Character

Public-Domain Characters

Search public-domain and traditional characters with creator-friendly risk notes.

Quick answer

Search public-domain and traditional characters with creator-friendly risk notes.

Source-first Reviewed Jul 2026

Authoritative answer

Exact answer

A defensible starting list includes source-era Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Frankenstein's creature, Robin Hood, Cinderella, Snow White, Santa Claus, and Wizard of Oz characters. Only traits present in public-domain sources are included.

Scope: Scoped U.S. research list, not a universal clearance database; reviewed July 31, 2026.

Important boundary: Later visual designs, added traits, films, logos, and trademarks can remain protected.

Evidence

Duke Center for the Study of the Public DomainPublic-domain characters and source-version limits
U.S. Copyright Office, Title 17 section 103Derivative works; protection does not extend the term of preexisting material

Character1897

Dracula

Bram Stoker's Dracula

Public-domain source text in the U.S.

Character1818

Frankenstein's Creature

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Public-domain source text in the U.S.

horror monster novel

Character1865

Alice

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Public-domain source text in the U.S.

children classic fantasy

Character1900

Dorothy Gale

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Public-domain source text in the U.S.

american children fantasy

Character1887

Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle stories

Core stories public domain in the U.S.

detective fiction logic