Ron Howard's favorite fictional character

So Ron Howard, director of The Da Vinci Code, sometimes goes a little too heavy with the score in his films. Still, it's hard to think of a person who has had a better career in Hollywood.

And his favorite fictional character?

Hint #1: It's the guy who said, "Stand back, sissies, you're using my oxygen" (in the book) and "Get out of my way son, you're usin' my oxygen" (in the movie).

Hint #2: This character was created by the author of what may be The Great Oregon Novel.

If that doesn't tell you who it is, click here.

--Marshal Zeringue