Family members know that I really like Philip Pullman and loved The Golden Compass.....right up to the very end, when I was infuriated by the actions of Lord Asriel. It has taken me a couple years, but I finally "got over it" and read The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. Pullman is a wonderful storyteller, with an astounding imagination. There were many vivid and wholly likable or admirable characters - let's vote! Here are my rankings of favorite (well, I included some that would be more accurately characterized as "most vivid") characters:
1. Iorek Bynison
2. Lee Scoresby
3. Serafina Pekkala
4. Will Parry
5. The Golden Monkey (elected "Most Hateful Character in All Literature" six years running!)
Also, apart from the irresistible story, near the end of The Amber Spyglass, I was powerfully affected emotionally by the caring shown by the older, wise advisors, toward the young Lyra and Will.
