The rather frightening truth is that it seems we enjoy reading about the toppling of all that there is, and even I count myself among those readers. To me, this begs the question of why. Sure deep down we’re all a little twisted and crazy, but why as a species do we enjoy imagining our end? It seems… almost counter-productive. Then again though maybe it’s actually productive, yet another subtle evolutionary gift installed in each and every one of us. 

Probably not though. 

You may be thinking to yourself that the above title reads as a tad bit over-dramatic. Or maybe you even believe it untrue. Hey, I don't really blame you. In fact, I was even like you once. Yep, I thought writers were saner than anyone else in this whole wide world. Real salt of the Earth people. If you’re one of those though, I need you to do me a quick favour. Just double check that any possible writers you share a home with are not in the room with you. Or are at least buried in a book of their own. Alone? Good. I’ll let you thank me after.

If you can, think back to your favourite book. That special one you hold high above all the others. Probably a novel you read for three days straight, snarling at anyone that dared to ask why you were beginning to grow moss on your skin. 

You recall the one?

I once wondered how I could wonder, and why it was so. Actually that was this morning, but the notion stands. For a moment before the caffeine contently numbed my brain, I truly wondered why it was we could think about things. 

Why can we imagine?

Let me begin by saying these are only a few in the vast seas that are masterful and simply awesome characters. There are SO many well-written characters, it really is hard to narrow down and choose only five. But the list that follows is my best attempt to choose some so well-written and developed, that they almost deserve to be alive with us.

Stories are fun to watch at the movies, and are usually even better between the covers of a book. You may be thinking: I know this! And for that, I’m glad. Really. I think far too many have lost faith in the power of storytelling. I fear far too many think a story can only be told from the confines of a screen. 

This is not true! you cry in dismay? 

Huh. I concur.