Our 5 Favorite Fictional Little Sisters


Growing up as a middle child, I was lucky to be able to experience what life was like as both an older and younger sister. I’m not so sure my siblings would call themselves lucky for having me in those roles, but hey. Who asked them?
If you’ve never had a sister, your best frame of reference is probably from the millions of sister relationships featured in pop culture. If you were to break it down, you could probably gather that these sister stories are made up of equal parts jealousy, competition, friendship and, most importantly, love. But little sisters? Well they add an entirely new dynamic.
Little sisters are not cookie cutter characters. Some are rambunctious, loud and free-spirited. (These are the ones who will steal your clothes as a teenager, try to wash them so you won’t notice, and shrink your favorite sweater in the dryer.) Others are shy, timid and scared. (These are the ones who will roll their eyes every time her math teacher says “Your brother was the best student I ever had.”) But no matter what, little sisters are fun. Whether you’re spending your weekends protecting them from bullies or admiring their strength as they take care of business themselves, no one is every bored with a little sister around. (Or safe. Seriously, beware of April Fools’ Day.)
In honor of little sisters all over, check out our list of some of our favorite fictional little sisters.
Ships in 1-2 days.
Ramona Quimby (Beezus and Ramona, by Beverly Cleary)
Is there any other little sister in fiction who represents the quintessential annoying counterpart? Ramona is known for being eccentric, and her wild antics drive older sister Beezus crazy. This book, a classic, is a great, honest representation of what it means to love a younger sister. Beezus carries so much guilt over being annoyed by Ramona’s actions, like ruining her birthday cake and wearing paper rabbit ears around the house, but she also realizes that you can love someone without wanting them around all the time. Not everyone wants a little sister like Ramona, but I sure did want to be like her. She is wild, carefree and loves everything life has to offer. She’s the little sister who reminds you to use your imagination and trust your gut, something we all need to remember.
Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis)
A sensitive, vulnerable and faithful child, Lucy is the youngest of the four Pevensie siblings in the Narnia series. After discovering Narnia, she is teased by her older siblings, as they think it’s something she’s just made up in an attempt to find something she can connect with and feel part of again. Her sense wonder as a child is one of her strongest character traits and leaves her heart open to love and believe in the magic of Narnia, and Aslan, the lion. Because of her strong faith in magic, she is courageous beyond words, even more so than her older siblings. It makes sense that the powers bestowed on her are healing for others, as her deepest wish is to help others and be there for them.Lucy is the little sister you want; the one who reminds you to give more than you receive, and to never, ever stop believing.
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Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee)
A tomboy in every sense of the word, Scout Finch is everyone’s favorite tree-climbing, rough-and-tumble little sister. Growing up in a tumultuous time, Scout’s naivety and idealistic views confuse her as she hears about racism and intolerance in her town, but has no idea what any of it means at first. Throughout the classic novel, she shows bravery by speaking to Boo Radley, a person she was terrified of because of others’ opinions, and maturity as she learns how to deal with those she disagrees wtih in a healthier way than fighting. She is the little sister you’d love to play outside with (and then marvel at just how much she’s showing you, instead of you showing her).
Beth March (Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
The kindest and gentlest of the March sisters, Beth inspires all of those around her, especially her older sisters, with her peacemaking tendencies and deep love for her family. While the other March sisters are eager to live their own lives and venture out, Beth is very happy to stay close to her loved ones and has no desire to leave. The development of her story is a tragic time in the novel, but it’s also a time for the reader to embrace everything wonderful about her character as well. Her death inspires Jo to live a more thoughtful, considerate life, as all of the sisters take what they have learned from Beth. She is the little sister you’d spend hours talking to, cherishing her advice and her deep, unconditional love.
Ginny Weasley (Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling)
Arguably the fiercest, most courageous little sister in fiction, Ginny Weasley is not one to be taken lightly. Whether it’s the six older brothers she grew up with or her strong fighter of a mother, Ginny Weasley is independent, smart and loyal. She loves with her entire being and can easily take on the darkest of lords if it means protecting those she cares about most. Her role as little sister may include annoying her older brothers, but it also means giving them something to fight for, and something to be inspired by. She’s the little sister you’d worry about, but know deep down that she’s going to be absolutely okay.
Did we miss one of your favorites? Which fictional little sister would you choose?







