The history and literature of Great Britain has had huge impact on the popular culture of the world. From Beowulf, to William Shakespeare’s plays, to Jane Austen, to the modernist poets of the 20th century, the United Kingdom has produced some of the most popular and beloved literary characters in the world. So, in this article, we are going to take a look at Britain’s most popular literary characters.
James Bond, created by Ian Fleming
Nowadays, James Bond is best-known for the dozens of films released featuring the character. However, originally, James Bond was created by the author Ian Fleming and starred in a series of action/adventure/spy novels and novellas.
What can we say about James Bond that hasn’t been said already? Agent 007 has won the hearts and minds of men and women from all over the world. The public was introduced to him in the novel “Casino Royale”, in which he was tasked with destroying a weapon dealer who used a casino as a front. The novel saw James Bond playing through some of the most famous gambling games. Nowadays, most people do their gambling online, as you can see here. However, back in the 60s gambling could only be done at land-based establishments.
Since his debut novel, James Bond has gone on to star in 39 novels and 24 films. He has been played by multiple actors, with Daniel Craig taking on the role most recently. The name has worldwide appeal and recognition.
Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle
Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 19th century, Sherlock Holmes inspired a whole slew of detectives, both in fiction and in real life. Even if you’ve never read a Holmes story or novel, you are certainly familiar with the quirks and phrases that make up the lore. Who among us has not heard “Elementary, my dear Watson” at least once in their lifetime? Who is unfamiliar with the loyal Dr. Watson, or the scheming Moriarty?
Indeed, when we talk about detectives, the first thing that pops to mind is the image of a tall, lanky man, sporting a deer-hunter cap and smoking a pipe. All of these images come from the numerous films which feature the master detective himself. Holmes has appeared in a total of 52 films and television shows, four core novels, 56 short stories, and dozens, if not hundreds of pastiches. If this list were a competition, the detective would certainly have won.
Dracula, created by Bram Stoker
The master vampire himself, Dracula may not have been the first nosferatu, but he is certainly the best. At least best-known, Bram Stoker’s creation created and popularized all of the tropes which we now associate with the vampire. From their weaknesses, to their strengths, to their passions, and their horror, Dracula did it all.
It is hard to come by a vampire property in 2022 without seeing, at least a subtle influence. And what are vampires if not subtle? The Count has appeared in a staggering 200 films, all of varying degrees of popularity and quality. Meaning, he is certainly one of the best represented, British literary characters of all time.
