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Continuing our World Book Day celebration, our Literary Writing Staff shares which character from their recommended books in the previous article they identify with the most. As you read our respective explanations as to why we chose to be like a certain character, we hope that you would be able to get a more fleshed-out idea of what the recommended books are like. Perhaps this will help you get out of a reading slump or simply when you need a breather.
Gaby Agbulos
If I were a character from The Bell Jar, I would definitely be Esther Greenwood. Like Esther, I’m a young woman just entering adulthood, with absolutely no idea as to what I’m doing. It’s no secret either that I’m prone to bouts of anxiety and depression and mania, just as she is, and that’s okay—what’s important is, like Esther, I’m learning to get through it. Like Esther, I’ve learned that there are many, many, many obstacles that life may throw your way. Things are never going to go your way, even if you map your life out to the second. What’s important is how you deal with it—that is what determines your survival.
Francesca Oledan
If I were a character from the book, I would be America Singer – the main heroine of the whole Selection Series wherein we see a relatable and human side beneath all the glamor that her circumstance calls for. Being born in a lower caste, her hardships are more similar to our own journey in life than we think, but her proactive response to the problems of society is what transcends her being a mere fictional book character. With her name screaming patriotism to the country, she resides in from the get-go, her strong will goes against all currents that are implicated in her situation as part of the Selection but she shows that women are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Sandra Fagerstrom
If I was a character from Saffy’s Angel, I think I’d be more similar to Saffy, the titular character of the first book. Saffron, otherwise known as Saffy, constantly puts up a defensive wall around herself whenever she’s faced with vulnerability, something that I greatly relate to. She doesn’t like expressing her emotions so she keeps it to herself instead, while at the same time can come off as rather prickly and aggressive, only showing selected moments where she’s truly coming off as vulnerable, like to her grandfather. She constantly puts up the façade of being more mature than she is, but when she’s actually confronted about it, she has a sort of breakdown and subsequent epiphany that it’s okay to just be, well, her! Along with Saffron, I learned for myself that I don’t always need to put up my defenses and that it’s okay to let people in, especially knowing that they truly want to be there for me and that the best way to help myself is to let them help me, too.
Eunice De La Cruz
If I were a character in Circe, I'd be the titular protagonist herself. In the book, Circe started as an average character without any skills to accentuate. As I further go along the story, I realized Circe has many layers and I resonate with her the most. Like her, there's always curiosity within me about why things work and end the way they were. As an empath, I view the world as a space where we are capable of giving kindness. But oftentimes, it is undervalued because there are people who take advantage of it. Because of that, the feeling of uncertainty within myself is inevitable. Growth might be a painstaking process, mistakes and downfall come along the way, but the result will make you feel that the life you have lived is your legacy. I want to be like Circe who started out as a person who only keeps her thoughts to herself but she was able to find her voice and use it to live the life she wanted.
Gabrielle Busto
If I were a character from Tuesdays With Morrie, I would be Mitch. Even though I hope that I can be as wise as Morrie, the reality is that I am just as lost as Mitch in life. Sadly, I used to let the system and society dictate what I should do and who I should be. I also have a hard time letting love in and expressing myself like Mitch. I think that is why this book is my all-time favorite because Morrie made me feel seen and heard, he did not shame Mitch and the readers for their flaws but gently took us in his arms for a hug and gently reminded us what is truly important in life. He pushed us to be human, not a puppet of society, and showed us the power of vulnerability. With that being said, just like Mitch, Morrie touched my life in so many ways and the lessons I learned from him live in me forever.
Lei Janine De Guzman
If I were a character from The Song of Achilles, I would be Patroclus. Like me, Patroclus is an individual who doesn’t stand out much and is a bit insecure, as he always tried to compare himself with the great Achilles. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t try. In fact, he is known as a skillful warrior and a great healer. I relate with him because being the center of attention is something I am uncomfortable with, but achievement and service are ones I value. Besides being standoffish, the striking trait that Patroclus reminds me of myself is his unyielding loyalty. Whether it was his loyalty to Achilles, to the Greeks, or to his beliefs, he never wavered. As a Taurus, being grounded and not being easily shaken is an attribute that I am proud of. And like Patroclus, he continued to persevere, hanging on his values and morals despite the challenges he faced. It will always amaze me how Patroclus remained gentle, and yet strong-willed all throughout.
Samantha Sopeña
If I were a character from Ignite Me, I would probably be Kenji Kishimoto. While I’d like to imagine myself as the fearless and powerful Juliette Ferrars, I can see myself more in the character of Kenji as he does his absolute best to be a great support system to those around him. Kenji Kishimoto is Juliette’s best friend in the series, having met her through Adam (Juliette’s first love) and ever since sticking with her throughout the many trials that Juliette faced. He does what he can whenever someone’s in need, and he always prioritizes other people’s safety and well-being before him. He also takes the time to fully converse with the people he loves and cares about, which is something I adore about his character. He knows how to gauge when his friends are having a rough time and are trying to hide it from everyone else, and he allows his friends to vent their frustrations on him. Sometimes, he offers solutions and advice, other times, he simply listens and gives them a hug or a pat on the shoulder. His undying love for the people he cares about and the efforts he puts into these relationships that he cherishes is something that I can truly and deeply relate to. Throughout the series, and especially in this book, Kenji Kishimoto is a character that stands as the soul of the group, one that can neither be forgotten nor replaced.
Elyana Batungbacal
If I were a character from Anne of Green Gables, I would be Anne Shirley Cuthbert. Anne is quite literally the most free-spirited character I have ever gotten the pleasure of reading about. I consider her as who my inner child has always idolized and admired. She is loud, emotional, and is never afraid to stand up for herself. She empowers and delights everyone she comes across, especially her found family - Marilla, Matthew, and even Diana. It is also worth noting that Anne, as a character, exhibits behavior that could be commonly found in people with ADHD, which makes for great representation.
In lieu of World Book Day, our staff would like to remind everyone that no matter what you like to read, the characters you adore and love, or how often you read, at the end of the day, as long as you enjoyed reading, then that is all that matters. A lot of us have become too busy to read our chosen piece of literature and that's okay because eventually you will find your way back to it, whether it's a new book, a childhood favorite, or a friend's recommendation, you will find your way back. When you do, your comfort character will be there waiting for you to go on adventures with them.
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