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