Also, there might be a female character who defies the norms of her time. She is intelligent, resourceful, and not afraid to take risks. She stands out as she challenges the male - dominated world around her in the context of the novels, and her actions have a significant impact on the overall plot.
Family and heritage are also common themes. The Ballantyne family's history and its influence on the characters play important roles. For example, the family legacy might drive a character to seek a certain goal or make particular decisions. It also explores relationships within the family, like the bonds between siblings or generations.
Hal Courtney is quite memorable. His leadership and courage in various situations are remarkable. Another one is Isabella Courtney. Her beauty and strong will make her stand out.
One memorable character is Ralph Rover from 'The Coral Island'. His courage and leadership make him stand out.
In 'When the Lion Feeds', Sean Courtney is a central character. He is a man of strong will, facing various difficulties in the South African veld. His relationships with his family members, especially his brother, are also important aspects of the story.
Centaine de Thiry Courtney also plays a major role. She is a complex character with a lot of depth. Her journey from being a young woman in a difficult situation to becoming an important part of the Courtney family is fascinating. She faces many challenges and overcomes them with her wits and determination.
Precious Ramotswe from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is very memorable. She is a strong, intelligent, and kind - hearted woman who uses her wits to solve mysteries in Botswana. Another is Isabel Dalhousie from the Isabel Dalhousie series. She is a philosopher who often contemplates moral and ethical issues while dealing with the affairs of her own life.
'The Sound of Thunder' is also highly regarded. It showcases the Courtney family's resilience and the changing times in Africa. It has exciting plot twists and turns that keep readers engaged, along with Smith's signature rich descriptions of the African landscape and the family's relationships.
One main type of character is the explorer type. They are eager to discover new lands and cultures. Then there are the political and military figures. In Wilbur Smith's stories, they are often involved in power struggles and wars. These characters influence the fates of many others in the story. There are also female characters who are strong and independent, defying the norms of their time, like some of the female characters in his historical - fiction - based works.
Some of the best Wilbur Smith novels include 'River God'. It is set in ancient Egypt and vividly brings that era to life with its detailed descriptions of the culture, politics, and the lives of the people. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of adventure and intrigue.
As of 2024, some of his recent novels include 'War Cry'. It's a thrilling story that takes readers on an adventure filled with action, vivid characters, and historical elements that Wilbur Smith is well - known for.