I'm immense fan of _Huckleberry Finn_, but it strikes me that Tom Sawyer's romantic enthusiasms, his delight in banditry and murder, his passion for the "style" of the thing, and his delight in using flimflam to manipulate his peers make him more integrally American than his foil, Huck the 'poor person' wracked with guilt and ambivalence, who can't abide natural cruelties and refuses to acquiesce to the social contract.
For a character that meets your qualifications, I would say Pa, in the Little House on the Prairie books is a candidate. Based as he is on a real person, his American qualities are realistically flawed by his firm belief in Manifest Destiny.
In 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', it is Tea Cake who teaches Janie to become the admirable American she is. And in 'The Grapes of Wrath', Tom Joad's Ma is the real American hero.
Perhaps I'm being idealistic, but in going back to the beginning of our country, I see as one of the most impressive American traits, an inspiring streak of self-sacrifice embodied by many of our earliest men and women who were willing to risk terrible outcomes, including death, to benefit future generations.
I think that Mrs. Frisby (in Robert C. O'Brien's book) embodies self-sacrifice (as well as many of the other "American" traits you list) wonderfully. She is stunningly courageous, and her courage not only saves her family, but it also inspired her children to follow in her footsteps.
This isn't a trait many people associate with America anymore, as we seem to have forgotten how noble it is to sacrifice for the sake of others. But I would put it at the top of your list!
I second your nominations of Mattie Ross and the two Finches.
It surprises me that no one has yet mentioned Jo March: brash, ambitious, individualist as they come, seeing herself as the man of the house and providing for her family in her father’s absence, yet also tenderly caring for Beth and the boys in her school. She strives for both self-improvement and advancement in her chosen field and pushes back against the polite standards imposed upon her. She pioneers her own path, champions the underdog, and wins support to her unconventional ways even as her elders shake their heads at her impulsivity.
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn also comes to mind, but somehow the edge on her character is less apropos. (Maybe I simply lack the deep affection for her that I have for Jo.)
I was going to suggest her too for all the reasons you mentioned, and also because of how the March girls were constantly trying to hide their relative poverty and keep up with social peers who had more money. Pretending to be wealthier than you are is the most American thing ever.
Laura Ingalls from the “Little House” series. In fact, the entire Ingalls family. Willing to move to a new location for a better opportunity, self-reliant, family oriented, living through bad times and coping with tragedies without complaint or falling into victim mode. And not perfect—they had their faults but they worked to make themselves better individuals.
Reverend John Ames in Marilyn Robinson’s Gilled. Another American type — representing deep faith, profound doubt, and a passion for social justice. Gives insight into the impulses behind the Social Gospel Movement and it’s secular sibling —Progressivism
Another very specific pair of types — Flannery O Connor’s Hazel Motes in “Wise Blood” and Mrs. Turpin in “Revelation”. The great great grandchildren of Arthur Dimmesdale had he fled New England and settled in Fayette County Georgia
Augustus McCrae from Lonesome Dove. Brave, Loud, Adventurous, honorable.
That would be my pick too.
That's a really good one. Although Woodrow F. Call is my favorite character in the book.
I love his character too. These are some of the most memorable characters I have ever read.
I'm immense fan of _Huckleberry Finn_, but it strikes me that Tom Sawyer's romantic enthusiasms, his delight in banditry and murder, his passion for the "style" of the thing, and his delight in using flimflam to manipulate his peers make him more integrally American than his foil, Huck the 'poor person' wracked with guilt and ambivalence, who can't abide natural cruelties and refuses to acquiesce to the social contract.
For a character that meets your qualifications, I would say Pa, in the Little House on the Prairie books is a candidate. Based as he is on a real person, his American qualities are realistically flawed by his firm belief in Manifest Destiny.
In 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', it is Tea Cake who teaches Janie to become the admirable American she is. And in 'The Grapes of Wrath', Tom Joad's Ma is the real American hero.
Perhaps I'm being idealistic, but in going back to the beginning of our country, I see as one of the most impressive American traits, an inspiring streak of self-sacrifice embodied by many of our earliest men and women who were willing to risk terrible outcomes, including death, to benefit future generations.
I think that Mrs. Frisby (in Robert C. O'Brien's book) embodies self-sacrifice (as well as many of the other "American" traits you list) wonderfully. She is stunningly courageous, and her courage not only saves her family, but it also inspired her children to follow in her footsteps.
This isn't a trait many people associate with America anymore, as we seem to have forgotten how noble it is to sacrifice for the sake of others. But I would put it at the top of your list!
'Call me Ishmael.'
I second your nominations of Mattie Ross and the two Finches.
It surprises me that no one has yet mentioned Jo March: brash, ambitious, individualist as they come, seeing herself as the man of the house and providing for her family in her father’s absence, yet also tenderly caring for Beth and the boys in her school. She strives for both self-improvement and advancement in her chosen field and pushes back against the polite standards imposed upon her. She pioneers her own path, champions the underdog, and wins support to her unconventional ways even as her elders shake their heads at her impulsivity.
Francie Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn also comes to mind, but somehow the edge on her character is less apropos. (Maybe I simply lack the deep affection for her that I have for Jo.)
I was going to suggest her too for all the reasons you mentioned, and also because of how the March girls were constantly trying to hide their relative poverty and keep up with social peers who had more money. Pretending to be wealthier than you are is the most American thing ever.
Ha! 😊
Laura Ingalls from the “Little House” series. In fact, the entire Ingalls family. Willing to move to a new location for a better opportunity, self-reliant, family oriented, living through bad times and coping with tragedies without complaint or falling into victim mode. And not perfect—they had their faults but they worked to make themselves better individuals.
Katie Rommely Nolan from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Stuart Little.
Reverend John Ames in Marilyn Robinson’s Gilled. Another American type — representing deep faith, profound doubt, and a passion for social justice. Gives insight into the impulses behind the Social Gospel Movement and it’s secular sibling —Progressivism
Another very specific pair of types — Flannery O Connor’s Hazel Motes in “Wise Blood” and Mrs. Turpin in “Revelation”. The great great grandchildren of Arthur Dimmesdale had he fled New England and settled in Fayette County Georgia
The Swede in Philip Roth’s American Pastoral — his arc mirrors that of America.
Batman.
My vote is for Laura Ingalls Wilder, her Pa, and her Pa
And Atticus Finch.
Gatsby was first to my mind. I also think John Grady Cole is a contender. This is such a fun question! Ha
Somos perreros
A lot of Walter Mittys in America.