1

Tom Sawyer

Image: Daniel Chekalov

We’ll start with an American classic . If Mark Twain is considered "the Father of American Literature" , then it would also be fair to consider Tom Sawyer as the father of many great literary characters. And while it is true that "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" was heavily overshadowed by its sequel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", we have decided to choose Tom over Huck mostly because he was Mark Twain’s first and perhaps most iconic character.

Tom is introduced in the novel as an orphan boy who lives with his Aunt Polly in Missouri. Characterized by his penchant for avoiding work, Tom often uses his cunning and wits to skip school and chores. Perhaps his most famous feat is convincing the neighborhood kids that painting Polly’s fence was immense amounts of fun, and charging them for the privilege of doing his busy work.

2

Captain Ahab

Image: Austin Neill

Herman Melville tackled the issues of fanaticism and the battle between humankind and nature in his 1851 masterpiece "Moby Dick". In that sense, the character Melville chose as a vessel to portray these themes is definitively Captain Ahab, the frantic and monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod , hellbent on capturing the great white whale Moby-Dick.

While Ahab's obsession is fueled by revenge (since the whale bit off his leg), many critics observe how the captain’s mind doesn’t allow for any other feeling other than his mindless obsession with catching Moby-Dick. In the end, this hatred makes him forget to care for himself and his crew, and in their final battle, the whale drags Captain Ahab’s body beneath the sea.

3

Jack Torrance

Image: Luis Villasmil

Immortalized by Jack Nicholson’s superb performance in the 1980 film adaptation of "The Shining", Jack Torrance is arguably the tortured main character of this iconic horror masterpiece. Jack is a down-on-his-luck writer who gets hired as the winter caretaker of the fictional Overlook Hotel, a historical location in the Colorado Rockies.

Much like Captain Ahab, a big part of "The Shining" focuses on Jack’s fight against his own demons. However, where the Captain fails Torrance succeeds: While the dark presence that rules the Overlook possesses him and makes him attack his family, Jack overcomes these manipulations and sacrifices himself in order to save his wife and son.

4

Hester Prynne

Image: Debby Hudson

Hester Prynne might be the very first American heroin : The protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter" faces public humiliation and the disdain of her fellow residents of the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, who force her to wear a red "A" on her clothes after committing the sin of adultery.

Yet, Hester always maintains her dignity and love for her daughter Pearl throughout the rest of her life. In the end, the red "A" that decorates her tombstone is not a reminder of her transgressions, but a monument to her determination.

5

Ignatius J. Reilly

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Ignatius J. Reilly, the bumbling protagonist of "A Confederacy of Dunces", is no hero. He is more of a man-child, an unemployed and unpleasant buffoon whining about the lack of morality in his birthplace, the beautiful city of New Orleans. However, there’s no denying that Ignatius is a wonderfully crafted character and an essential part of what makes John Kennedy Toole’s novel so unforgettable.

"A Confederacy of Dunces" is, undeniably, a unique book: Its characters are as particular and hilarious as the bizarre situations in which they constantly find themselves. In that regard, Ignatius is the perfect protagonist for this unparalleled masterpiece.

6

Philip Marlowe

Image: Michelle Ding

What image comes to mind whenever you hear the phrase "private detective"? Do you picture a sullen man dressed in a beige overcoat and matching fedora , immersed in intense inner monologues about unsolved cases? Well, if that’s the case, you can thank iconic American author Raymond Chandler for creating the quintessential private detective, Philip Marlowe.

Immortalized by the great Humphrey Bogart in the film "The Big Sleep", this chainsmoking detective is one of pop culture’s most iconic characters and one that has endured as a symbol throughout its 90 years of history.

7

Atticus Finch

Image: David Veksler

Just like Philip Marlowe, many consider Atticus Finch to be the quintessential American lawyer : After all, his character is defined by his honesty and dedication to justice. However, the depth of this character from Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird" is not only determined by his morality, but for the unconditional love he feels for his two children, Scout and Jem.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" tells the story of the Finch family, which is intertwined with the prejudice-filled trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus acts as Tom’s defense attorney, as he battles the hateful mob mentality of this 30’s Alabama town.

8

The March sisters

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It would feel wrong to separate the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - from Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel "Little Women", so we have decided to include multiple characters in this entry. Alcott’s masterpiece describes the lives of these four sisters and focuses on their passage into womanhood.

Set in 19th century Massachusetts, "Little Women" is considered to this day to be one of the cornerstones of American literature . Not only that, many believe that the author was able to create a new form of sentimental literature with this book.

9

Blanche Dubois

Image: Lokesh Anand

Tennessee Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire" proves itself to be a gemstone of American literature just by the genius in its title: While it might seem completely objective, referring to a real-life New Orleans streetcar line named "Desire", it also perfectly describes the unstoppable passion that involves the characters of this play.

In that regard, this play’s protagonist, Blanche Debois, is definitively unforgettable: A stunning yet down-on-its-luck Southern Belle who moves to her sister’s place in New Orleans. She is considered one of the most iconic characters in theater and was played on uncountable occasions.

10

Dorothy Gale

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We’ll end this article with one of the most popular American characters in our country’s history. Few characters are as iconic in pop culture as Dorothy Gale is: Immortalized by Judy Garland’s unforgettable performance, Dorothy’s trip to the wonderful land of Oz will forever be a part of American culture and history.

Perhaps the reason why this character is so memorable is the fact that, at the time when L. Frank Baum’s original book was published, Dorothy seemed to be just like every other American girl living on a farm. In a way, millions of American children were able to join Dorothy throughout her trip through the yellow brick road.

1

Clothing (cheaper)

Image: Nick de Partee

Back in the mid-20th century, average American families spent about 10% to 12% of their household income on clothing. That figure has dropped to around 3%. That is not because people buy fewer clothes but because the prices have dropped significantly over the last decades.

Starting about fifty years ago, most U.S. clothing production moved overseas, where labor costs are lower and production output is higher . Those savings were passed onto consumers, and as fast-fashion brands proliferated, Americans had more options at lower prices than ever before.

2

Magazines (more expensive)

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While younger generations will not remember this, 25 years ago, magazines were an Internet of sorts : it was the quickest way to access information and color pictures of any subject you were interested in. Magazines were a ubiquitous item, sold everywhere at modest prices. Since the World Wide Web came along, magazines became less important and less demanded products.

If you have bought magazines lately or have inquired about their price, you might be surprised to discover how pricey these items have become.

3

Bananas (cheaper)

Image: John Vid

Believe it or not, back in the day, bananas used to be quite an expensive fruit. These days, this product is one of the cheapest and most popular fruits in the supermarket but when it first became available in the U.S., following the Civil War, it was sold for about 10 cents a piece — that’s about $3 per banana today.

The price of tropical fruit has hovered between 50 and 60 cents per pound for the last 20 years — a significant drop from its early cost. Despite being imported from faraway places and requiring cooling containers, banana sellers produce only one variety, the Cavendish, meaning the fruit can be harvested in abundant volumes and ripened at the same time .

4

Concert tickets (more expensive)

Image: Nainoa Shizuru

There was a time when going to a concert was a pretty accessible event. The ticket prices were low, even for well-known artists. But then, a couple of big players came along into the business and the prices skyrocketed like never before . Besides the ticket price itself, the service charge and taxes make for a hefty sum, not affordable by everyone anymore.

5

Television sets (cheaper)

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It’s a well-known fact that as technology improves and becomes more efficient, prices come down. However, one consumer electronics category stands out from the rest for its drastic price cuts: televisions. The first color TV set debuted in 1954 with a $1000 price tag , and a 15" screen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator, that would be more than $11,600 today.

Compare that number to a 65-inch, high-definition smart TV that might cost around $500 in today’s dollars and the price drop is nothing short of amazing.

6

Car insurance (more expensive)

Image: Herson Rodriguez

Car insurance was never the cheapest service in the world, but it used to be a much more accessible price, with options for every pocket. In recent decades, auto insurance premiums have been steadily climbing , making car ownership a more exclusive deal altogether than it used to be.

7

Air flight tickets (cheaper)

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Yes, it may feel like airline ticket prices have surged in recent years due to airport taxes and fuel prices, but if we look at the price evolution over the last decades, we can see that tickets have become much more affordable than before .

Commercial air travel used to be a luxurious experience available only to the wealthy. In 1941, an average flight from Los Angeles to Boston would have cost more than $5,000 in today’s money. These days, a one-way flight from Los Angeles to Boston commonly costs around $300.

8

Fast Food (more expensive)

Image: Kenny Eliason

Getting a burger with fries and a soda for a couple of dollars was a standard deal back in the day, but not anymore. Fast food prices have steadily increased in the last few decades , making the tag for a standard menu almost the same and sometimes even more expensive than a meal at a regular restaurant.

9

Washing machines (cheaper)

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In the same way that TVs have dropped the price, most other appliances have gone down the same path, and washing machines are no exception . These devices, an invaluable addition to modern life, have changed significantly from the 1950s to today.

In 1959, a Kenmore washer was advertised for $209.95. Today, that amount inflates to more than $2,200, which is a $1,600 difference from a basic $500 to $600 top-loading Kenmore machine today.

10

Prescription medicine (more expensive)

Image: Haley Lawrence

Healthcare costs in America have been a complicated problem for years. Not just health insurance but also essential medicines have been raising their prices steadily for a very long time.

It can’t be said that medicines used to be cheap but definitely were far more accessible than these days.

1

"How you doin’?" – Friends

Image: Malavika Pradeep

Friends gave us a lovable group of New Yorkers navigating life and love. But it was Joey Tribbiani’s cheesy yet charming "How you doin’?" that stole the spotlight. This flirty greeting, delivered with a confident grin, became a pop culture gem and Joey’s signature move. It’s the kind of line that can’t help but make you smile—even if you’re not on a date at Central Perk.

2

"You got it, dude", "How rude!", and "Have mercy" – Full House

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Full House warmed hearts with its family-centered humor and wholesome charm. Michelle Tanner, the tiny powerhouse, gave us "You got it, dude," and "How rude!"—adorable comebacks with surprising sass. Meanwhile, Uncle Jesse’s "Have mercy" was his smooth, rock ’n’ roll way of reacting to… well, just about anything worth swooning over.

3

"Well, isn’t that special?" – Saturday Night Live

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With sketches that parodied everyone and everything, SNL gave us the ultra-judgy Church Lady. Dana Carvey’s purse-lipped creation mastered the art of sarcasm. You didn’t need to be holy to recognize that smug tone.

4

Fonzie’s "Aaaay" – Happy Days

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Arthur Fonzarelli, aka Fonzie from Happy Days , made leather jackets cool and jukeboxes come to life with a single punch. His signature "Aaaay," complete with thumbs-up, said it all—cool, confident, and just a little bit rebellious.

Whether he was fixing a motorbike or schooling Richie on life, Fonzie’s catchphrase became a national symbol of laid-back swagger.

5

"Did I do that?" – Family Matters

Image: White.Rainforest ™︎ ∙ 易雨白林.

Steve Urkel from Family Matters was the lovable nerd who left a trail of chaos behind him. Whenever a plan backfired—and we all know they usually did—he’d pop out with his nasal "Did I do that?" It was part apology, part mischief, and it made Urkel a household name. That clumsy charm was irresistible, even when he turned the Winslows’ house upside down.

6

"Yada, yada, yada" and "Newman" – Seinfeld

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Seinfeld , the "show about nothing," gave us plenty of quirky phrases. "Yada, yada, yada" became shorthand for skipping the boring parts—or hiding juicy gossip. And then there was Jerry’s exasperated, drawn-out "Newman" whenever his nemesis neighbor appeared. Both lines are still used today. Sometimes, saying very little says it all.

7

"Dy-no-mite!" – Good Times

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J.J. Evans from Good Times had a big personality and an even bigger catchphrase: "Dy-no-mite!" He’d shout it with such enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but laugh. It captured his upbeat attitude in a show that balanced humor with tough realities. That one word became a rallying cry of fun and energy in every episode.

8

"And that’s the way it is" – CBS Evening News

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Walter Cronkite signed off each evening with calm, steady authority: "And that’s the way it is." It wasn’t flashy, but it became iconic because it felt real and trustworthy. In a time when Americans gathered around the TV for the news, that line gave a sense of closure and comfort after a long day.

9

"Come on down!" – The Price Is Right

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The Price Is Right turned everyday folks into instant game show stars with four exciting words: "Come on down!" Bob Barker’s booming voice (and later Drew Carey’s) invited contestants to race down the aisle and guess the price of, well, just about everything. That line still gets hearts racing for bargain hunters and lucky guessers alike.

10

"Yabba Dabba Doo!" – The Flintstones

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Fred Flintstone’s caveman cheer, "Yabba Dabba Doo!" from The Flintstones was pure cartoon joy. Whether he was sliding down a dinosaur’s tail after work or just in a good mood, that prehistoric phrase made everyone’s inner child want to shout it too. It was goofy, energetic, and unforgettable.

11

"Norm!" – Cheers

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Whenever Norm walked into Cheers , the whole bar would greet him with a booming "Norm!" It wasn’t just a greeting; it was a welcome from friends who felt like family. That running gag captured the cozy, familiar vibe of the show, where everybody really did know your name.

12

"Nip it in the bud" – The Andy Griffith Show

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Barney Fife, the overly enthusiastic deputy from The Andy Griffith Show , had his own way of handling trouble: "Nip it in the bud!" He meant to squash the problem early, though his methods were often hilariously over the top. The line became a comical mantra for over-preparing and overreacting—Barney style.

13

"Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" and "Oh, my nose!" – The Brady Bunch

Image: Bruna Araujo

The Brady Bunch gave us sibling drama in its purest form. Jan’s jealous cry of "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" captured classic middle-child woes, while Marcia’s anguished "Oh, my nose!"—after getting hit with a football—was a dramatic moment that still gets laughs. Both quotes are etched into the memories of anyone who grew up watching the blended Brady family.