These characters don’t just survive in their dangerous, high-stakes worlds—they lead with courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable sense of justice. Here are ten heroes and heroines who would definitely be sorted into Gryffindor:
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When you think of Gryffindor House, a few bold traits come to mind: courage, bravery, determination, and a willingness to do what’s right—even when it’s hard. While the Wizarding World gave us Harry, Hermione, and Ron as prime examples, the spirit of Gryffindor lives far beyond the halls of Hogwarts.
In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31st!), I’m spotlighting some unforgettable main characters from fantasy books who embody that same Gryffindor grit. These heroes and heroines charge into danger, stand up for the voiceless, and make tough choices for the sake of honor, truth, and loyalty. Whether they wield a sword or simply refuse to back down, these characters would feel right at home under the red and gold banner.
Fantasy Main Characters Who Totally Belong in Gryffindor
🗡 Koa Kai from A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion by Sharayah Maurice
If there were ever a cinnamon roll with a sword and a death wish for protecting the people he loves, it’s Koa. As Princess Alana’s loyal bodyguard, Koa doesn’t hesitate to throw himself into danger, no matter the risk to himself. His instinct to protect often overrides strategy, but that impulsive bravery is exactly what earns him his Gryffindor stripes. Fiercely loyal, quick to act, and driven by honor, Koa has all the heart and courage it takes to wear red and gold with pride.
👑 Claire from Royal Decoy by Heather Frost
Claire didn’t choose a life of danger, but when her family’s safety and her kingdom’s future are on the line, she steps into the role of a royal decoy without hesitation. Her courage shines in her selflessness: taking on threats, lies, and assassins with grace and determination. She’s not just brave with her actions, but with her heart, trusting the right people even when she’s been burned before. Claire may not wield a sword, but her strength is every bit as fierce.
🧠 Thomas from The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thrown into a deadly maze with no memory and no way out, Thomas doesn’t just accept his fate, he challenges it. He leads with instinct, heart, and an unwavering desire to protect others, even when fear claws at the edges. Gryffindor is all about bravery in the face of the unknown, and Thomas is a textbook case. He questions the system, pushes for change, and never backs down from a fight, no matter how impossible the odds.
🌹 Mare Barrow from Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Mare is thrown into a world where power rules and betrayal is everywhere, but she doesn’t shrink back, she rises. With lightning in her veins and rebellion in her soul, Mare fights not just for herself but for a better world. Gryffindors are known for charging into battle when others retreat, and Mare does just that. Her bravery might be messy and her choices complicated, but that only makes her courage more real.
⚔️ Elias Veturius from An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Elias was born to be a Mask—an elite, ruthless soldier of the Empire—but everything in him rebels against the cruelty he’s been trained to carry out. He risks his life to walk away from everything he’s ever known in pursuit of justice and freedom. Elias is the definition of Gryffindor courage: bold enough to defy a brutal regime, and brave enough to choose mercy over obedience. His loyalty, strength, and moral conviction make him one of the bravest in YA fantasy.
🎪 Scarlet Dragna from Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Scarlet enters Caraval with one mission: to find her missing sister. But in a world full of illusions, secrets, and danger, her journey becomes a test of heart and will. Scarlet’s strength isn’t loud, it’s steady. She faces fear, betrayal, and impossible choices with unwavering determination. Her Gryffindor energy comes from her loyalty, her bravery in love, and her refusal to give up even when the game seems unwinnable.
🔥 Darrow of Lykos from Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Born at the bottom of a ruthless caste system, Darrow is a fighter in every sense of the word. He infiltrates the enemy, sacrifices everything, and leads a revolution while constantly questioning what justice really means. He’s bold, passionate, and willing to burn down the world if it means building something better. Darrow’s fire, loyalty, and unwillingness to back down make him a Gryffindor standout. He’s dangerous, determined, and unforgettable.
🌿 Tessa Cade from Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
Tessa is a healer, a rebel, and a fierce protector of the sick and oppressed. Even when the kingdom turns against her, she risks everything to smuggle medicine to those in need. And she never asks for recognition. Tessa’s courage lies not just in fighting battles, but in showing compassion when others turn cold. She’s fueled by justice and mercy, two traits that Gryffindors hold close. She’s a fighter, even when the fight is quiet and thankless.
🏹 Harper Lacy from A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Harper may be pulled into a magical kingdom against her will, but she never lets fear define her. Despite her cerebral palsy and being constantly underestimated, she shows a kind of quiet, stubborn bravery that’s deeply Gryffindor at heart. She defends the weak, stands toe-to-toe with monsters, and holds her own in a world that never asked for her help, but desperately needed it. Harper proves that strength isn’t about perfection, it’s about heart.
👸 America Singer from The Selection by Kiera Cass
America never set out to win a crown. But when she’s thrust into the spotlight of a royal competition, she refuses to play by anyone’s rules but her own. Outspoken, passionate, and willing to stand her ground even against a king, America’s bravery lies in staying true to herself. She speaks up for the voiceless, protects the people she loves, and refuses to settle for a life that doesn’t align with her heart. Gryffindor would welcome her with open arms.
Final Thoughts
Whether they’re battling dark magic, leading rebellions, or facing their fears head-on, these Gryffindor-worthy protagonists remind us why bravery matters. It isn’t just about fighting dragons, it’s about standing tall when the world expects you to bow.
I’d love to hear who you think belongs in Gryffindor! Drop your favorite bold-hearted book characters in the comments or share them with me on Instagram. And to all my fellow fantasy readers: stay brave, stay true, and never be afraid to choose the hard right over the easy wrong. 💛❤️
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