The 20 Characters Readers Still Write Letters To

Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Fitzwilliam Darcy is the kind of literary figure who lingers in readers’ minds long after the last page is turned. His transformation from prideful and distant to tender and self-aware feels almost like watching a friend grow up. Readers are still sending letters to Darcy, years after Jane Austen penned his story, because they see their own struggles in his journey. Many people write to him about overcoming personal prejudices or about what it’s like to feel misunderstood. A 2022 survey from the Jane Austen Society reported that Darcy remains one of the top three characters readers would most like to “meet” or correspond with. His famous letter to Elizabeth Bennet in the novel has inspired countless fans to craft messages of apology, longing, and confession. Darcy’s vulnerability, especially in written form, is what keeps his mailbox—fictional or not—overflowing.

Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Elizabeth Bennet’s blend of wit, courage, and independence has given readers a heroine who feels as real as any friend. She stands up to tradition and refuses to settle, which is why so many people still write letters to her today. Readers share their own stories of defying expectations or ask for advice on staying true to themselves. A 2024 poll from the Austen Authors’ Circle found Elizabeth was the most-written-to character among book club members. Her sharp observations and candid humor inspire people to reveal their own vulnerabilities in their letters. Elizabeth’s journey of self-discovery and openness to change resonates with readers facing crossroads in their own lives, making her a timeless confidante.

Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)

Anne Shirley’s boundless imagination and hopeful spirit have made her a beacon for anyone who’s ever felt out of place. Letters written to Anne often gush with nostalgia, dreams, and confessions—readers see her as someone who would understand their most whimsical thoughts. According to the Anne of Green Gables Museum, they still receive hundreds of letters addressed to Anne every year from fans across the globe. Many people open up about loneliness or the search for belonging, trusting Anne to respond with her signature optimism. Readers are drawn to her belief in “kindred spirits” and her ability to find beauty in the ordinary. Writing to Anne is, for many, an act of reclaiming innocence and wonder.

Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

For generations, Atticus Finch has served as a literary lighthouse of integrity and moral courage. Readers often write to him for advice or simply to thank him for inspiring them to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. The American Library Association notes that Atticus is one of the most frequently referenced fictional characters in letters about justice and ethics. His calm strength and sense of fairness have helped guide readers through personal dilemmas and societal challenges. Letters to Atticus frequently mention admiration for his parenting and his willingness to stand against prejudice. Many people write to share moments when his wisdom gave them courage to speak up in their own lives, revealing the enduring impact of his character.

Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

Scout Finch’s refreshing innocence and directness make her a unique recipient of reader letters. Young and old alike reach out to Scout to talk about growing up, facing confusing social realities, or just to share what it’s like to see the world with wonder. A 2023 reading initiative in Alabama reported that readers still send Scout letters about their struggles with understanding injustice or navigating childhood. People relate to her wide-eyed curiosity and her willingness to ask the hard questions. Many letters reflect on Scout’s transformation from innocence to awareness, drawing parallels to readers’ own awakening experiences. Her story is proof that sometimes the simplest voice can be the most profound.

Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Jay Gatsby, shrouded in mystery and longing, draws letters from readers fascinated by the pursuit of dreams. His relentless hope and eventual heartbreak feel almost cinematic, and many people write to him about their own ambitions and disappointments. According to a 2024 Book Riot feature, Gatsby is among the top five characters readers confess secrets to in their letters. People are captivated by his lavish parties and secret sorrows, often sharing their own stories of chasing love or the “unattainable dream.” The letters frequently reflect admiration for Gatsby’s optimism, as well as empathy for his loneliness. His story is a reminder that, sometimes, even the brightest stars can burn out in the pursuit of happiness.

Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Hermione Granger’s intelligence, bravery, and unwavering loyalty have made her a standout role model for readers of all ages. Many write to Hermione to thank her for showing that being smart and different is something to celebrate. A 2023 survey by Book Riot revealed Hermione is the most admired character by young female readers, with thousands of letters sent to fan sites in her name. Readers often confess their own struggles with fitting in or ask her for advice on handling bullies or choosing between right and wrong. Hermione’s passion for learning inspires others to embrace their quirks and pursue their dreams, one well-written letter at a time.

Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Albus Dumbledore is a character readers turn to when seeking wisdom or comfort during difficult times. His cryptic advice and gentle encouragement have inspired letters full of questions about life, love, and loss. The Harry Potter Alliance reported a spike in letters addressed to Dumbledore during the pandemic, as readers sought guidance for dealing with uncertainty. People write about their fears, their hopes, and their need for reassurance, hoping for a few words of Dumbledorean wisdom. His character reminds readers that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and that kindness and understanding are always in style.

Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Neville Longbottom’s transformation from a timid boy to a courageous hero is a journey that continues to inspire. Letters to Neville are often about personal growth, overcoming anxiety, and learning to believe in oneself. According to a 2024 report from the Harry Potter Fandom Wiki, Neville is frequently mentioned in fan letters about resilience and self-acceptance. Readers share stories of facing their own fears and setbacks, encouraged by Neville’s example. His character is a testament to the idea that courage doesn’t always roar—it sometimes whispers quietly, urging us to keep going.

Captain Wentworth (Persuasion by Jane Austen)

Captain Wentworth’s unforgettable letter to Anne Elliot is one of the most romantic moments in literature, and it’s inspired generations of readers to write letters about love, regret, and second chances. The Jane Austen Centre in Bath reports receiving regular correspondence addressed to Wentworth, often filled with tales of lost loves or late-blooming romance. Readers pour their hearts out, reflecting on missed opportunities and the hope that it’s never too late for love. His character embodies the longing and vulnerability that comes with risking your heart, making him an enduring figure for anyone who’s ever wondered, “What if?”

Catherine Earnshaw (Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë)

Catherine Earnshaw’s wild passion and inner conflict make her a magnet for readers wrestling with love and identity. Letters to Catherine often explore tumultuous relationships or the pain of wanting two conflicting things at once. A 2023 analysis of fan mail at the Brontë Parsonage Museum revealed that Catherine is one of the most written-to characters among those exploring themes of self-destruction and longing. Readers connect to her stormy emotions and her refusal to fit into society’s mold. Her story encourages others to embrace the messy, complicated parts of themselves, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Laurie (Theodore Laurence) (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott)

Laurie’s charm, humor, and heartbreak in Little Women have made him a beloved confidant for readers. Letters sent to Laurie frequently discuss the ache of unrequited love or the value of true friendship. The Edgemont Library’s “Letters to Laurie” project found that readers write about finding joy in simple moments and the pain of loving someone who doesn’t love you back. Laurie’s ability to remain a good friend to Jo, despite his feelings, inspires many to share stories of resilience and emotional maturity. His character is a gentle reminder that it’s possible to move forward with grace, even when things don’t turn out as hoped.

Sirius Black (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Sirius Black’s loyalty, troubled past, and fierce love for his friends have made him a touchstone for readers seeking connection. Letters to Sirius are often filled with confessions about family troubles or feelings of not belonging. According to 2024 fan forums, Sirius is the top Harry Potter character people wish they could have as a mentor. Readers admire his freedom-loving spirit and his refusal to be defined by his past. Many share stories of finding chosen family and the importance of staying true to those you love, no matter the odds.

Charlie (The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky)

Charlie’s honest, introspective letters in The Perks of Being a Wallflower have inspired real readers to reach out and share their own stories. Letters to Charlie frequently delve into topics like mental health, identity, and the pain of growing up. The novel’s structure—told entirely in letters—encourages fans to respond in kind, creating a kind of emotional dialogue. A 2023 study by the National Writing Project found that Charlie’s vulnerability makes him a popular “pen pal” among teens and adults alike. Readers appreciate his willingness to speak about feelings that are difficult to name, finding comfort in his gentleness and hope.

Lara Jean Covey (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han)

Lara Jean Covey’s habit of writing unsent love letters has struck a chord with readers who use letter writing to process their own emotions. Letters to Lara Jean are often confessions of crushes, heartbreaks, or the thrill of new love. Quirk Books reported a surge in fan mail to Lara Jean after the release of the Netflix adaptation, with many fans inspired to start their own letter-writing rituals. Readers connect with her sincerity and openness, using her as a sounding board for their own romantic hopes and fears. Her character reminds people that vulnerability can be both terrifying and beautiful.

Roger and Bethany (The Gum Thief by Douglas Coupland)

Roger and Bethany’s epistolary relationship in The Gum Thief invites readers to reflect on the hidden depths of ordinary lives. Letters sent to these characters often discuss workplace ennui, intergenerational misunderstandings, or the search for meaning in mundane routines. The New York Public Library’s Legacy Admin team has noted a steady trickle of correspondence inspired by Coupland’s novel, especially among corporate workers and millennials. Readers find comfort in Roger and Bethany’s candid exchanges, seeing themselves in their struggles and small victories. Their story is a reminder that sometimes the most important connections happen in the least expected places.

Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden by Kana Akatsuki)

Violet Evergarden’s journey through grief and healing—told through her work as a letter writer—strikes a deeply emotional chord with fans. Letters to Violet often touch on themes of loss, forgiveness, and the struggle to express feelings. Anime and literary fan sites report receiving hundreds of letters addressed to Violet each month, with readers sharing stories of finding hope through her example. Many fans write about learning to communicate more openly or about finding comfort in helping others, inspired by Violet’s growth. Her story demonstrates the healing power of words and the importance of empathy.

Screwtape (The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis)

Screwtape’s satirical, devilish letters to his nephew Wormwood invite readers to confront uncomfortable truths about morality and temptation. Letters to Screwtape are often tongue-in-cheek, with readers asking for “advice” on how to avoid—or succumb to—life’s many pitfalls. According to a 2022 survey by Book Riot, Screwtape remains a popular subject among philosophy and theology students. Readers use their letters to explore doubts, questions about faith, and the complexity of human nature. Screwtape’s sly voice encourages people to look at their own flaws with both seriousness and humor.

Elizabeth Montagu

Elizabeth Montagu was a real-life letter writer whose correspondence continues to inspire those interested in history and women’s rights. Readers write to Montagu, or in response to her letters, to reflect on the challenges faced by women in the 18th century and how those struggles echo today. Wikipedia notes that Montagu’s letters offer a rare look into the intellectual lives of women during her era. Many modern readers share their own experiences of fighting for equality or discuss the progress made since Montagu’s time. Her legacy as a “Queen of the Bluestockings” makes her a powerful voice for historical and contemporary letter writers alike.

Flannery O’Connor

Flannery O’Connor’s personal letters have become a touchstone for readers interested in faith, creativity, and perseverance. Letters addressed to O’Connor often discuss the challenges of writing or the struggle to reconcile belief with doubt. Her collected letters, published posthumously, continue to spark conversations about authenticity and the meaning of grace. Fans write to her about their own artistic journeys or ask for guidance on living with chronic illness, inspired by O’Connor’s resilience. Her correspondence stands as proof that the most enduring connections are forged not just through stories, but through the honest exchange of hearts and minds.