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

Image: mana5280

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

Image: micheile henderson

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

Image: ActionVance

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

Jimi Hendrix

Image: Aditya Wardhana

We’ll start with what many believe to be the very best guitarist of all time. James Marshall Hendrix , better known as "Jimi", truly redefined rock music during his tragically short career. Born in Seattle, Jimi’s fascination with music started at an early age: His school teachers recall that he would often carry around a broom, on which he would pretend to play the guitar.

The four albums recorded by Hendrix are still regarded as masterworks, known for their innovation, technique, and amazing design. If we have the difficult task of summing up this amazing musician’s legacy in one moment, we would definitively choose his rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock.

2

B.B. King

Image: Thomas Kelley

If you are looking for an undisputed king of the blues, look no further: After all, this man has the word "King" as his surname. Born as Riley B. King in 1925, B.B. King’s career was filled with amazing performances, timeless records, and an undying love for the blues.

However, the influence of "The King of the Blues" is definitely not limited to only one genre: Many iconic musicians and bands owe a lot to B.B. King. Not only that, in 1987, King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a spot well earned by one of the most groundbreaking guitar players in history.

3

Chuck Berry

Image: Rachel Bramlett

Chuck Berry’s contributions to rock and roll can’t be overlooked: After all, there’s a reason people know him as "the Father of Rock N’ Roll". Berry’s legacy truly befits a pioneer such as himself: He redefined the concept of rhythm and blues into the most defining elements of what we now know as rock and roll, creating the basis of history’s most popular music genre in the process.

Chuck wrote such legendary songs as "Johnny B. Goode", "Maybellene", and "Roll Over Beethoven". His charisma and raw talent quickly made him one of the most famous music stars in the 50s, but his legacy still lives on to this day.

4

Carlos Santana

Image: Simon Weisser

We mentioned Jimi Hendrix’s unforgettable performance at Woodstock, but it’s also necessary to talk about Carlos Santana and his amazing breakthrough in this legendary music festival. For many Americans, Woodstock was the very first time hearing Santana’s music, but it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

Carlos Humberto Santana Barragán began playing music at an early age: His father, a musician, taught him how to play the violin and the guitar when he was 5. Nowadays, at the young age of 77, he happily continues to tour around the world.

5

Slash

Image: Cathy Mü

Some guitar players are so iconic that they don’t even need a full name, but Slash takes it to the next level: After all, he only needed a punctuation mark for the whole world to remember him. Known worldwide as the guitarist of the 80s hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, Slash is instantly recognizable by his insane riffs and solos, as well as his wild hair and elegant top hat.

Slash has been named one of the best rock guitarists in history by several magazines and publications, including Rolling Stone and Time Magazine. Should you want to hear some of his most amazing melodies, we recommend the guitar riff in "Sweet Child of Mine" as well as the insane guitar solo in "November Rain".

6

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Image: Dominik Scythe

Although his career was cut abruptly short, Stevie Ray Vaughan is considered to this day one of the most influential and groundbreaking guitar players in music history. Vaughan’s seven years in the public eye left an indelible mark on rock and roll that still continues to influence young musicians around the world.

Born in Dallas, Stevie began playing the guitar at the age of 7, inspired by his older brother, guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. By the time he made it on his own as the frontman of the "Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble" trio, Vaughan was already an accomplished studio guitarist, even recording the instrumentals on David Bowie’s iconic 1983 album Let’s Dance.

7

Frank Zappa

Image: Dominik Scythe

As you would expect, this article includes its fair share of talented and groundbreaking musicians, but we can certainly state that Frank Zappa has a quality we haven’t seen in our previous entries: His sense of humor. Zappa’s raw talent playing the guitar can only be compared to his incredible sense of irony and parody, often reflected in the lyrics of his band "The Mothers of Invention".

However, don’t let his ability for satire make you think that Zappa was anything less of a virtuoso: Even detractors who consider his experimental and eclectic style off-putting also admit that his talent can’t be denied.

8

Wes Montgomery

Image: Adrian Ordonez

For any casual observer, the guitar often seems overlooked by jazz orchestras, falling in the shadows of other instruments like the piano, the trumpet, or the saxophone. However, we can almost guarantee that any jazz aficionado will agree that Wes Montgomery ’s contributions to this genre have no equal.

You might not know that Wes was not the only musician in his family: Both his brothers, Monk and Buddy, were accomplished jazz players in their own right. However, Wes is probably the most influential of the three; many of his songs have become jazz standards, while his unique style of playing was instrumental in the creation of smooth and fusion jazz.

9

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Image: Samuel Ramos

Many regard Rosetta Tharpe as the "original soul sister," and with good reason, as she performed under the stage name " Sister Rosetta Tharpe " throughout her entire career. However, there’s another title that shouldn’t be overlooked: Since she has influenced music legends like Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, and Chuck Berry, she is also known as "The Godmother of Rock n’ Roll".

Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, by the age of 6, Tharpe had joined her mother in a traveling evangelical group, advertised as a "singing and guitar-playing miracle". By 1938, her amazing guitar skills, often showcased in guitar battles at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, had already earned her a name as one of the best guitar players around.

10

Robert Johnson

Image: Ahmed Rizkhaan

We’ll end this article with a man that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes as perhaps "the first ever rock star". Born in Mississippi in 1911, Robert Johnson is recognized as a pioneer in the "Delta Blues" style and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

What’s interesting is that Johnson’s career spanned only seven months: He recorded 29 songs in only 2 sessions. However, his amazing skills even spawned a supernatural legend. Many believed that Johnson’s talent came from an agreement with a supernatural entity at a crossroads.

1

House Size

Image: Esther Zheng

One of the very first things any prospective homeowner should ask themselves is what kind of house they want . Having a general idea of the size, as well as the amount and type of spaces needed, is considered basic information before starting to look for a property.

2

Roof Condition

Image: Andreas Weiland

For practical reasons, most people looking to buy a house don’t inspect the roof of a prospective home. However, that section of the house can present serious and costly problems if it has any kind of damage.

Asking about the condition of the roof is paramount. How old is it? What is it made of? Buyers can find this information on the seller’s disclosure or ask the real estate agent to find out. Asphalt shingle roofs last around 20 years, but other materials, like clay or metal, can last much longer.

3

Neighborhood Safety

Image: Alev Takil

It goes without saying: safety is a big thing. When searching for a home, make sure the neighborhood where a potential house is located is safe. It’s also highly advisable to check out the neighborhood from an insider’s perspective via social media, such as Facebook groups, where you can learn more about the area and ask locals questions.

If you’re truly interested in a particular home, spend some time in the neighborhood. Go for a walk and check out local businesses to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the area.

4

HVAC system

Image: Taylor Vick

The HVAC system heats and cools a house year-round. Anyone looking at houses should ask about the type of heating and cooling system each one has and, most importantly, how old it is. Asking for maintenance records is also a good idea.

Furnaces and AC units typically last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. If a unit is broken, repair costs vary based on the type of system and how big it is. Homeowners can spend an average of $7,000 to replace an existing HVAC unit—but don’t count on a home warranty to automatically cover that.

5

Property Taxes

Image: Recha Oktaviani

A commonly overlooked item for first-time homeowners when searching for a house is property taxes. When considering a potential home, always compare property tax amounts over several years to help you calculate the overall affordability of the property .

To find out a home's estimated property taxes, check with the county's appraisal board. Homeowners Association dues should be listed in the home's listing, or you can request them from the listing agent.

6

Plumbing

Image: PAN XIAOZHEN

The plumbing system in a house can be a mystery for a prospective buyer if they don't know how to inspect it properly. Pipe disintegration, obstructive tree root growth, and complicated clogs can all cause havoc on the system. Keep in mind that sewer line replacement can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $4,900.

Always check toilets for leaks, unstable bases, and discoloration . Look under the bathroom and kitchen sinks for signs of leaks. Turn on the hot water in the sink or tub to see if it gets hot. If it doesn’t, that could indicate a problem with the water heater.

7

Water damage and mold

Image: Hydra 4x

Water damage can cause numerous problems in a house, including structural issues, mold, and rot, especially in basements. Anyone inspecting a house should pay close attention to musty smells as well as water stains on floors, walls, or ceilings .

The cost of mold removal can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of the affected area. And, because mold is a health hazard, it should be treated before moving in.

8

Proper ventilation

Image: Jelleke Vanooteghem

This one might be subtle, but it’s very important, especially when considering the mold issues mentioned earlier. Without adequate interior ventilation, moisture can't evaporate , which can turn a room into a breeding ground for mold.

Look for condensation on windows or slightly bubbled or peeling paint around windows, doors, or vents. These signs may indicate moisture within the walls or ceiling drywall.

9

Noise Level

Image: Rei Kim

Nobody wants to live in a noisy home. But, at the same time, this issue is often overlooked when searching for houses. Many showings are cunningly scheduled during quiet hours to disguise the noise issues.

If you are truly interested in a property, visit during high-traffic hours to assess this concern . Even if the house is perfect in every other way, the constant hum of passing cars, public transport, or other sources of noise can become a serious problem.

10

Foundation and home exteriors

Image: Aiden Craver

Foundations matter. Bulging or bowing foundation walls are signs of structural weakness that can be expensive to repair. Always check for cracks in the foundation, drywall, or ceiling ; gaps above doors and windows ; sunken stairs or porches; and sloping or uneven floors or tiling.

Of course, not every crack means the home is about to collapse. Every home experiences some degree of settling, so some cracks are to be expected.

11

Electricity issues

Image: Mila Albrecht

The electrical system in a house can be compared to the nervous system of a human being: every part must work properly, and issues can sometimes be difficult to spot. From the power outlet next to the bed to other electrical systems in the house, like the garage door opener, everything is important and contributes to your safety and comfort. Bring a phone charger and plug it into random sockets to check if they work properly .

12

Room for improvement

Image: Daniel McCullough

Buying a house is a big investment and you can be living in it for a very long time. Therefore, it is always important to take into consideration any future plans and whether these plans make sense in that particular house.

Is there a wall you could knock out to create more space if needed? A garage or attic you could potentially finish if you need an extra room? Having an easy-to-modify layout can provide more possibilities for the future.