Taylor Jenkins Reid is a bestselling author known for her fascinating contemporary romance novels. She brings magic to life in her novels like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Daisy Jones & The Six, creating unforgettable figures who navigate the messy, beautiful tapestry of life. Each character is a journey—some are chasing dreams, others are finding love, and a few are simply learning to embrace their true selves.
Let’s dive into the most memorable characters Taylor Jenkins Reid has brought to life and explore what makes them truly outstanding.
10 Most Memorable Characters Created by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Take a look at the 10 best memorable characters from Reid’s novels-
1. Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Evelyn Hugo is one of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s most iconic creations—a glamorous, mysterious, and legendary Hollywood star with a life full of ambition and secrets. She is known for her stunning beauty, charm, and, most notably, the seven husbands who came and went throughout her career. Yet, behind her glamorous appearance, she has a mysterious past filled with regrets, love, sacrifice, and ambition.
Evelyn’s story dives deeply into themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. She makes bold, often shocking choices to build her career and to protect the people she loves. It sheds light on the high cost of fame and personal ambition. Her unapologetic honesty about her desires and regrets brings a human touch to her glamorous life, making her relatable despite her fame.
Evelyn Hugo has a lasting impact not only on her story but also on other characters and readers. Her influence on those around her is weighty, whether she’s guiding others through life-altering choices or inspiring them to stand by their truths. Her character has become the most enigmatic in Reid’s literary world, standing for both the allure and the tragedy of fame.
2. Daisy Jones from Daisy Jones & The Six
Daisy Jones, the unforgettable 1970s rock star, is known for her rebellious spirit and magnetic presence. Living life with a bold, devil-may-care attitude, she rises to fame as the frontwoman of The Six, a fictional rock band. Daisy’s beauty, free-spirited nature, and passionate talent make her an alluring character with a wild side.
Daisy’s journey is marked by her struggle with fame, addiction, and the search for personal freedom within a world that demands conformity. She is a magnetic character whose beauty and talent draw people in, yet her self-destructive tendencies push them away. Daisy’s relationship with fame is complicated—she is drawn to the freedom that music gives her but haunted by the cost of being in the public eye.
The unique oral history format of Daisy Jones & The Six brings Daisy’s character to be seen through multiple perspectives. Through these layered accounts, readers witness her fragility, passion, and ultimately her strength as she confronts her inner turmoil.
3. Nina Riva from Malibu Rising
Nina Riva is a character shaped by her family legacy and the weight of responsibility. As the eldest sibling in the Riva family, Nina is the glue that holds her brothers and sisters together, often sacrificing her own dreams for their sake. Here she has taken on the role of protector and caregiver.
In Nina’s story, the themes of family, resilience, and identity stand out. She navigates the complexities of fame, but unlike many other characters, she didn’t seek it, but finds herself in its spotlight nonetheless —it was a byproduct of her family’s history. She is struggling to balance her personal identity with family responsibilities mirrors the emotional weight. Many readers may feel it when trying to balance personal goals with family obligations.
The whole story is set against the backdrop of Malibu. This Malibu setting plays a significant role in Nina’s life, symbolizing both beauty and destruction. Malibu’s beaches and waves reflect the ebb and flow of Nina’s journey, where moments of calm are often followed by chaos. The setting also connects her to the larger world of fame, underscoring how fame can be as turbulent as the waves crashing on Malibu’s shores.
4. Carrie Soto from Carrie Soto Is Back
Carrie Soto is a fierce and unapologetically ambitious character whose life revolves around her passion for tennis. After years away from the sport, Carrie decides to make a comeback to reclaim her record. She just wants to prove herself and the world that she is still the best.
Carrie’s journey explores themes of ambition, gender roles, and personal growth. Her determination to reclaim her title requires sacrifice and challenges her understanding of what success truly means. Carrie’s willingness to confront both external pressures and her own fears shows a depth of character. It makes her story one of resilience and self-discovery.
She’s connected to Reid’s other works, particularly to the world of Malibu Rising, as she has a history with Nina Riva’s ex. This link brings Reid’s characters together, giving readers a more connected experience as familiar faces reappear across different stories.
5. Mick Riva: The Linking Thread Across Novels
Mick Riva is a recurring character whose fame and charisma leave a lasting impact across several of Reid’s novels. His character appears in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, and Malibu Rising, connecting Reid’s stories in an intriguing way. As a linking figure, his impact on each story differs, but he often leaves a mark that consistently influences the main characters’ paths.
Mick is a famous singer known for his charm and flawed nature. He represents both the glamour of Hollywood and the sacrifices it demands. His personality is complex; while he is charismatic and successful; his selfish decisions often hurt those closest to him. It makes him a symbol of both allure and downfall.
6. Monique Grant (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo)
Monique Grant serves as both a journalist and a conduit for readers to discover the complex life of the legendary Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo. Initially, Monique is presented as an ambitious yet somewhat uncertain journalist. She is trying to carve out her place in a competitive industry. When she is chosen to write Evelyn’s biography, she sees it as a major opportunity to elevate her career.
Throughout the story, her relationship with Evelyn becomes a transformative journey for her. As she delves into Evelyn’s glamorous yet tumultuous past, she begins to see parallels between their lives. She uncovers not only the secrets of Evelyn’s life but also profound insights into her own. Evelyn’s strength and vulnerability inspire Monique to reflect on her own identity and what she truly wants from life.
This exploration of self leads Monique to reassess her relationships, particularly with her estranged husband, and to understand the importance of authenticity in her life and work. By the end of the novel, Monique emerges as a more confident and self-aware individual, ready to embrace her future with a clearer sense of purpose.
Her journey illustrates how meaningful relationships can shape personal growth. It urges us to reflect on our own identities and aspirations. Monique’s evolution highlights that embracing vulnerability and confronting our past can lead to greater confidence and clarity in our lives, ultimately guiding us toward a more purposeful future.
7. Billy Dunne (Daisy Jones & The Six)
Billy Dunne, the lead singer of The Six, is a musician dealing with addiction, fatherhood, and his complicated relationship with fame and family. As a father, he often battles with the responsibilities of parenthood while trying to maintain his artistic integrity and navigate the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
His relationship with Daisy Jones introduces significant tension; she represents the wild, free-spirited side of the music industry that he finds both alluring and dangerous.
His dynamic with Daisy Jones adds tension and depth to his character as he struggles between his loyalty to his family and his attraction to the wild, creative world that Daisy represents. Their connection is fueled by a creative passion for music, but it also forces Billy to confront his loyalty to his family and the consequences of his choices.
As he grapples with the highs and lows of his career, Billy’s journey reveals the challenges of balancing personal desires with the expectations of others. This internal conflict highlights the emotional struggles many face when pursuing their dreams amidst personal chaos.
8. Camila Dunne (Daisy Jones & The Six)
Camila Dunne, Billy’s wife, stands out as a strong, grounded character in a chaotic world of fame. Her loyalty and commitment to her family bring balance to the story.
While Billy grapples with addiction and the temptations of the music industry, Camila remains resolute. Her commitment to both him and their children is unwavering. She often finds herself managing the emotional ups and downs of being married to a musician, yet she handles these challenges with grace and dignity.
Camila’s ability to face difficult situations while maintaining her sense of self makes her an unforgettable character. Her presence in the story highlights the importance of unconditional love and support. It reminds readers that behind every star, there is often someone who fights to keep the family together. She embodies the quiet strength that frequently goes unnoticed in the spotlight.
9. Emma Blair (One True Loves)
Emma Blair faces a heartbreaking choice between two loves that shape the course of her life. As she dealing with the emotional turmoil of loss and longing, Emma grapples with the complexities of love, commitment, and self-discovery.
The narrative delves deep into her feelings, showing how the bonds we form can both lift us up and confuse us. Emma’s journey reveals the different layers of her character as she learns to move forward while still holding onto her past.
10. Jane (Maybe in Another Life)
In Maybe in Another Life, Jane is the protagonist whose life splits into two parallel paths based on a seemingly simple decision. This unique narrative structure explores the “what ifs” of life.
As Jane explores her two paths, she encounters different outcomes in love, friendship, and self-discovery. Each is filled with its own challenges and rewards. Through her experiences, she learns about the impacts of her choices, leading her to deeper insights about who she is and what she wants. This allows readers to witness how one choice can create entirely different realities.
The Bottom Line
Reid’s world is a place where characters leave a meaningful impact. Whether you’re seeking a heartfelt romance, a story of self-discovery, or a glimpse into the highs and lows of friendship, Reid’s characters promise a journey worth taking.
So, if you haven’t already read her novels, let these remarkable characters inspire you, challenge you, and leave you yearning for more. Each story is a treasure trove of emotion waiting to be uncovered—don’t miss the chance to meet your next favorite character!