What is trustworthiness?
Merriam-Webster defines it as:
: worthy of confidence : DEPENDABLE
Dictionary.com defines it as:
deserving of trust or confidence; dependable; reliable:
Vocabulary.com says:
Trustworthiness is the quality of a person or a thing that inspires reliability. If you want a pet known for its trustworthiness, choose a loyal and obedient dog.
For me, trustworthiness sets the tone for the book. Is the narrator reliable? Can I trust the main character?
While I’m intrigued by all manner of books, I’m still a sucker for main characters that I know I can trust – not because they are the best, but because I know they will stay true to who they are and do the right thing to the best of their ability. Call me old-fashioned, but I still love the true hero opposed to the anti-hero.
So, here are my picks for top 5 Characters due to their trustworthiness. In no particular order:
WARNING
Spoilers ahead!
Top 5 for Character Study: Trustworthiness
- Eilonwy from the Chronicles of Prydain
Let’s face it, no one can be more true to who they are and to their friends than Eilonwy. Even when others tell her she needs to “learn” who she is and to be a lady, she doesn’t hesitate to prove that she has always been who she’s meant to be. And, she is one that Taran and the rest can rely on through thick-and-thin. She’s also reliable to keep the assistant pig keeper in his place when his ego gets too big. - Hermione from the Harry Potter Series
Do I really need to go into detail here? Who else can you trust to know the right spell at the right time? Who else knows the history and pretty much anything else you need to know to solve the puzzle and find the solution? Even if she doesn’t know right away, she’s always reliable to go to the library and find out. She always had Harry’s back. And Ron was right, he and Harry wouldn’t have lasted 2 days in any of the books without her. - Horace from the Ranger’s Apprentice Series
Horace may have started the story as Will’s nemesis, but he became his most reliable/trustworthy friend. True and honest, and willing to risk it all for his friends, Horace is the one you want in your corner any day. - Samwise from LOTR
Sam is the epitome of reliable and trustworthy. Frodo would have failed if he didn’t have Sam. To me, he will always be the true hero. - Tzain Adebola from Children of Blood and Bone
Zélie’s big brother would do anything for his sister and goes out of his way to keep her safe. While he often cleans up after her, he is her biggest champion and advocate. He may not always understand, but his love for his little sister keeps him by her side through anything.
Now it’s your turn. What characters exhibit trustworthiness best to you? I’d love to hear about them.