Oh, the Stainless Steel Rat, I have not thought of that one in a long time. Love those Harry Harrison books (of course, I even read "Bill the Galactic Hero" books).

One of mine would be Tim Hamner from Pournelle and Niven's "Lucifer's Hammer". Basic tech geek (astronomer) ends up surviving the post-comet impact world. Makes me think there is hope for geeks like me.

I also really enjoyed Gordon from David Brin's "The Postman" (read the book - even if you have seen the movie).