In the 'Chrestomanci' series by Diana Wynne Jones, there's Chrestomanci himself. He is a powerful enchanter and plays a role in the growth and coming of age of the young wizards in the story. Then there's Howl from 'Howl's Moving Castle'. He has his own magical school - like situation where Sophie, the main character, goes through a coming of age journey with his influence.
Harry Potter is probably the most iconic. He grows up at Hogwarts, discovers his powers, and battles against Voldemort. Hermione Granger is also very well - known. Her intelligence and loyalty are key parts of the story. And Ron Weasley, Harry's best friend, is another important character. Their friendship is a central aspect of the series.
Well, there's Ged in 'A Wizard of Earthsea'. He is a young wizard who attends a school of magic on the island of Roke. His journey from a proud and somewhat reckless young man to a wise wizard is a classic coming of age story. And then there's the character of Skulduggery Pleasant in the series of the same name. He mentors Valkyrie Cain, a young girl with magic, and she grows up and comes into her own powers with his help.
Some themes are the discovery of heritage. In a wizard school coming of age story, the main character may find out about their family's magical past which shapes who they are. Then there's the theme of mentorship. The teachers at the wizard school act as mentors, guiding the young wizards on their journey. And lastly, the idea of sacrifice. As they come of age, they might have to sacrifice something for the greater good, like their own desires or even their safety in the face of danger.
There's Jack in 'Queer as Folk'. He is a character who overcomes a lot of challenges. He has to deal with the stigma of being gay in a not - so - accepting society at first. But he grows, finds love, and builds a life for himself. His character shows that no matter how hard the beginning is, one can create a fulfilling life as a gay teen growing up.
One iconic character is Case from 'Neuromancer'. He's a hacker who gets involved in some really complex and dangerous cyber - related plots. Another is Motoko Kusanagi from 'Ghost in the Shell'. She's a cyborg with a strong sense of self - identity despite being part - machine. And there's Deckard from 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'. He has to deal with the moral dilemma of hunting down androids.
Freddy Krueger from 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' is very iconic. He has a burned and disfigured face and can enter people's dreams to kill them. His weapon, the glove with razors, is also quite recognizable.
Well, Edmond Dantes from 'The Count of Monte Cristo' is an iconic character in a fictional betrayal story. He is betrayed by his so - called friends, who frame him and send him to prison unjustly. His journey then becomes about getting revenge on those who betrayed him. Also, in 'Hamlet', Claudius is an iconic character of betrayal. He betrays his brother, King Hamlet, by murdering him and then marrying his widow, Gertrude, which sets off the chain of tragic events in the play.
Aragorn from 'The Lord of the Rings' can be considered one. He has to deal with the political aspects of uniting different kingdoms against Sauron. Also, Tyrion Lannister from 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. He is constantly involved in the political games of Westeros, using his wits despite his family's prejudice against him.
One popular one is 'The Outsiders' by S. E. Hinton. It tells the story of Ponyboy and his gang, exploring themes like class differences, friendship, and growing up in a tough environment. Another is 'Bridge to Terabithia' which is about the friendship between Jess and Leslie. It deals with loss and the power of imagination during the coming - of - age process. Also, 'Anne of Green Gables' is a classic. Anne's journey from an orphan to a young woman, her experiences in school and her relationships, all contribute to a wonderful coming - of - age story.
Well, there's Mad Max from the post - apocalyptic fantasy world. He has been wronged in so many ways, and his actions can be seen as a form of revenge against those who have taken away his peace and normal life. In the world of Japanese anime - like fantasy, there's Guts from 'Berserk'. His life is full of tragedies and he is on a path of revenge against the forces that have brought him so much pain. He battles demons and all sorts of evil in a very brutal way. And in some classic European - inspired fantasy, we might consider the character of Robin Hood. While his main story is about stealing from the rich to give to the poor, there are also elements of revenge against the corrupt nobles who have oppressed the common people.
Al Capone is an iconic character. He was a real - life mobster who has been fictionalized in many stories. His power and ruthlessness made him a memorable figure.
Sure. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is often associated with the coming - of - age genre. While not strictly about a New York boarding school, it has elements of that kind of environment in terms of the protagonist's experiences away from home and his struggle to understand the adult world. Also, there are some indie novels that might fit this description, but they are less well - known. You could search for local New York authors who have written about boarding school experiences.