This is the second installment in a series of text pairings. My first installment, found here, was about novels with similar plots. Many of the contemporary texts are an homage to the classic text. In this installment, I pair books with similar character types.
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A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Owen Meany and Johnny Wheelwright with Danny Conroy and Maeve Conroy
There are two different character comparisons in this novel pairing. First, Johnny Wheelwright from A Prayer for Owen Meany and Danny Conroy from The Dutch House are similar in that both are reflective narrators deeply shaped by their relationships with influential figures—Owen Meany for Johnny and Maeve Conroy for Danny. Each character grapples with themes of loss, faith, and the lasting impact of family and friendship, often finding their identities intertwined with the larger-than-life presence of the people they love. Both stories explore how these relationships define their understanding of the world and their paths through life.
There is also a strong comparison between Owen Meany and Maeve Conroy. Both are defining forces in the lives of those around them—Maeve for her brother Danny and Owen for his friend Johnny. Each serves as a catalyst for the protagonist’s emotional and spiritual journey; Maeve’s deep attachment to the Dutch House and Owen’s unwavering belief in his destiny drive the central themes of their respective stories, such as family, memory, faith, and fate. Both characters leave an indelible impact on the narrative, embodying ideas that challenge and shape the protagonists’ understanding of their worlds.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Pip & Amir
Amir from The Kite Runner is a complex character marked by internal struggles with guilt, betrayal, and the search for redemption after betraying his friend Hassan. He is shaped by his desire for his father’s approval, his jealousy, and his later efforts to make amends for his past wrongdoings. Pip from Great Expectations is similar to Amir. He is a young boy who is driven to elevate his social status and gain the approval of those he admires. Pip betrays his loyal friend Joe, much like Amir betrays Hassan, and later experiences deep regret and seeks redemption.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Bennet & Elizabeth Zott
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Elizabeth Zott from Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus are similar in their intelligence, independence, and refusal to conform to societal expectations placed on women. Both characters challenge the norms of their respective times. Elizabeth Bennet questions the traditional views on marriage and class, while Elizabeth Zott defies 1960s gender roles in science and television. Their wit, determination, and courage to stand up for themselves and their beliefs make them both ahead of their time and inspirational in their pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Holden & Charlie
Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye is a disenchanted teenager who grapples with grief, alienation, and a deep desire to protect the innocence of childhood, all while rebelling against the perceived phoniness of the adult world. Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a sensitive and introspective adolescent navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and the complexities of friendship and love, all while seeking genuine connection and understanding in a world that often feels overwhelming. Both protagonists navigate the challenges of adolescence while grappling with trauma, seeking genuine connection, and yearning to protect innocence. Through their narrative styles and emotional conflicts, they reflect the universal struggle of growing up and finding one’s place in a confusing and often hypocritical world.
Dracula by Bram Stoker and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
Jonathan Harker and Jonathan Harker with Jo Kavalier and Sam Clay
The relationships between Jonathan Harker and Van Helsing in Dracula and Joe Kavalier and Sam Clay in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay are similar in their dynamics of mentorship, shared mission, and deep friendship formed through adversity. Both pairs are united in a common cause—fighting Dracula or confronting societal challenges. Furthermore, heir bonds are strengthened through mutual respect and reliance on each other’s strengths while navigating difficult circumstances together.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
George and Lenny with Sam and Sadie
Characters from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin are quite similar. They have deep, complex friendships and shared dreams that are tested by personal flaws and external circumstances. In both novels, characters are bonded in loyalty and a desire to build a better future together. However, their relationships are strained by misunderstandings, differing ambitions, and emotional conflicts. In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie share a profound bond and dream of owning land. However, their friendship is challenged by Lennie’s unpredictable behavior and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Meanwhile, in Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Sam and Sadie are united in their shared passion for video game design and creativity. However, their relationship is complicated by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the pressures of collaboration and success.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare and One Day by David Nicholls
Beatrice & Emma
Beatrice from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a witty, independent, and sharp-tongued character. We love her for her intelligence, humor, and disdain for conventional romance—until she meets her match in Benedick. One Day’s Emma is witty, fiercely intelligent, and often skeptical about love and life. Her relationship with Dexter is one of clever banter, emotional ups and downs, and an underlying affection, similar to the dynamic between Beatrice and Benedick.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Heathcliff & Rachel Caine
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is one of literature’s most complex and brooding antiheroes. He has intense passion, a deep sense of betrayal, a desire for revenge, and morally ambiguous actions. Heathcliff’s character combines elements of a tragic, tormented lover and a vengeful, ruthless figure, making him uniquely compelling and dark. The Girl on the Train’s protagonist, Rachel, is not a villain, but obsession and emotional turmoil drive her actions. She’s a character lost in the mire of her own emotions, due to her deep insecurities, dark thoughts, and unreliable narrative. Despite their differences, The Girl on the Train is a modern replica of Heathcliff’s conflicted psyche.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Sherlock Holmes & Lisbeth Salander
Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the most iconic characters in literature. He’s known for his brilliant deductive reasoning, keen observational skills, eccentric personality, and often aloof demeanor. Lisbeth Salander is a brilliant hacker and investigator with a troubled past. She also has an unconventional lifestyle and a sharp mind for solving puzzles and uncovering secrets. Her antisocial behavior and exceptional skills make her a modern, edgy counterpart to Holmes.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Creature & Klara
The Creature from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Klara from Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro are strikingly similar. Both are beings created by others seeking to understand the complexities of human nature and their place in the world. Both characters are intelligent and observant, learning about humanity by watching and interacting with people. Furthermore, both experience a profound sense of isolation due to their differences from those around them. The creature longs for companionship and love but faces rejection and hostility because of his appearance. Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF), seeks to care for her human companion, Josie. She struggles with the limitations of her artificial nature in truly understanding or becoming a part of human experiences.
Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Don Quixote & Christopher
The iconic character from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote, is driven by idealism, delusion, and unwavering belief in his imagined reality. He desires to revive chivalry and fight for justice, often misunderstanding the world around him. In Haddon’s novel, Christopher, a teenager with autism, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbor’s dead dog. While his motivations are more grounded than Don Quixote’s, his unique perspective on the world and his unwavering determination reflect the same kind of single-minded pursuit that defines Quixote’s adventures.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Hester Prynne & Offred
Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a strong, resilient woman who endures public shame and isolation while remaining true to herself and her values. She challenges societal norms, faces judgment with dignity, and transforms her punishment into a symbol of strength and independence. The Handmaid’s Tale’s Offred, like Hester, lives in a society that controls and punishes women for their perceived transgressions. She navigates a dystopian world with quiet resistance, inner strength, and a determination to assert her individuality despite oppressive circumstances.
Check out the other two blog posts in this series!
I thought these were really interesting pairings! I teach middle school, so most are way out of my students’ league, but personally, I found the combinations very thought provoking.