirl! Aside from James Potter, I love Arthur Weasley – which is probably an obvious choice when choosing fictional fathers. But you know, who wouldn’t want to be part of the Weasley family? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arthur Weasley is the best! I love his dedication to his family, despite the hardships and obstacles they face. And he even treats Harry like his own son! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree about Mr. Bennet, I do love his sense of humor, but he is a bit of a passive character which kind of contributed to what happened to Lydia. Atticus Finch is probably my favorite literary father, but I’m also rather fond of Arthur Weasley. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, Mr. Bennet probably could have done a lot more to help Lydia and his daughters, especially knowing how ridiculous Mrs. Bennet was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she might have had a little too much influence on Lydia.
LikeLike
Yes, I love all your choices! Mr. Bennett, though cold and uninterested, did keep things interesting in the book, and Atticus ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such an accurate description of Mr. Bennet… I definitely like him more as a character than a father!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so good! Love your selection. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person