Literary Astrology: Libra

Suave, romantic, and easygoing, but also indecisive and sometimes gullible, Libras, born between September 23 and October 23, are the Lebowskis of the Zodiac. One can easily imagine a Libra sipping a White Russian while chatting you up at the bowling alley bar, because Libras are people persons. Represented by the Scales (the only astrological sign with an inanimate object as its symbol), Libras just want what’s fair and right for everyone. It’s about balance, so much so that Libras are continually strategizing and adjusting their tactics, which can make them seem fickle or easily influenced. Which famous literary characters do we think exhibit these traits? You might have predicted a couple of these.
Othello (Othello, by William Shakespeare)
The romantic but tragically gullible general lurves his pretty wife, Desdemona. Even as an outsider, he captivates and charms those around him—most of them. Iago not so much. The villainous Iago preys on Othello’s insecurities, so upsetting our protag’s sense of moral balance that he kills his innocent wife in a very out-of-character move for the conflict-averse Libra. Helluva horoscope.
Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee)
I’ma let you finish, but Atticus Finch is one of the greatest literary representations of the Scales of Justice of all time. All the man wants is for Scout (and everyone) to “get along better with all kinds of folks.” Fairness is his jam. Atticus Finch for President. That is all.
John Grady Cole (All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy)
McCarthy’s idealistic cowboy has a romantic view of much in his young life: the West, right and wrong, love, and horses. He’s no leader, he tells Don Hector, just a buddy, and a buddy who will always do the right thing. John Grady is looking for something, but for what he’s not entirely sure. Maybe balance?
Kathy H. (Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro)
Kathy is the peacemaker in the complicated and sometimes tumultuous friendship between herself, Ruth, and Tommy. For much of her adolescence, she’s manipulated: by the societal structure she’s been created for, by the administration at Hailsham, and by Ruth. As an adult, she becomes a carer and yet she fulfills this role not only with typical Libra sensitivity but also with a quiet impartiality. Where she could rage, she maintains, instead, an unnerving mellowness. If clones are people too, then this one is a Libra.
 Who’s your favorite fictional Libra?