17. Ellis "Red" Redding
The Shawshank Redemption
Although originally written as a middle-aged Irishman (his fiery-red hair, now graying, earned him the nickname), Red was turned into a freckly black man because Frank Darabont couldn't see anyone else playing him other than Morgan Freeman's Voice. And you really can't blame him.
Obviously the narrator of the film (because he's Morgan fucking Freeman), Red is also the best friend of prisoner Andy Dufrense. At first secluded, Andy soon opens up to Red and treats him as a friend and even somewhat a prison father figure, because he is Morgan Freeman and he has a voice so soothing and reassuring you could sleep to it.
Red, possibly because of his color, has been denied parole on multiple occasions. Although for Red this may be a blessing, as he fears his years locked up have left him somewhat unaccustomed to the outside world and may cause him to commit suicide like Brooks Hatlen has done. But Red is an optimist, a kind soul, and the one who keeps Andy's hope alive as he plans his escape.
Defining moment: Finally getting parole, Red goes to the field where he promised to meet Andy, finding only a box containing a letter. As he violates parole and boards the bus to Mexico to meet his old friend, he gets this twinkle in his eye that is almost as lovely as Morgan Freeman's voice. Almost.
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