Have you ever imagined switching lives with a literary character? Going on adventures, fighting villains or even being the villain—the possibilities are endless.

Here are a few characters who I believe lead envious lives:

  • Lisbeth Salander from the Millennium series by Stieg Larsson (and currently continued by David Lagercrantz)
    Lisbeth is one of my favorite characters. Although she’s faced an abundance of adversity in her life, she doesn’t let it subdue her. She’s incredibly smart and her computer hacking skills are unrivaled.
  • Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
    Hermione is smart, hard working, brave and loyal. She has a strong sense of morality, and doesn’t let anything compromise her integrity.
  • Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
    Charlie is such a sweet and kind person, and he also inherits the chocolate factory in the end of the book. I also adore the 1971 film adaptation, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. Although I’d rather switch lives with Charlie, in reality I’d probably pull an Augustus Gloop and dive head first into the chocolate river.

While these characters lead amazing lives, I think I prefer reading about their adventures in the comfort of my own home.