In her typical fashion, Miz B of Should Be Reading has brought our focus to something very relevant for readers.
What makes you love / hate a character in a book?
That’s a good one, don’t you think? In considering the books I’ve read that I simply couldn’t put down, there were usually both elements going on. A character I loved, because I could relate to her (yes, it’s usually a female!), because she has some of the qualities I recognize in myself; a character who is struggling against some kind of social issue—a broken relationship, single parenthood, job challenges, conflict with a parent or parents—and finding the battle difficult for various reasons.
And then there’s someone in this character’s life (the bad character!), who confronts the good one and creates obstacles that don’t need to be there. This “bad” character is snotty, mean, has more than just a bad attitude, she does devious, underhanded things to our “good” character.
Now maybe at the end of the book, we’ll discover that the “bad” character is that way for good reasons, but by then, I don’t even care. I hate her! lol
But the drama and conflict between the characters is what makes the reading great. Don’t you think?
What do you like/dislike about characters? I hope you’ll stop by and share your tidbits.
AN INTERIOR JOURNEY 
I find that when we hate a character it is because the author is such a good writer. We were meant to hate one and love the other.
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I agree, Ann….thanks for stopping by.
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Characters are like real people, it comes down to chemistry. Here’s my Musing for Monday.
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Chemistry is important in books and in life…thanks for stopping by, Lori.
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Great answer! I totally agree. Here’s my musing: http://parchmentgirl.com/2010/09/20/musing-mondays-no-three/
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I just totally hate stupid characters. hate them.
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Yes, definitely on my list, too, Caite. Thanks for stopping by.
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Good question! Good answers, too. 🙂 I don’t like two dimensional, black and white characters. If they’re absolute in their actions and views then I need a plausible reason why they are that way.
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I agree, Kimberly…When I read, I want to be totally lost in the book, which can only happen with great and real characters. Thanks for stopping by.
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Sometimes I’ve discovered that I really dislike what is supposed to be the good character like with the first book in Jeaniene Frost’s Cat series, I couldn’t stand her but by the third book I adored her, weird huh?
Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for stopping by, Ladytink….I haven’t read that series, but I know what you mean about characters who aren’t so pleasing in the beginning, but then they grow on you.
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