15 Fictional Men for the Marriage Minded Modern Woman

Book lovers like me have a hard time finding a man in the real world, not because we're bores or plain-Janes, but rather because we know the man we want to marry. Alas, he's fictional. Ladies, the following is a list of 15 fictional men (in no particular order) who I think epitomise our ideal man. Men, take notes!


1.

Bravado, dominance and masculinity all equals to this one man, Petruchio, who is 'man-enough' to get you in order. Dash the modern day BDSM (and the Christian Grey overload), you can have yourself the classic tamer. 

2. 

Another devoted man on the marriage list, and most definitely so. Staying true to what he believes in right to the end, Sirius Black is most certainly loyal, rebellious and as we know pretty reckless. But what's the harm in a little mischief and adventure when this man has an immense capacity for affection.

3.

While the Duke may be fickle, the rest of him is pretty damn fine: handsome; noble; wealthy; loyal; ardent, but mostly the Duke of Illyria is a true romantic, a man in love with love - 'If music be the food of love, play on'. In short, everything a woman wants, all in an exquisite wrapping. 

4. 

A new thing with vampires and sexiness, and Edward Cullen is it. Extremely handsome with super-speed and the ability to read thoughts, this sparkling vampire knows he's not always perfect and is ready to admit it. 

5. 

Middle-earth inhabits a man who most certainly makes the cut. Tall and dark? Check. Lean and rugged? Check. Refined in using a blade? Check. Leader of men? Check. Aragorn undoubtedly turns many heads and not just in Rivendell or Rohan. 

6. 

Every girls wants a house built for her, to be cooked seasoned crabs with hot sauce and to be rowed into romantic secret lagoons - there's only one who has the determination in all he does and that can give his unconditional love, and that's none other than the poor country boy; Noah Calhoun - the perfect marriage material. 

7. 

While the perfect pretty boy is what we all should want, it's the mysterious bad-boy who we fall for. Not afraid to make tough decisions and a closet sweetheart, Damon Salvatore makes love look thrilling and dangerous. 

8. 

Being born from one of the most acclaimed literatures of time, Jay Gatsby's stance alone is enough to draw you in. Behind the faux image of the extravagant lifestyle and profuse wealth, Gatsby's devotion to his love is the true essence of him.


9.

Edward Fairfax Rochester. Many things could be said about this rich, dark and brooding man but it all comes down to two words, he is ultimately the Byronic hero. Simple as that. 

10. 

Austen did it again and she nailed it. This time he is protective without being possessive. He can advise without being domineering. He is a gentleman to all the ladies and not only those he deems worthy of respect. To sum it up Mr Knightley is simply and utterly the nice guy. 

11. 

The man who never fails to surprise you and continues to show his love even after he is gone. The man who helps you get beyond the past and strive towards the future. The man who isn't quite ready to say goodbye to you. Gerry Kennedy, the man that we couldn't have dreamt up. 

12. 

Not only exceedingly easy on the eyes, but a man with intelligence who can challenge your thoughts with his own. Mr Thornton is worthy of great respect, to be able to remain gentle and family-orientated despite his tough experiences of life. 

13. 

The Hogwarts professor holds the perfect resume for the husband role. Being an official Messr, co-creating the Marauder's Map and with a certain regard for chocolate, for most that would be enough to seal the deal. If not, then it should be known that the compassionate, considerate Remus Lupin has a furry side. 

14. 

His title alone is a great appeal. This Count has ascribed his status in society, and while he may have held bitterness for the wrong done against him, it's Dantes' redemption that truly shines through and makes him a man deserving of being loved. 

15. 

He comes across as proud and arrogant, but when they are so well-educated and finely dressed as this man is, a little arrogance and pride is just what you'd order. Conveniently, a glance at his fine grounds of Pemberley is enough to sway even the most headstrong of women. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, the true gentleman, the man known to be the standard to which all other men are held against. The one to hold your heart like an iron vice. 

Those of you who read it, would you agree with me the list above or do you have someone else in mind who you think makes the cut?

This is a piece I wrote some months ago for a specific audience, so I thought I'd post it on here and share it with everyone.

Unconventional Me

Being a girl in her mid-twenties from an Asian family, can be pretty tough with all the cultural expectations. Something I've resisted since a young age. Whilst I was unable to tear myself completely away from all the beads of traditions and the satin wraps of culture, I can say that I’m not your typical Asian girl. According to one of my friends I'm his favourite Bengali, whenever we catch up (which I may add is pretty rare) he’d say, ‘you’re nothing like the others, not the usual Bengal, original.’ Now this may sound cheesy, but when I heard those words, I felt elated. Not because I’m ashamed of my culture or my background, but because I didn't want that to define me and who I became. I didn't want that to stand as a barrier as it does for a lot of girls from such backgrounds.

However, I can’t give myself full credit.

Although during the years my siblings were growing up, my parents had the typical Asian mentality and were pretty stern in what they allowed them to do. When it came to me, rules were always a bit skewed. Perhaps it was because after nine children, they had just given up, or perhaps it was my independence from the early age of seven. So, I would have to say that my parents played a big role in who I am. They trusted me to go to a college outside of the comfort zone. They trusted me when I wanted to do all-nighters in the library and they trusted me to go abroad with a friend. These chances of trust gifted to me don’t come so readily for other girls who come from similar backgrounds. So, along with my slightly rebellious and independent attitude and my wonderful parents for their faith in me, I'm proud to say that I'm not your archetypal Asian girl.  

Now, don’t misunderstand this as an attempt to westernify myself (yes, I just made that up now), because that’s not it at all. It’s just a matter of not being forced into particular ideas and mentalities, but rather to become someone with an open mind. (Wouldn't this be a good point to belt out the lyrics to Disney's Reflections or something?)

Whilst my family agrees that I'm so different and nothing like them, they don’t believe that being 25 and still obsessing over the likes of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, is a matter of open mindedness or being culturally unbound but rather a lack of maturity. Well who says there’s an age limit when it comes to imagination and fandoms? No Sirrey! No such rules and even if there were, dash the rules and dash the maturity.

As you may have gathered, I'm a bit of a book worm, movie buff and generally a fangirl. When something really grabs my interest, I become thoroughly passionate about it. (Stay posted, you’ll find out to what extent).

At my age, all of my siblings were married and some already with children. Me, I'm proudly single, with books and movies delving into fandom-based crafting and sitting tightly until the day I decide to seek out Mr Darcy.