And we insert our favorite Dark Tower character plus a reason why! We can only pick ONE favorite character so make sure it's your favoritest favorite! No whining; them's the rules! Oh, and if you're too macho manly to use "I <3" then go ahead and man it up. "I appreciate most," or "My bromance is with," or whatever you dudes say to maintain comfort with your masculinity! Moving forward:
I <3 Cuthbert!
Who doesn't love the plucky comic relief that also knows how to sexy wield guns with the best of 'em? The Cuthbert in my imagination is gorgeous (he has to be because even Susan who was all googly heart-bubble eyes for Roland was slightly attracted to him), but he also seems like that guy who always wants to make you laugh no matter the circumstances. Irksome to Roland, but perfect to me!
I would have gone with the man that was known as Arthur Heath as well, such a great pick Joanna. I'm in the middle of Wizard & Glass right now and he just never disappoints. Him strolling into 'The Travellers Rest' with his slinghsot, saving Sheemie from the Coffin Hunters with a grin that never quite leaves his face, that just might be my favorite part of the entire series. And I just love it when he strokes "The Lookout" skull he carries around with himself. What a freak :)
So since Mr. Allgood is already taken,
I <3 Jake
I first read the series when I was roughly 11 years old, same as Jake. It was a matter of identifying with the character for me since Roland kind of scared me, being so cold, distant and emotionless for most of book 1. I was beyond thrilled when Jake was re-introduced in the "The Wasteland", no less with that kick ass story line of him losing his mind the same way Roland did. Also, Jake's scenes in New York, the essay, finding the rose in the vacant lot and later on his love to Oy are among the best passages in The Dark Tower King has written in my opinion. He is a tough little kid for sure, witty and whip smart. King writes these really wonderful child characters in general (Hearts in Atlantis, The Body, Dolores, It, The Shining, Gramma, etc.) and ole Jake Chambers, son of Elmer, is one of his very best.
Books are a uniquely portable magic. ~Stephen King
Man after my own heart, Sawyer! I personally love the standoff scene... I remember it being my favorite part of the book and can't wait to see it again! Alas, my ka-tet is still dealing with Blaine (he is such a pain)!
I also wanted to mention The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Ever read that one? Great story entirely about a child protagonist! Thought it would bore me, but it didn't bore me in the least. It was a great read! And of course, we could toss The Talisman out there, too (at least with half the credit)!
"I know I'm being a pain in the neck, sir - not to mention an ache in the ass and a milky drip from the tip of a sore dick" Who in his right mind wouldn't love that scene! I can't wait to see it on film, Cuthbert has all the makings to become an instant audience favorite! Are you re-reading the books in anticipation of the movie too? Looks like I've got to stretch the journey out all the way to July now with the film being delayed. At least that leaves some time to include some of the DT related novels also.
I share your sentiments about "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon". It's been awhile since I read that one but I remember Trishia very fondly and the ending was very sweet. It's one of the books I put off for quite some time but I was glad I got round to it.
Books are a uniquely portable magic. ~Stephen King
I was actually inspired to retake the journey again thanks to everyone here. It was clear just how much I had forgotten in the last decade! Besides, I missed those crazy kids! I figured it couldn't hurt to get a reminder of the story and the characters, though I find myself dallying right now. Part of it is knowing the further I get, the more invested I get emotionally, and the more emotionally I get invested, the worse the pain will be when the proverbial *&^% hits the fan. And as you said, there's more time to kill! So that means I'll be able to toss in Eyes of the Dragon and a few others.
You probably just inspired me to start reading more diligently! This book does, after all, feature my Cuthbert most heavily, and if he isn't incentive, nothing is!
I'd go for Cuthbert for all the reasons you cited originally, but also am a fan of Jamie De Curry based solely on The Wind Through the Keyhole. He's more of the strong, silent, and useful type.
Jamie!! Happy to see someone else is intrigued by the least known member of the original ka-tet. I find him fascinating and was stoked he had top billing with Roland in Wind Through the Keyhole. Not just proficient with guns, but bow and arrow, bah and bolt, a strategist, on the spot medic and hand picked by Cort himself. The boy has skills!
I <3 Oy. Without him, Roland wouldn't have been able to find Jake in Lud. Without him, Jake likely wouldn't have escaped the Dixie Pig despite Callahan's sacrifice. Without him and his own sacrifice, Roland would be dead at Mordred's hands. Oy was stubbornly loyal and the one constant in the ka-tet no matter what happened. Oy was their ka-tet's heart and soul.
BTW, a side question about a minor detail so I don't have to wait until I read the books again. Which of the characters had green or hazel eyes?
Living is easy with eyes closed Misunderstanding all you see
To answer your question, Eddie is the hazel-eyed devil!
I couldn't agree more with your sentiments regarding Oy. The ka-tet never would have lasted without him. I was actually going to <3 him originally, but then I ended up getting elbowed in the ribs by Cuthbert giving me that, "What, seriously?" look and that ended all discussion on the matter. But Oy can proudly be regarded as the closest runner up!