Heroes and Heroines of Literature

Explanation: Sancho Panza is Don Quixote's squire in Cervantes' novel (1605-1615). A pragmatic peasant, he contrasts with his master's idealism.

Explanation: Emma Bovary is the heroine of "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert (1857). This novel, which led to a trial for its author, depicts the boredom and disillusionment of a woman in the provinces.

Explanation: Jean Valjean is the hero of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (1862). A former convict, he tries to redeem himself while being pursued by Inspector Javert.

Explanation: Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, tells the story of a castaway who survives 28 years on a desert island. It is one of the first adventure novels in English.

Explanation: Phileas Fogg is the hero of "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1872). This British gentleman makes a crazy bet that he will manage to keep.

Explanation: Frodo Baggins is the bearer of the One Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy. He must destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom.

Explanation: Edmond Dantès, unjustly imprisoned in the Château d'If, escapes and becomes the Count of Monte Cristo to take revenge on those who betrayed him.

Explanation: 1984, published in 1949, describes a totalitarian society where Winston Smith works at the Ministry of Truth and tries to resist the Party. The novel gave birth to expressions like "Big Brother" and "Newspeak," which have become part of our vocabulary.

Explanation: Elizabeth Bennet is an intelligent and independent young woman in early 19th century England. Her love story with Mr Darcy has become iconic.

Explanation: The Little Prince comes from asteroid B612. This philosophical tale published in 1943 is one of the most translated books in the world.

Explanation: Harry Potter is the hero of J.K. Rowling's saga. An orphan, he discovers at age 11 that he is a wizard and enters Hogwarts School.

Explanation: Raskolnikov is a poor student who murders an old pawnbroker. The novel explores his guilt and redemption through Sonia's love.

Explanation: Erik is the real name of the Phantom of the Opera. This disfigured character lives in the basements of the Paris Opera and falls in love with the singer Christine.

Explanation: Hercule Poirot is a meticulous Belgian detective, famous for his "little grey cells". Created in 1920 in "The Mysterious Affair at Styles", he appears in 33 novels and over 50 short stories by Agatha Christie.