Julie James is the author of Just the Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Makes Perfect. Her third book, Something About You, comes out in March 2010.
The other day, someone posed an interesting question to me: which five fictional characters would I invite to a dinner party, and why? This question intrigued me so much, I thought it merited further consideration.
I enjoy throwing dinner parties. Sure, it’s a lot of work, and sometimes going to a restaurant is more convenient, but I like the cozy, relaxed feel of entertaining in my own home. (And I get to pick the wine.) When planning such an event, I give some thought to the guest list—who will mix well together (and more important, who won’t), and what interesting things they bring to the table, so to speak.
With that in mind, I’ve come up with my list. Boy, there were some tough cuts to make. I’ve included both literary and film characters, and I’ll tell you—I gave some serious thought to inviting Darth Vader. I don’t care if you’re a Star Wars fan or not, how cool would it be to say something like, “So I had Darth Vader over for dinner the other night… How was I supposed to know he’s allergic to shellfish? It took three of us to figure out how to get that damn mask off when he started hyperventilating over the buffet table.”
So without further ado, here are the five fictional characters I would invite to my dinner party (and why):
Mr. Darcy. Quite possibly the person I would choose if I could only invite one fictional character. The hero of my favorite book, Pride and Prejudice, and in so many ways the inspiration for the heroes I write myself. The most sought-after man in town, knocked head over heels by a heroine who has no problem telling him just where he can stick his cocky, arrogant attitude. (Now where have I heard that before…?) Plain and simple, this man makes me sigh.
Speaking of sighing…
Indiana Jones. Aside from having what I think has to be one of the coolest names in film history, I’m betting this guy would have some pretty interesting tales to tell. And remember ladies, this is no mere adventuring-seeking piece of eye-candy—he’s a scholarly professor, too. And he knows how to use his whip.
From Indiana, we go to…
Bridget Jones. If for no other reason, I think she’d be a riot to have dinner with. And I can’t be the only woman at this party—I need someone to keep Darcy and Dr. Jones occupied while I have a little chat with…
Jake Ryan. If the red Porsche doesn’t give it away, think Sixteen Candles. Oh, how my dreamy, pre-teen heart fluttered at that scene at the end of the movie when Molly Ringwald’s character comes out of the church and sees Jake Ryan waiting for her. Every girl’s fantasy: gorgeous, rich, and sensitive, too. Remember the ending, where they kiss on the table over the birthday cake? It doesn’t get any better than that.
And last but not least…
The mysterious Jay Gatsby. A self-made man who rose from a life of poverty to become ridiculously wealthy—all to make himself worthy in the eyes of the woman he loves. There’s something so compelling about this man who has it all, except the only thing he really wants. And, boy, does he look good in that suit.
So there you have it—my choices for the five fictional characters I would invite to a dinner party: Mr. Darcy, Indiana Jones, Bridget Jones, Jake Ryan, and the Great Gatsby. Should make for some pretty interesting conversation, I’d say…
And how about you? Which five characters would be on your list?
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Jazz
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 3:27 am:
I know of two whom I’d invite. Jeckell/Hyde and Tyler Durden (of Fight Club). I just think it’d be an interesting/freaky conversation between the two of them.
Crazy people aside I’d probably invite Ivy (from Kim Harrison’s Hollows series) since I could sic her after the two above guests if they got out of hand. Plus she’s kind of um…well… hot.
I’d also bring Holden Caufield (from Catcher in the Rye) since I want to find out what happened after he decided to clue in and grow up.
I’d probably bring Connie (from the Anita Blake series) since she seems like an intensely loyal friend and would round out the group with her normalcy. Well minus the fact that she’s dating a shapeshifter.
Dee
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 5:47 am:
Wow…I love this question. Five characters I’d love to have over for dinner…
Richard Castle – sexy sense of humor, easy on the eyes, very witty and has a way with words. I’d sit him next to me for personal reasons.
Vane Kattalakis and Bride McTierney from Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon – my favorite couple from the Dark Hunter world. Bride is every woman and Vane is that perfect man we all know rarely exists outside of a book.
Westley from the Princess Bride – I just LOVE that character and Id’ give anything to hear a man say “As you wish”
Niles the Butler from the Nanny – he makes snarkiness an art form and I just love how he knows or finds out about everything
Stacy ~
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 6:29 am:
Hey Julie (waving). I wish I had more time to think about this, because my answers at this time of the morning may not be clear, but here goes:
1. Anne Shirley from AoGG. I’m all about this series these days, as I’ve just updated to the DVD version of the movies. Anne has always fascinated me, and I know I’d never be bored with her around.
2. Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. The ultimate hero with a charming and engaging personality, and a to-die-for Scottish accent. He’d be my date
3. Kenny “Wildcard” Karmody from Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series. Not much sexier than an intelligent, slightly crazy guy who can make you laugh.
4. King Arthur, as in Clive Owen’s version, who was wonderfully masculine and heroic in the movie and definitely beat out Lancelot in my book.
5. Sam from Linda Howard’s “Mr. Perfect”. The view from Jaine’s window alone is enough to convince me – he’s one sexy mho fho *g*
So if I have to stick to 5, those are the current ones that would be invited. Now wouldn’t that be a blast to make it happen…
KatiDancy
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 8:50 am:
Mornin’ Julie! Welcome back to RNTV, it’s always awesome to have you here!
So my answers:
1- Dr. Juliet Burke from LOST. I can’t figure her out, and would love to get into her head.
2- Irial from Melissa Marr’s Ink Exchange. One of the most fascinating, nuanced bad guys out there. Or is he really bad?
3- Sebastian Vioget from Colleen Gleason’s Gardellas. Sure, I’m the captain of Team Max, but Sebastian would make a fascinating dinner companion, I think.
4- Chastity O’Neill from Kristan Higgins’ Just One of the Guys. I seriously would want Chas to be my best friend if she were real. I love her.
5- Jack Travis from Lisa Kleypas’ Smooth Talking Stranger. OK, you totally knew I was going to choose Jack! Handsome, suave, and sure to give me a good time at the end of the night. Oh yeah, Jack would be my date.
Fun, fun topic, Julie!
Mary G
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 8:53 am:
Hi Julie
Good question.
1. Prince Henry from Ever After because he admired a smart feisty woman in those times.
2. Danielle from the same movie because she was the smart feisty woman.
3. Brandon Birmingham from the Flame & The Flower because he was my first romantic hero.
4. Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings but only if he’s Viggo underneath.
5. Hope from Daring Time because she was hardly fazed by the modern world.
I’m sure there’s many more wonderful choices that I’ll think of later but anyway..Good to “see” you again.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 10:37 am:
Hi Julie – Great to have you here.
I’d want to sit down with Marry Poppins and find out how where she came from.
I’m with Stacy – Jamie Fraser – just to listen to him speak.
Denys Finch Hatton played by Robert Redford in Out of Africa – just to find out what the heck he was thinking cheating on Meryl.
Julie James
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 11:18 am:
Hi everyone! Wow– you all are putting together some dinner parties that I definitely want to attend!
Dee–my gosh, how could I have forgotten about Westley? Of course Westley is a must. Um, sorry Bridget– I think you might be getting the boot…
Jazz: Tyler Durden is another great pick, as long as he looks like Brad Pitt and promises not to blow anything up.
Hi Stacy! [waving back] If I could steal only one of your guests, I’m torn between King Arthur and Sam. Probably in the end I’d go with Arthur, just because it’d be cool to have a king sitting at my dining table. And because he looks like Clive Owen.
Thanks, Kati– I’m having a blast hanging out with you girls today! I think so far you get the prize for the most interesting answer… Juliet from Lost. I like her a lot too, but, well, if I’m picking somebody from Lost to spend the evening with, I gotta go with Sawyer.
Mary G: Ah, another Ever After fan. Loved that movie. And Prince Henry is a great pick. And you know, I thought about Aragorn… but, really, I like Legolas even more. Or at least the Orlando Bloom version.
Hi Maria: Denys Finch Hatton is another great pick! Loved Robert Redford in that movie.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 11:23 am:
Wait a minute now – we may not be seeing Julie this year on LOST – she’s got another series and jumped ship. So I think this year we’ll be seeing some serious angst from Sawyer. And we have to wait until January to find out.
Shannon
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 12:35 pm:
Hiya Julie
Great topic! OK, you have some amazing picks. I want to steal at least three of them! No? In that case I would have to go with:
Sam (Mr. Perfect)- It is one of my all-time favorite romances all because of him. Sexy, funny, protective, yet appreciative of a strong woman. What is not to love?
Capt. Malcom Reynolds (Firefly/Serenity)- He has a fabulous snarky sense of humor and is nickname is Capt. Tight Pants, need I say more?
Mr. Thornton (North and South)- He would have to look and act like he did in the movie. Those intense eyes would have me losing track of the dinner conversation.
Sebastian (Lord of Scoundrels)- He is so decadent and over the top, he would ensure an entertaining evening.
Jessica Trent (Lord of Scoundrels)- She’s fun, fiesty, opinionated, and can appreciate naughty pocket watches. Also, she is willing to shoot her man is he is being an ass. With this group of men at the table I may need her help… and her aim.
katiebabs
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 12:41 pm:
Ohhh this is a hard one!
Roarke from the in Death series. He enjoys a good steak. And he sure is purty to look at. Eve also because she would make me shoot my drink through my nose by the things she says.
Elizabeth Bennett from one of Julie’s favorite books Pride and Prejudice. Lizzie would be great to chat with and keep the conversation going.
Jack Dawson from the movie Titanic. He held up his own during the snooty dinner and made people laugh.
Rhage from Lover Eternal. That man likes to eat and another eye candy at the table.
KatiDancy
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 12:57 pm:
I think so far you get the prize for the most interesting answer… Juliet from Lost. I like her a lot too, but, well, if I’m picking somebody from Lost to spend the evening with, I gotta go with Sawyer.
*primly* I like to throw happy dinner parties, Julie. Sawyer would insult everyone and piss them off.
Sawyer would be invited to the AFTER party.
katiebabs
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 1:11 pm:
Kati: Sawyer would be dessert! Whipped creams, cherries, chocolate sauce. Oh yeah.
Kim
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 2:27 pm:
Hi, Julie. I’m looking forward to your third book.
No one has mentioned one of the the most famous heroes in literary fiction – Rhett Butler. He’d make any dinner party interesting.
Marisa
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 2:42 pm:
You know, I didn’t think about it, but Katibabs – I’m with you, Roarke for sure would be at my dinner party.
AS for LOST – forget Sawyer and Juliet – I’m all about meeting Jacob – I WANT to know who the heck he is and what the heck he’s doing!
Everyone has given such great answers. I’d definitely have any of the above over for some cheese and crackers.
Right now I’m on a whole heroines from TV kick – and I’d definitely invite
Grace from the TV show Saving Grace,
Mary, from the TV Show In Plain Sight, and
Brenda from the TV Show The Closer.
All three characters are amazingly strong, intelligent, and highly dysfunctional functional women who you can’t help but love and be fascinated by.I think sitting around with them after a couple of shots of tequila could prove to be a very fun and interesting time.
Julie James
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 4:39 pm:
Hi Shannon! I’m sure we can work out some kind of arrangement where we share guests… Is Captain Reynolds from Serenity Nathan Fillion’s character? (I only saw the movie.)
Katiebabs: Yes, Elizabeth Bennet, except that then Darcy will be staring at her all evening, not moi, and this is supposed to be my dream dinner party, right?
Kati: remember– Sawyer can be quite a charming scoundrel when he wants to be. And with the money at this table–Darcy, Gatsby, Jake Ryan–he’d probably be very charming indeed. Plus, Indy can keep an eye on him.
Hi Kim– thanks! And you are so right! For my next dinner party, Rhett Butler is my first pick.
Marisa: your comment about TV heroines made me think of TV in general and I can’t believe I forgot Jack Bauer from 24. I mean, what if someone were to plant a nuclear device at this dinner party, or a biological weapon? Or worse–gasp– we run out of wine? Jack Bauer is the man you want in case of such emergencies.
Elyssa Papa
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 5:28 pm:
Julie, you and I have almost the same list.
1. Mr. Darcy. No reason needed.
2. Indiana Jones. The things he can do with a whip. Sigh.
3. Scarlett O’Hara because she’d come up with a plan to get the guy and get a good life.
4. Hotspur from Henry IV, part I. Love this character!
5. Snape because tortured anti-heroes = total win.
Elyssa Papa
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 5:31 pm:
And I sneak Sawyer from Lost in. Shhh. Don’t tell.
Rowena
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 7:56 pm:
Hmmm, let me think on this.
1. Sam Starrett (and I guess Alyssa, haha) from The Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann.
2. Dageus MacKeltar from KMM’s Highlander books (but not his heroine, Chloe).
3. Ben Lewis from LH’s Heart of Fire so he can make me laugh.
4. Kenny Traveler from SEP’s Lady Be Good for more laughs.
5. Hmmmm, I don’t know. I need to think about this a little more.
Dee
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 8:49 pm:
Ah yes, the cast of Lost. How could I forget? Maybe I should knock Niles out and invite Richard Alpert…the man never ages and I’d get filthy rich from bottling that power…
or Jack Shepard…oh wait too much drama…Ben might poison me and push me into a fire…hmm…
I was a late bloomer to Lost but during seasons 4 and 5 had a weekly gab session with my brother and sister. My brother still tells me my mind should not be put towards evil and that I should write a script and have a Lost movie come out before season 6 so his withdrawls will go away.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 9:55 pm:
Dee – you, me and Marisa ought to get together. We are total, absolute LOSTIES!!!!
Marial
on Aug 21st, 2009
@ 10:19 pm:
1. Big from Sex and the City (so I can slap him)
2. Aidaan from Sex and the City (my TV husband)
3. Joel Fleishmann from Northern Exposure
4. MacGyver
5. Charlie from Charlie’s Angels (I always wondered what he looked like)
Bits & Bobs | Monkey Bear Reviews
on Aug 22nd, 2009
@ 8:02 am:
[...] Julie James is a guest blogger at Romance Novel TV. She asks: Which Five Fictional Characters Would You Invite to Dinner? I’m still pondering my list but I know I’d love to meet Miss Marple…as long as no [...]
Dee
on Aug 22nd, 2009
@ 11:54 am:
Maria – My brother said “just watch one episode”. It’s like Lays chips…you can’t have just one.
Maria Lokken
on Aug 22nd, 2009
@ 12:49 pm:
Dee – your brother is so right! Marisa made me an addict, I totally blame it on her.
Marial – I’m with you – I would love to give Big a big ole slap in the face… and ask him “What were you thinking?!” Although when Carrie pummels him with her wedding bouquet, I thought that was a good as it gets.
Dee
on Aug 22nd, 2009
@ 1:10 pm:
LOST is one of the very few things my brother is happy to take the blame for.
heidenkind
on Aug 22nd, 2009
@ 1:57 pm:
Hmmm, great question. I’d want to invite:
Harry Dresden–he’s always good for a laugh. Of course, the lights wouldn’t work around him, but that’s okay. I’d just have candlelight.
Dumbledore–he’d be fun to talk to.
Xena, Warrior Princess–because she’s my hero.
Vicky Bliss & Sir Jon Smythe
Shannon
on Aug 24th, 2009
@ 1:50 pm:
Julie, yes that is Nathan’s character. I love that man in all his oddly attractive goodness.
Kaori
on Sep 18th, 2009
@ 10:32 pm:
5 Characters…hm…
1.) Mr. Darcy. Why? well, I don’t think we need a reason for that one!
2.) Dean Winchester from the hit TV show Supernatural. He hunts Demons for a living. Oh, the information I can get from him! Plus, it’s what happens AFTER the dinner…rawr.
3.) Robinson Crusoe. He lived on a deserted freaking island!
4.) Vampire Lestat. It would be hilarous to watch him and Darcy talk about the state of the world and ‘current affairs’ even though they are YEARS apart!
5.) Legolas from the ‘Lord of the Rings.’ He’s tall, blonde, and an Elf from a foreign Land. It would be so precious seeing Darcy figure out what Legolas ‘is.’
Bonus!
6.) JACK DAWSON from the TITANIC!
He’s smart, suave, handsome, in my age range, funny, sexy, talented…And he can provide some kick arse card games for Lestat and Darcy.
Jenni
on Dec 12th, 2009
@ 8:08 pm:
wow… that’s actually a hard question…
but my number one is clear… like crystal clear…
1) Judd Lauren… from Nalini Singh’s “Caressed by Ice”… OMG… I’m totally in love with him… there’s just something about that guy and his rare smile *sigh*… guess I have to bring a picture of Brenna because I want to see him smile!!!!!
2) Jason Bourne… I just love his fighting scenes!!! Perfect role for the sexiest man alive
– in my opinion Matt Damon totally earned the title!
3) Dominick Steele… from Julie Cohen’s “Honey Trap”… bad boy rocker gone good LOL… I’d love to touch his hair XD and listen to him sing “Sweet Nothings”
4) Linda Howard’s Zane Mackenzie… and then I would force him to introduce me to his family… god I love that bunch!!!!
5) Hunter from Lara Adrien’s Midnight series… I just love it when the bad guys join the good ones…