Albus Dumbledore: my hero, my guide, the greatest fictional character ever created. Though unparalleled in magical powers, courage and wisdom, he is very courteous towards everybody. At the same time, his courtsey doesn't prevent him from being the only wizard Voldemort fears. He has an unshakable belief in the power of love and a total lack of prejudice, topped off with a brilliant sense of humour. Of all the characters I have encountered during my long and ongoing ventures into the literary world, he is the closest to the image of 'mahamanab'.