list 25 literary characters I'd want in my corner Just In Case..."

Because he’s ridiculously awesome at magic, and somehow things always turn out all right when he’s around, even if you’re not sure how on earth that is going to happen. Although he’s a bit crazy, ultimately he seems fairly safe to trust … at least, if I remember correctly. Must go back and re-read more of these books.

It would probably be cheating a little to have pre-drugs Arisilde on the list, since he never shows up in the books like that, but it would definitely keep the stress factor slightly lower. ;)

(Origin: Ile-Rien-related novels, Martha Wells)

Because she’s sensible, creative, determined, good-natured, reads Latin, does magic, and knows how to cook … plus, hey, she’s not just a princess (which gives her great people skills), she’s Kazul’s princess, and that gives her an ace in the hole. ;) (Now I wonder: should I add Kazul to the list? There’s got to be at least one dragon on there. Or maybe I should add Morwen instead of Cimorene? Hmmm.)

(Origin: the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Patricia C. Wrede)

Because he has good luck, has great wilderness survival and navigational skills, is good at improvising, can build anything out of anything, can kick the ass of virtually anything alive, and has a positive attitude and a sense of humor, and is considerate of others’ feelings, which would make him not just a useful companion, but an enjoyable one.

(Origin: the Aubrey and Maturin novels, Patrick O’Brian)