9 Famous Literary Fathers You Must Meet this Father’s Day

It’s that time of the year again when we celebrate the power personality of life – Dad. It’s also that time of the year when I miss papa the most because he isn’t around anymore. I wish he were around!

My journey with books, these last two decades, has given me more than I could ask for. And one of those advantages is the legendary literary fathers I’ve met and loved all these years. So today I take the time to cherish some famous fathers from books who have, in some way or the other, left an indelible mark on my life. Let’s meet them and I hope you too will love making their acquaintance.

Who can ever forget the character who was cast in gold? Vito Corleone is the exceptional father a kid could ask for. He is a family man through and through. He is seen exhibiting top-notch character as a father, a man of words and actions, and that is why he is most revered by his kin. Vito is a loving father and there is nothing he wouldn’t do to keep his kids out of the way of harm. And that’s why we absolutely love him, don’t we?

Liesel Meminger’s foster father, Hans Hubermann is the heart of this masterpiece by Markus Zusak. Hans is the father every child deserves. He is warm, sympathetic, loving, calm, and the ultimate example of a legendary father figure. He does the right things and stands by them, even if that means risking his life, and that’s how he educates Liesel. He is a man of few words, but a man of words he is, as we see when he saves Max from a terrible fate. Liesel wouldn’t be the exemplary woman she comes to be if it was not for Hans.

One of the most-loved father figures of the literary worlds is none other than our hero – Arthur Weasley. He is the most consistent father Harry has and is around him for his safety, like a shield; whether that is through his words, actions, or demeanor. Arthur does not encourage foolishness or impulsive behavior but insists Harry to reason them out. As we see, Harry grows up around the Weasleys quite a bit and is incredibly admirable of Arthur, in every way. What can we say, he even goes on to save Arthur’s life!

The epitome of Fatherhood -Atticus Finch, who goes on to inspire fathers for ages. Atticus Finch is moral, loyal, and kind – traits that any child would wish to see shine in their dad. He is patient, loving, and just, and strives to lead an unbiased life so he could be a role model for his kids, especially his daughter Scout. That certainly ensured he goes down in literary history as the Best Father Figure of all times.

The one man the universe came to love and ache for. The only righteous man in all of GoT. Who doesn’t know Ned Stark, the Lord of Winterfell, for whom duty, honor, and righteousness, comes before even his family. Now if that doesn’t make a Legendary Father, we don’t know what does!

The central character of the novel by Manu Joseph, Ayyan Mani is a Dalit migrant who lives in Mumbai and has a rough life, surrounded by prejudices and discrimination owing to his social status and he pledges to change the narrative for his son. He would go to any extent, leave no stones unturned, forge enemies, and grace inequity or insults, but get a better bias-free life for his son. Now that’s what we call a role model!

We all know the harsh life young David Copperfield has to live after the death of his father at a very young age. In comes, Mr. Peggotty who is a fisherman and brother of Clara Peggotty, the housekeeper of the Copperfield family. He is the father David never had. Through his generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness, he not only makes David’s life worthwhile for as long as he can, but also inspires David in ways more than one.

Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic novel has a stream of memorable characters, but who really stood out was The Father. He does everything within power and capacity to save his son, and we have seen just how! We all deserve such selfless, determined, and unyielding fathers who would make God bend!

We know that the noble Jean Valjean isn’t not a biological father to Cosette, but through his resolve and actions, we see that he is more than just a guardian. Valjean is a man of morals and conscience and he is just. He ensures Cosette leads a respected life. Now don’t we all need a guardian as caring and loving as Valjean?

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Who are some of your favorite literary fathers? Do share your thoughts below.

Here’s wishing you a very Happy Father’s Day.
Tell them you love, tell them they matter,
because, you know, they won’t be around forever.

Happy reading till we meet next. Until then, carpe diem!