Today, Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ is one of the most popular book series in the world. From heroic sacrifices and jaw-dropping plot twists, these books combine modern-day themes with ancient Greek mythology. However, the most beloved aspect of Riordan’s global sensation are the characters. Admired for their courage and bravery, the characters of PJO are inspirations for children around the world, guiding them through hardships of family, justice, and hope.

Nevertheless, the fanbase surrounding ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ has debated over one topic for ages: who are the best characters in ‘Percy Jackson’? While there is no definite answer, it is clear that there are popular characters amongst fans. Together, let us investigate the popularity behind the Top 8 favourite characters within the PJO universe, and their critical importance to the morals behind ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’.

     8. Apollo (Lester Papadopoulos)

“I would be Apollo. I would remember.”

Even before he was sentenced to the mortal world in the form of Lester Papadopoulos, Apollo was already a popular character amongst fans. In the original series, his humorous and laid-back personality as the God of the Sun almost instantly caught the attention of readers. Moreover, Apollo’s persona within ancient mythology further enhanced his appeal, in which he was displayed as a heroic archer, to a tragically heartbroken individual.

However, Apollo’s popularity became prominent with the release of ‘The Trials of Apollo’. Within this dramatic series, Apollo must face the consequences of his ancient actions; he is haunted by past enemies, rivals, and lovers, all of whom are attempting to take advantage of his newfound mortality. Throughout his journey, Apollo undergoes spectacular character development as he learns about the importance of love, family, friendship, and the hardships of being mortal.

By the end of the series, he embraces humbleness, and humility for his faults. Furthermore, after regaining his godlihood, he actively attempts to better the world with his newfound empathy. Ultimately, Apollo has become an inspirational character in the PJO universe, and is a shining example of change, humility, and integrity.

     7. Grover Underwood

“I don’t know. But I just know that I’ll be fighting next to you.”

Grover Underwood is loved for his quirkiness, loyalty, and humour. Throughout the series, Grover acts as a devoted companion to demigods, and Greek monsters alike. Moreover, Grover is admired for pursuing his dreams of maintaining a balance between humans, and nature. However, this pursuit has led to Grover being kidnapped by monsters, leading to his personal growth throughout the series. In particular, Grover becomes a stronger, and braver character that throws himself into chaos to save his companions. Grover later on becomes one of the leaders of the newer generation of heroes, and guides them through experiences of doubt, and fear. Likewise, Grover Underwood showcases the morals of hope, faithfulness, and friendship, making him an extremely likeable character.

     6. Sally Jackson

“Not everyone who looks like a hero is a hero, and not everyone who looks like a monster is a monster.”

If Sally Jackson had not been a candidate on this list, it would have insulted the whole PJO fanbase. Sally Jackson, mother of Percy Jackson, has warmed the hearts of readers of all ages. This spectacular mother is praised for her love, devotion, and generosity towards her son, and his companions. Throughout Percy’s life, she has sacrificed her health and wellbeing to ensure his safety, and happiness. This has painted a tragically heartwarming backstory.

To add on, Sally Jackson is more than willing to throw herself into dangerous situations, and accompany Percy in battle. This is specifically shown within ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian’, in which she admirably defeats several monsters to provide Percy with enough time to defeat Kronos, and end the war. Not only, Sally Jackson acts as a relief from the intensity, and action throughout the story, and instead provides heartwarming love, and affection for her son. Altogether, Sally Jackson is a shared comfort character amongst readers, reminding people of the significance of love, family, and devotion.

     5. Will Solace

“No one hits my boyfriend. And no one kills my dad!”

Will Solace is definitely Apollo’s favourite child – and for good reason. As the Son of Apollo, and Head of the Apollo Cabin, Will is known for his caringness, and attentiveness for others. He became popular in ‘Heroes of Olympus’, where he made his debut as a primary character. Since his early days at Camp Half-Blood, Will is constantly healing wounded demigods on the battlefield, and has made his mark as a selfless individual.

Additionally, Will is a leader amongst younger demigods, seen consistently mentoring the newer generation about kindness, and positivity. Likewise, Will’s empathy for others was displayed with his encounter of Nico di Angelo. By devoting time to understand, Will managed to offer light to Nico’s darkness, and helped provide closure to Nico’s dark past. Overall, Will Solace is a beacon of light in people’s darkness, acting as a therapeutic character for all.

     4. Nico di Angelo

“I am Nico di Angelo, son of Hades. I control the shadows, they do not control me.”

Nico di Angelo, Son of Hades, has been a longstanding favourite throughout the PJO series. At first, Nico was viewed as an innocent child attempting to navigate the world of the Gods with his older sister, Bianca. However, this innocence was soon obliterated with the revelation of his dark past, and the death of his sister, which triggered his isolation from the other demigods. Moreover, Nico is later on manipulated by various entities, haunted by the ghosts of his past, and must cope with the deaths of fellow demigods. Altogether, these experiences shaped Nico’s closed-off personality.

However, one of Nico’s most significant moments was when his homosexuality was revealed against his will. This scene captivated millions of fans around the world, as it revealed Nico’s internal struggle of self-acceptance. However, moving forward, Nico finds balance between the light and the dark, and eventually moves on from the multiple grudges he held over his years. Overall, Nico di Angelo’s popularity stems from his complex character, backstory, and development, all of which surround relatable struggles of change, and difference.

     3. Annabeth Chase

“Even strength bows down to wisdom.”

Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena, has acted as an inspirational representation of feminism for readers around the world. Annabeth is primarily known as an intelligent strategist who has persevered through countless obstacles throughout her life. From a young age, she has dealt with neglectance from her family, leading to the development of her independence. Initially, Annabeth is shown to be closed-off, fearing that sharing vulnerabilities would result in further emotional damage.

However, as the series continues, she learns about the significance of imperfection, and emotions. Additionally, Annabeth is constantly defeating monsters by using her analytical powers, making her an essential member in the primary cast. Her development as a strong, and strategic individual has broken the trend of weak female leads, highlighting the themes of vulnerability, and family.

2.  Leo Valdez

“I try not to think. It interferes with being nuts.”

Leo Valdez, Son of Hephaestus, is unopposedly one of the most famous characters in the entire Riordiverse. Since his debut in ‘Heroes of Olympus’, Leo has been adored not only for his humour and sarcasm, but additionally for his tragic backstory, in which he accidentally created the fire that killed his mother. Afterwards, Leo is shunned by his family, and forced into multiple abusive foster homes. Moreover, Leo often views himself as an “outsider”, and “inferior” compared to his companions.

Consequently, Leo masks his emotions through comic relief to avoid revelation of his past. Furthermore, Leo selflessly sacrifices himself during the final battle against Gaea to protect his friends. On the whole, Leo’s complex character has provided insights to the themes of endurance, perseverance, and loneliness.

1. Percy Jackson

“The sea does not like to be restrained.”

Percy Jackson himself, Son of Poseidon, is the most popular protagonist in the PJO franchise. Percy is known for his sarcasm, bravery, and loyalty towards his family. From childhood, Percy has dealt with discrimination for his ADHD and dyslexia. After discovering his demigod roots, Percy becomes involved in a battle against Kronos to protect his family from danger.

Throughout his journey, Percy is given insights to the struggles behind family, along with the power of kindness, and empathy. Altogether, this allowed Percy to mature into a bold, and independent leader in various wars (e.g. the Second Giant War). However, afterwards, Percy eventually decides to temporarily retire from his role as a hero, and instead prioritize time for his future (i.e. attending college with Annabeth). On the whole, Percy’s development into a wiser adult has made him the long-standing favourite of the PJO fanbase.