Atticus Finch is the first to come to mind. Jean Valjean is also a huge favorite.
One that hasn't been mentioned so far: the enterprising Wu Chow's auntie in James Michener's Hawaii
Others are Jane Eyre, Becky Sharp (Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and others in classics. I love the classics.
Regards,
SandraC