Dear Readers,
I'd like to point out the difference between a character that's "Likable" and a character that's "Interesting."I met someone who has a serious-minded character in his story and I had a hard time relating to that character. The writer thought it was because I didn't like the character's serious personality rather than the lack of plot. I'd just like to say that I was one of those kids who grew up not even knowing how to recognize sarcasm or joke around with people outside of my family. I totally sympathize with everyone who has a down-to-earth, practical personality. But just because you have a character who is serious, doesn't mean that character can't be totally fascinating and compelling. Here's a list of some of my favorite books that have down-to-earth protagonists:
Zeck in Orson Scott Card's War of Gifts was fantastic! So much emotional depth!
Captain Lawrence in Naomi Novik's Temeraire series
Keladry in Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small quartet
Lord Cazaril in Lois Bujold's The Curse of Chalion
John Cleaver from Dan Well's I Am Not A Serial Killer books
Even characters that have annoying personalities can carry a novel. Anyone ever seen the TV series House? Dr. House is a horrible jerk to everyone he meets. But he's also cool because his insults are incredibly witty and clever, and he's a medical genius that saves lives every day. So, not exactly likable, but VERY interesting because he's always tackling impossible odds. Sherlock Holmes doesn't exactly have a good bedside manner, but he's so smart that he's still cool. I also love how Steven Moffat's modern Sherlock series capitalizes on his social awkwardness because it's so fun to watch how other people respond to Sherlock.
A friend of mine who works as a script doctor said, "In Breaking Bad, people typically can't stand Walter White and they like Jesse. But they are concerned for Walter's struggle. They are constantly rooting for him and completely invested in his story." When a character faces insurmountable odds, it's almost impossible not to feel for them. The reader wants to know if the character will succeed. If you don't have something interesting for your character to do, then I'm afraid your story is dead. ALWAYS have interesting events in your story. Next week, tune in for a discussion about the difference between emotional storylines and physical, real-world storylines. Both are essential, but beginning writers like to separate the two instead of putting them together.
