Seven Most Memorable Characters from Mark Twain’s books
An author who was appreciated equally by Wall Street and Main Street, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain was one of the greatest American authors of all time. Replete with aphorisms, social satires, and commentary, his books were ahead of their time. Apart from the aforementioned elements, his books also span racial, economic, and cultural differences with interesting storylines that entice readers. On his birth anniversary, we bring to you some of the most interesting characters from Twain’s books that were the life of his illustrious storylines.
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Tom Sawyer from 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'
An epitome of the spontaneous nature of childhood, Tom Sawyer is the lead of several Mark Twain novels and is mischievous but kind and always up to something. His best friend, Huckleberry Finn is the protagonist of the following novel which is a sequel to 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'.
Pic Credit: Om Books International
HuckleBerry Finn from 'The Adventures of HuckleBerry Finn'
The narrator of two previous Mark Twain novels, the titular character HuckleBerry Finn is the protagonist of the novel. He portrays boyhood and kindness, which is in stark contrast with the society around him, especially his father, who is a drunk and brings him up alone.
Pic Credit: Om Books International
Mark Twain from 'Life on the Mississippi'
A memoir by Twain, 'Life on the Mississippi' documents his experience from earlier days of his life when he piloted steamboats on the Mississippi river as an apprentice. The protagonist and author, Twain recounts his hay day and gives the reader a dual perspective of the scenario as he writes about it again when he returns as a visitor.
Pic Credit: Wordsworth Editions Ltd
Satan from 'The Mysterious Stranger'
A realist writer, Twain writes about the meaninglessness of existence in this book. A character called ‘Satan’ meets Tom Sawyer and HuckleBerry Finn but he isn’t the Biblical Stan who is associated with all things evil. Nephew of the Biblical Satan, this is a different take on Satan who is sinless and belongs to Eseldorf, an Australian village.
Pic Credit: Dover Publications Inc.
Orion Clemens from 'Roughing It'
The elder brother of Samuel Clemens, or the author Mark Twain, Orion Clemens is one of the first characters to be introduced in 'Roughing It'. He was the first and only Secretary of Nevada Territory and a peek into his life gives us a fair idea about Twain’s life and his relationship with him, in addition to humor and adventure.
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Harris from 'A Tramp Abroad'
Modeled on his closest friend, Joseph Twichell, the character of Harris was created by Twain as a companion for his travel adventures in eastern and Southern Europe. A mixture of fact and fiction, the novel introduces us to Twain’s best friend who is a wholesome companion and unforgettable character.
Pic Credit: Penguin Classics
Pudd’nhead Wilson from 'Pudd’nhead Wilson'
A maverick, eccentric, eponymous protagonist, Wilson is not the classic protagonist who is dear to everyone. Far from conventional and typically likable, Pudd’nhead Wilson is new to town and instantly raises eyebrows. His humor is a bit over the top for people, his writings include dark proverbs and witty sayings that he uses as epigraphs and his hobbies and interests are also as unique as him.
Pic Credit: Signet
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