Who is your favorite character?

I love the human aspect of fiction, the characters who are created in the author's mind, then turned loose on paper to interact with the other characters in a plot. So, I decided to formulate a short list of my favorite fictional characters. This will probably change as I remember forgotten characters and read new books, but for the moment, my favorite fictional characters are:

Male:

Natty Bumppo, from the Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper, as an all-round lovable character with sterling integrity, amazing modesty, and spectacular skills.

Peterkin Gay from The Coral Island and The Gorilla Hunters by R. M. Ballantyne, as an outrageously hilarious, absolutely splendid fellow.

Female:

Jeanne from In The Reign of Terror by G. A. Henty, as a sensible, clear-headed, sturdy girl who can also be affectionate and loyal.

Esther Summerson from Bleak House by Charles Dickens, as a sweet, mature girl, with many similarities to Jeanne.

Who are your favorite fictional characters?