What makes characters great?

[JamesSavik]

Pop Quiz:

 

What stories did these characters come from?

 

1. Aiden & Owen

2. Evan Smiley & Aaron castle

3. Jude & Quinn

4. Dave & Tim

5. Joey & Scott

6. Brian & Pete

 

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Easy isn't it? The answer is at the bottom if you missed any. I'll bet you recognize at least several of them right off the top of your head.

 

What makes a character compelling and unforgettable?

 

How do you get to know them, care about their ups and downs, laugh with them and even cry with them?

 

What is is that makes you remember them years after you've read their story?

 

Let me know. It's an interesting question for a writer.

 

I think that it is a combination of a number of things: empathy for the characters, memories of someone that they might remind you of, relating to their struggles.

 

I would like to know what readers and writers think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Answers

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1. Aiden & Owen: The Log Way by Dom Luka

2. Evan Smiley & Aaron castle: the Plan A, B, C and D series by Driver

3. Jude & Quinn: The Ordinary Us by Dom Luka

4. Dave & Tim: The Quarry by Driver

5. Joey & Scott: Falling Off A Log by Driver

6. Brian & Pete: Why Brian & Pete of course by Dewey

[NickolasJames8]

Well, I would say that someone like Aiden is a great character is because he is someone that a lot of people can realte to. When I read about his mom, I felt so bad for him because I think about the idea I have of what a moher is supposd to be like. I never knew my real mom, but I always think about what it would be like if she were here. I would never be able to imagine that she would be like Aidens mom, though. So it adds somthing special to Aidens charcter for me. I think it's important to have characters like that.....ones that people can relate to somehow in a really personal way.

[JamesSavik]

I think you are right Nicky- characters that create a "sympathetic vibration" with the reader always stand out.

 

For instance one of the characters that comes immediatly to mind is Brian from Dewey's Brian and Pete stories. A number of things about him struck a cord with me.

 

There is more to it than that though. No character can create universal resonance with readers.