Television shows are full of interesting and loveable characters. Among them, there are those brimming with optimism, joy, and a sunny disposition. These characters are those who remain steadfast, hopeful, and faithful despite adversity and the turmoils in their lives. They have a way of reaching into viewers' hearts and forming a connection because they are an inspiration, a welcome change, and a kindred spirit.
There are many reasons a television character might be memorable, and a feel-good outlook, endearing personality, a never-say-die attitude, and a joking, positive aura are just some of them. They aren't perfect people, no character is, but they try to best to try, to believe.
Sue Heck - The Middle
The teenage cycle of the play of life is a time where the forces of the world can berate the curiosity and individualism nurtured in childhood. Sue Heck is no stranger to the hardships of school but her smile is one that appears time and time again, accompanied by her resilient attitude.
Whether it be her contest-winning, her unicorn presentation, her dancing and squealing over Justin Bieber, or her wholesome bonding with Brick - Sue stays true to Sue (and the world loves her even more for it).
Anne Shirley - Anne With An E
Bright, intelligent, witty, and enthralled by the world around her, Anne Shirley is a kindred spirit. Anne's parents died when she was young and the life she knew involved the orphanage, abusive carers, cleaning, and minding younger children.
Her thirst for knowledge and to experience the world around her kept her sharp and optimistic. Anne is dramatic, romantic, has a wild imagination, and finds herself in many scrapes. To those of any age, Anne is a symbol of bright and lasting curiosity.
Jane Villanueva - Jane The Virgin
Jane has a big heart and a loving disposition. She has her life plan thrown out the window when she is accidentally artificially inseminated but remains strong throughout her uncertainty surrounding the situation and the impact it has on her life.
She has strong morals and pursues her dream to be an author, navigating the dramatic twists and turns of her life in the company of her supportive family. Everyone has their share of turmoil, highs, and lows, but it's the spirit of the journey and what can be taken from the experience that shapes a person's character.
Max Goodwin - New Amsterdam
Max Goodwin doesn't want to fix the system, he wants to break it apart. His stubborn attitude and extreme actions show he isn't one to back down. He is a character who is constantly growing in his understanding, finding the problems in the hospital, and acknowledging himself as part of the issue. Max continuously asks others "how can I help?" because he genuinely believes he can create change and improve situations for the better.
Prince Charming & Snow White - Once Upon A Time
Prince Charming and Snow White are the epitome of a strong and loving support system for those around them. Their memorable quote from the series being, "I will always find you," encapsulates their steadfast hope.
Charming and Snow were both subject to cruel intent and lost 28 years with their firstborn child. But they were also both raised with a loving figure, an example, a nurturer that fostered in them a courage that would serve them well in life.
Betty Suarez - Ugly Betty
"Betty is a force of nature, a positive one, like sunshine, but a force nonetheless." Daniel Meade was seen to hit the nail on the head when it came to describing the impact Betty Suarez had on the world and viewers.
Betty is an ambitious hard worker, a brilliant pep talker, and a supportive and loving friend. She keeps Daniel's head above water while balancing her work and home life. She also aspired to inspire greater topics of conversation, positive body image, wider representation, and bolder, more educative ideas. Even with the show having finished in 2010, Betty Suarez still remains, by far, one of the best role models on TV.
Kimmy Schmidt - The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
"Life beats you up. You can either crawl up into a ball and die or you can stand up and say 'we're different and you can't break us.'" Kimmy Schmidt was held captive for 15 years inside a bunker and put under the impression that the outside world no longer existed.
When rescued, Kimmy chose to embrace the world, having never truly believed that no one had not survived, and confront her ordeal through her daily adventures. She chose to live in the present, to enjoy every experience the world had to offer.
The Doctor - Doctor Who
“I am, and always will be, the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes, and the dreamer of improbable dreams." The Doctor has had many regenerations throughout the years, but one thing will always remain the same; The Doctor is and always will be - The Doctor.
But who exactly is The Doctor? Every incarnation is an alien who has two hearts, a tool to fix things, and a universe to explore. These are The Doctors who think every person is important and believe life is worth saving over and over again. They are a perfect symbol of hope, love, and friendship.
Winston Bishop - New Girl
Winston wears his own style of clothes, loves his cat, and is empathetic, loyal, and sensitive. His appearance on the show added a layer of sweet and dopey energy, balancing the personalities of the oftentimes cynical and self-absorbed existing roommates.
Winston is unapologetically himself, from singing Wicked songs in the car to going too big or too small on pranks. Everyone has their quirks and Winston's character is encouragingly zany.
Leslie Knope - Parks & Recreation
Leslie loves her friends, waffles, and work. She's bubbly, quirky, and upbeat. She sees people yelling at her as caring loudly. She genuinely wants to serve her community and make positive and lasting changes.
She's a master at gift-giving, touches the hearts of her friends, even those reluctant to call her a friend at first, and tells herself to do the right thing. Leslie is a strong woman who follows her heart, fighting for what she believes.