QotD: Fictional Friend

What fictional character do you relate to most and why?

When such subjects are being discussed, the temptation is always to flaunt one's knowledge (or lack thereof) of The Great Works. "Ah yes, I most relate to x from War and Peace" (have never read it) or, "oh, I do relate so to Heathcliffe" (only via Kate Bush). When the truth is, for me, the most relatable characters are not in this canon of "classics".

My first English Literature seminar at university was a case in point. Our tutor asked us what our favourite book was. As my colleagues (compatriots? What is the term for a group of students? A gaggle? A slump?) nodded seriously and proclaimed that their favourite work was Jane Eyre or Catcher in the Rye or similar, I didn't think before blurting out "Bridget Jones' Diary".

Oh the tumbleweed.

Thus I set a precedent for an unbroken record of always, always, saying something embarassing in meetings. But it was true: my favourite novel was and is Bridget Jones' Diary. And, much as I shake my head in disbelief as I now approach actual Bridget age, as an 18-year-old I totally identified with BJ (she would be horrified, and withering, at the thought). Now I'm more au fait with the biological clock (tick tick tick), the wine-fuelled evenings, the career dilemmas and such. And perhaps I'm in denial about my innate Bridget-hood, now that it's a reality. But I'm leaning back towards my first literary role model: Jo from Little Women.

I think any young girl growing up with books around her can relate to Little Women. Were you dutiful Meg, who was kind of boring but ticked all of life's boxes; sad Beth, the tender flower in all of us; or pretty, feisty Amy? Well, I've never been the Amy, much as I would love to be blonde-ringleted and princess-like. No, Jo is who I most relate to. Kind of boofus, creative and with dreams that even she can't quite grasp. And she grew up to be a writer. A writer.

Maybe some day.