From Jane Eyre to Superman, fiction books are full of introvert characters. Here are five great books that all introverts can relate to.

Whenever I have felt out of place as an introvert, I have taken comfort in the fact that some of my favourite fictional characters are just like me. Reading books about introverted characters helps me to feel less alone.

When you look closely, you will see that many of the finest novels have characters that show all the characteristics of introverts. These characters have a complex inner world, enjoy small groups rather than crowds and need plenty of solitary time with their own thoughts. Many of them also like spending time alone in nature or curled up cosy at home.

There are loads of fiction books about introverts. Here are just a few of my favorite introverted characters.

Jane in “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre tells the story of an orphan who experiences a cruel and unhappy childhood. However, her difficult situation helps her grow strong and determined. After she leaves school, she becomes a governess for a man called Mr. Rochester and falls in love with him.

It is clear that Jane Eyre is an introvert. She prefers the company of a few loved ones or to be alone than to be in large groups. Also, she definitely doesn’t like parties. In fact, when Rochester has guests to stay, she keeps as far away as possible.

However, when she does have to deal with other people, Jane can handle herself perfectly. She may be quiet, but she has a strong moral sense. She sticks to her own values never allowing herself to be swayed by others.

Jane is a strong character with an incredible sense of the values she should live by. She earns the respect of those around her for following her principles and also for not giving up on her own needs and goals.

Ultimately, she creates a life where she can be with the man she loves away from the hustle and bustle of high society. She says of herself “I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”Here, here, Jane!

Anne in “Persuasion” by Jane Austen

I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I love all of her strong characters. However, many of her characters are pretty outgoing. Anne is different: she is much quieter than the rest of her family and they think her dull and boring.

But the reader knows that there is much more to Anne than meets the eye. Through her inner dialogue, we learn that she is charming, witty, clever and thoughtful.

In the end, Anne’s quiet determination helps her achieve the man of her dreams and an escape from the family that has never understood her.

Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Let’s face it, all of us introverts have had that feeling when we are invited to something and we just aren’t in the mood to go. That’s why introverts everywhere can relate to Bilbo Baggins. Poor Bilbo who just wants to stay cosy at home in his hobbit house in the Shire. But he is forced to expand his horizons and go on a great adventure –  with a whole gang of other people!

What I like about Bilbo is that he shows that introverts can be brave. Us quieter folk have a lot to offer even on a dangerous quest where it would seem that the braver and louder heroes would win the day. In his quiet way, Bilbo is key to the success of the band’s quest – they simply wouldn’t have managed it without him – go introverts!

Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is a novel full of extroverts. Elizabeth Bennet is surrounded by noisy sisters and an even noisier mother. However, one of the key characters, Elizabeth’s love interest Mr. Darcy is a classic introvert.

He is misunderstood and accused of being cold and unsociable, but in reality, he’s just not comfortable in large groups of people. He even admits this himself saying “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess of conversing easily with those I have never seen before”. We feel you, Darcy!

Matilda in “Matilda” by Roald Dahl

This is one of my favorite books about introverts. Matilda is a classic bookworm who is misunderstood by her family and peers from the moment she can speak. Luckily, Matilda finds a friend and ally in her new teacher, Miss Honey, who is also quite the introvert.

Matilda eventually develops magical powers that enable her to get revenge on those who have mistreated her, with hilarious results. This strong child hero escapes the grip of those who are cruel to her. She creates a life that suits her with plenty of books and her gentle teacher who understands her quiet introverted ways.

This is a perfect, reassuring and comforting book for introverts whether they are children or adults.

Novels and poetry are the perfect vehicle to explore introvert characteristics as they allow us to really understand the inner voice of the character. So, if you are ever feeling lonely or misunderstood as an introvert, pick up some of the above books and delve into the mind of an introvert.


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