My Favorite Fictional Protagonist: Insights from Natty Bumppo to L from DeathNote

When it comes to favorite fictional protagonists, I can't help but reflect on characters that have left an indelible mark on my heart. My journey has taken me from the complex L from DeathNote to the charming Rupert and the profound Natty Bumppo. Each of these characters has taught me something unique about friendship, perseverance, and the depths of human nature.

My Journey with L from DeathNote

The Character: L from DeathNote is known for his brilliance, psychological sharpness, and the enigmatic quality that keeps viewers fascinated. His character was initially a love/hate relationship for me. The complexity and unpredictability of L were initially off-putting. However, as I delved deeper into the series, I began to appreciate the depth of his personality. Much to my surprise and delight, a friend pointed out that his character shared certain traits with myself, which made me reflect on my own character.

The Major Turning Point:

One of the most significant moments was when L passed away. I was deeply heartbroken, an emotional response that took a lot of characters to elicit. This experience shed light on the power of storytelling and how it can make us invested in the characters, even if they are purely fictional.

Rupert: A Sensible and Silly Friend

Character Traits: Rupert, despite his stiff and formal demeanor, brought a rare and delightful kind of quirkiness to my life. Despite his rigid adherence to formality, his silliness was one of the things I most admired. It was as if he embodied the essence of a well-mannered but slightly quirky friend, something that is both rare and refreshing in real life.

Character Analysis: Rupert’s character is a testament to the multifaceted nature of human beings. Despite his apparent stiffness and formality, he turns out to be a bridge between the formal and the whimsical. His character is an example of how appearances can be deceptive and that true character often reveals itself over time.

Admiring Natty Bumppo: A Literary Idol

The Literary Background: I first encountered Natty Bumppo in a collection of novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales. The vivid language and rich descriptions of the wilderness made it a profound reading experience, often during my college years. Natty Bumppo was not just a character but a revelation and a source of deep admiration. His devotion, philosophy, and friendship were elements that I found inspiring.

Character Evaluation: Natty Bumppo is a complex figure, a mix of savage realism and moral idealism. I couldn’t help but cherish his way of life and his profound connection with the wilderness. However, Natty's character is far from perfect, and many modern readers would likely be repulsed by the stereotypes he holds. It's important to remember that literary idols are often a reflection of their times and cannot be judged against contemporary standards.

Personal Reflections: The adaptation of Natty Bumppo in the Masterpiece Theater version was a revelation to me, capturing the essence of Natty with brilliant detail. I was initially disappointed with Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal in his film adaptation, which deviated significantly from the source material. Over time, I came to appreciate both versions, recognizing the immense talent of the actors and the power of both the written word and visual storytelling.

Literary Heritage: One of the reasons why we might not be able to fully appreciate characters like Natty is the vast difference in historical context and writing styles. When I attempted to reread one of the novels, the antiquated writing style was a significant obstacle. However, the memory of Natty Bumppo and his profound influence on my young mind remains a cherished part of my literary experience.

Final Thoughts:

The characters I have chosen to discuss here are a testament to the power of storytelling and the lasting impact that literature can have on our lives. From L from DeathNote to Rupert and Natty Bumppo, each character has contributed to my understanding of different facets of human nature and the importance of patience and appreciation in getting to know people, even fictional ones.