For many, it's Sherlock Holmes. His sharp intellect and unique detective skills make him unforgettable. Also, his complex personality and the cases he solves contribute to his memorability.
A unique personality makes a character memorable. For example, a character who is always positive and optimistic in a dark and gloomy story stands out. Their actions also matter. If they do something heroic or selfless, people will remember them.
One way is to give them a unique quirk. For example, a character who always hums a strange tune when nervous. This makes them stand out.
You can start by looking at the character's personality, traits, or background. For example, if they're brave, names like 'Valor' or 'Courage' could work. Or if they have a specific heritage, names related to that culture might be good.
Unique traits make a character memorable. For instance, if a character has a strange quirk like always wearing mismatched socks in a very formal setting. Also, a character with a strong moral code, whether good or bad, stands out. A villain who has a strict set of rules for their evil deeds can be very memorable.
Ralphie is memorable because of his strong desire for the Red Ryder BB gun. It's a simple yet powerful motivation that drives the whole story.
The Headless Horseman is the most memorable. His appearance, riding on a horse and holding a pumpkin (in some versions), is really spooky and has become an iconic image in horror stories.
You need to give the dancer a unique personality and background. Maybe they have a passion for a specific dance style or have overcome some challenges to pursue dancing.
Falkor. He is a luckdragon, and his name is quite unique. Falkor is a friendly and helpful character, and his name is easy to remember as it is associated with this very special and magical being in the story.
Definitely the washwoman. She is memorable because she represents the common people who work hard in difficult conditions. For example, she continues to do her job even when she is ill. She has a sense of pride in her work that is really inspiring.
In many short stories, the most memorable character could be the protagonist. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, Della is a very memorable character. She sacrifices her most precious possession, her long hair, to buy a present for her husband. Her selfless love and the irony of the situation make her stand out.