Margot Kinberg had a nice post yesterday on character traits that are off-putting to readers.
She made a good point—as a reader, I’ll give up on a book that has characters that I can’t connect with or admire. Here are the traits that Margot listed for unlikeable characters:
Characters With No Redeeming Qualities
Characters Who Aren’t Authentic
Characters Who are “Flat” or Stereotyped
Margot got me thinking about traits that I do enjoy reading and writing. If I were to make a “help wanted” poster for characters, these are the types of people I’d be looking to employ:
They’re Everyman—but braver, nicer, and more pleasant to be around than we are.
They’re problem-solvers.
They’re growing…either in skills or in knowledge or in personality.
They overcome the odds.
They have some sense of humor (without being silly).
They’re a major part of the book’s action. They cause things to happen. They don’t sit on the sidelines.
They’re decisive and not wishy-washy.
They’re intelligent…or, if they’re not that intelligent (Forrest Gump) then they’re incredibly likeable and good-hearted.
They’re flawed. There’s nothing more unlikeable than reading about a character who is perfect.
They’re not too flawed. Or, if they’re totally unlikeable, (Ebenezer Scrooge) then they’re at least dynamic enough to experience a radical change of heart.
What’s on your “help wanted” list for characters?
Elizabeth – First, thank you so much for mentioning my post! *Blush* That’s very kind of you.
You’ve really got me thinking, too, about what we want in characters. I love your “help wanted” idea :-). I would also add: They’re unique. There’s something about them that sets them apart. It could be minor, but it’s got to be there. Just as every person is unique, I like my characters to be unique.
I love your help wanted ad. Just another helpful way to think about and create a character.
Teresa
Characters are everything. I’ve never put down a book for a mediocre plot if the characters are compelling. But unlikeable characters, or characters you don’t care about can kill a book regardless of how great the plot is. (With a few notable exceptions, but I won’t mention the book used as an example in almost every ‘characters’ workshop I’ve taken.)
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Yes apparently 70% of book apppeal is characters while 30% is dramatic action.
I love your idea of a WANTED poster. Nice ;O)
A little like my list a hero traits over at Stephen’s blog.
But I screwed up on your first item – my main character does not start off more pleasant!
Loved this post! To the point and helpful info about the qualities of a good believable character. Am tweeting this.
I love the idea of a wanter poster for characters! LOL. Great list, too.
My add would be to create a main character who has at least something that a reader can identify with.
I agree they have to be overcomers. I like characters who are at an age where they are transitioning from having potential into wanting to make wise decisions. This is usually mid twenties when they leave college and think about settling down. There is conflict aplenty as they try to shed their previous perhaps reckless lifestyle and, well, try to grow up. They bump their way through the night with good intentions trying to make sense of their world.
Margot–Good point. What sets them apart from everyone else?
Teresa–Thanks so much!
Terry–Exactly. Because, if we don’t care whether a character lives or dies, then the plot isn’t going to save the book.
Madeleine–I love books with strong characters!
Alex–You and I must have been on the same wavelength! Ha! Okay, I’m willing to give on the “pleasant” one as long as the character is interesting–which yours is. :)
Chary–Thanks! I really appreciate it. :)
The Golden Eagle–Thanks so much! :)
Helen–Good point! We need someone to relate to.
Stephen–I think that’s a great age for conflict for characters. Of course, my protagonists are all over 60! But I think that’s another age group that faces a lot of challenges.
Even the bad guy should be interesting, not annoying.
I wouldn’t turn my back on him alone, but he’d be an entertaining guest at someone else’s dinner party.
I figure if these characters keep me amused and interested while writing, they will do the same for the reader who spends far less time with them.
The characters I like and keep revisiting are people who are good human beings. I don’t care if they have one bad quality or twenty, as long as they are fundamentally compassionate, I care for them.
Incidentally, the link takes me to the Wiki entry of Wind in the Willows- that couldn’t have been an Easter egg, could it?
The changing and growing is key for me.