Because you like Ishmael in Moby Dick

Louis de Pointe du Lac is wanting to find a way of living that doesn't make him miserable. See them in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles.

Larger than life and wealthy beyond measure, Willy Wonka is more than a titan in the sweets industry; he is an arbiter of taste. See them in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Driven by guilt and rage, Kratos is less a man and more an unstoppable avatar of anger and hate. See them in God of War.

A 100-plus-year-old who looks like a dreamy teenager, Edward Cullen warns girls to avoid him, which makes them want him even more. See them in Twilight.

The chronically bizarre Dwight Schrute is the world’s most dependable assistant to the regional manager. See them in The Office.

April Kepner is an excellent surgeon, but outside of the operating room, she's more anxious than most. See them in Grey's Anatomy.

Anyone who's said "Don't worry, it's just a dream" never met Freddy Krueger. See them in A Nightmare on Elm Street.

An All-American football player, a ping pong star, and a freakishly determined runner, Forrest Gump has a ton of stories to tell. See them in Forrest Gump.

Jax Teller can be cool or vengeful, calm or wrathful, depending on the situation. See them in Sons of Anarchy.

Equal parts klutzy and clever, Ella is not afraid to take her fate into her own hands. See them in Ella Enchanted.

Kazuma Kiryu's legendary strength and exploits have earned him the nickname of Dragon of Dojima. See them in Yakuza.

The incomplete experiment of an inventor, Edward Scissorhands was left with blades instead of hands and an unpolished understanding of the world. See them in Edward Scissorhands.