12 most memorable fathers from literature

Set in the American state of Georgia during the Civil War, the book follows changing times, mostly from the perspective of Scarlett, a 'Southern belle'. Her father is Gerald O'Hara, an Irishman who made his fortune as a cotton plantation owner and earned his standing with a good marriage. He was loud, proud, often drunk and had a rough manner but he was a tender husband and father. He adored his wife deeply, and was so affected by her death that he was never the same after her demise.
Photo:Selznick International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

This children's classic by Roald Dahl had the most interesting father. William operated a service station and garage and raised his son Danny in a gypsy trailer that was parked by the station. He is described as one who always smiles with his eyes and teaches Danny interesting things. One night Danny finds out he used to be a poacher and they both exact revenge on the rude rich man who kept birds for hunting. Willam is a dutiful father who is like a friend to his son.
Photo: Wikipedia

The most praiseworthy father in literature, Atticus Finch has become a model father for all readers, and gives young and single fathers tremendous goals. Finch has a strong moral fibre, is extremely dignified, brave, loyal and especially, kind. These are traits that any child would wish to see shine in their dad.
(image: Universal Pictures)

Mr Bennet is one good father. On one hand, he is a simple and genial man, loves life, and dotes on his daughters. On the other hand, he is not as obsessive as his wife and strives to keep a sane balance in the Bennet family when Mrs Bennet throws in incessant marriage prospects every now and then. He is the only one in the family who supports his plain Jane daughter Elizabeth and understands her passion for books and logic.
(Image: Studio Canal Working Titles Films)

Set in war-torn Afghanistan, Hosseini’s beautiful novel is an emotional story of a father and his son. “Baba,” is an example of integrity and courage, a father figure before whom son Amir feels like he constantly falls short. But Amir discovers a truth about Baba later in life that calls Amir’s memories of his upbringing into question. All in all, the tale is a journey of joy and heartbreak.
(Image: Dreamworks Pictures)

Very small number of fathers in the world can actually afford to be like Bob Cratchit. He is destitute, but his love for his family and friends, and his undying kindness are something money can never buy. The Cratchit family makes up for the little money they have in terms of love, with loving father and husband Bob leading the way. Shivering through his thankless job for Ebenezer Scrooge, his grateful attitude and gentle spirit enable him to still manage to save Christmas for his family — and help warm over the cold heart of Scrooge too.
(Image: Weekend America Public Radio)

The happy father of seven young wizards with a less-than-moderate paying job at the Ministry of Magic quickly became orphan Harry Potter’s father figure and our favourite father from the books. Arthur does everything in his power to keep his children and Harry Potter protected and would go to any lengths to prevent any danger coming in Harry’s ways. He leaves the domineering fatherly techniques to his wife Molly, and enjoys life in its most dreary conditions. He also loves Muggles.
(Image: Warner Bros)

One of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, King Lear is reminder of mankind’s numerous follies. The titular King is an old man who wishes to see his kingdom bestowed to the daughter who loves him best. But this eventually proves to be an act of extreme stupidity that makes him go mad. Although, there is no denying that Lear may be one of the greatest and grandest fathers literature has seen.
(Image: PBS)

Pap Finn, Huckleberry Finn’s dad, is the complete antithesis to Atticus Finch. A malevolent drunk, his reappearance at the start of the book sets in motion a chain of events that trigger Huck to flee. We find out at the end of the novel that Pap was the dead man Jim found near Jackson’s Island.
(image: Penguin Random House)

A terrible role model, Ed Boone lets his teenager son suffering from Asperger’s believe that his mother is dead, which in fact, was not true. Even the readers are led to trust that Ed is a single parent trying to make things better for his son Christopher. The truth is that his wife Judy had run off with the neighbour. And Ed, going slightly mad and jealous, kills the next door’s innocent dog, his son’s only companion.
(Image: Royal National Theatre)

In Nabokov’s classic tale, Humbert Humbert is Dolores’ stepfather, who calls her Lolita, and behaves in a way that is unthinkable. His wicked infatuation with Dolores rids the 12-year-old girl of her childhood and innocence. Humbert Humbert is evil, and arguably one of literature’s most memorable characters.
(Image: Samuel Goldwyn Company)

Though Don Corleone was a mafia lord, but, time and again, he would assert that only real men spent time with their families. Corleone loved his children. But sadly, that love put them in some precarious positions and ultimately led to two of their deaths. But still, it is undeniable that he was a loving father looked up to by his family.
(Image: Paramount Pictures)