Characters Welcome discussion

My name is Christine Amsden, avid reader and goodreads author. I started this group because I truly believe in a solid character. Characters draw me into a story. If there's no hero, even a dark hero, for me to love, I have trouble enjoying a book. Likewise, I confess, I have trouble when there are simply too many characters splitting the story in many different direction.

I started adding some of my favorite characters to the bookshelf below. Yes, Harry Potter made the list -- I think many people will agree on that. A couple of other urban fantasy favorites, Harry Dresden and Mackayla Lane, also made the first cut.

I would love to hear people's favorites. I know the first few are all fantasy choices, but I want to see this group's bookshelf rise above character.

If you do add a book to the bookshelf, I encourage you to start a thread to discuss it as well.

Awesome idea!!! I'm going to invite my fans, as they all fit the bill. :)

Glad you both joined. And Sara, your fans are welcome! You can also add your own books, if they fit the bill. (I added one of mine.) Just make sure there's a balance -- we're primarily here to talk about characters, not promote our own stuff. :)

I added the first 4 George R.R. Martin books because that man is the epitome of a character genius. I also added his Sandkings because...omg... SANDKINGS! Best character-based short story EVER. (This man rocks my world.) I'll let other people add my books, if they feel like it, lol. I don't hold a candle to Martin. :)

LOL, Sarah -- when I wrote, "I confess, I have trouble when there are simply too many characters splitting the story in many different direction." I was thinking of George R. R. Martin. It's not that I don't think he belongs here -- he did have well-drawn characters -- I just never forged the connection because there were too many of them. Oh, and they kept dying. But thanks so much for adding and participating. We could have some great discussions about what makes for a good character story. :)

Best. Character. Writer. Ever. I WILL deathmatch you over that.

Bring it! :)

Where? When?

How about tomorrow? I'm just about to have to get off the computer today.

Lol. Chicken. But I SUPPOSE I can allow you to wuss out. I do, after all, have to sleep today, lol. :)

I love the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold. Her character, Miles, was part of the inspiration for us naming our son Miles.

Hey, Christine! Thanks for the invite :) I'm a total character writer/reader! I can't really say who my favorite character is cause, well, there's just too many...lol. I may be adding Fitz of the Farseer Trilogy and Golden Fool trilogy to the book shelf, though. Oh, man....that boy grabs you and won't let go--Hobb is a genius!

I agree, Rebecca, Bujold is amazing! And I also love Sharon Shinn :)

Hi Christine. Thank you for the invitation. Great idea.

What a great idea for a group! A great character I recently enjoyed was the narrator of Mira Grant's FEED, particularly her relationship with her brother.

Here I am, guys. Late to the party. Great idea for a discussion group, Christine.

Now I'm trying to think of favorite characters. There are lots. Two that stand out for me are Alex Benedict and Chase Kolpath from Jack McDevitt's books. I'm not supposed to like them, being that they're treasure hunters who sell to the highest bidder, but I do. One mystery writer who does characters really well is Louise Penny. She has a recurring cast, each distinct with their own personalities & backstories. I'm in awe of her and GRR Martin alike.

Ronya, I also like Alex and Chase from McDevitt's books. I got my husband hooked on that series. They are surprisingly likable for being treasure hunters, but I think they're so upstanding in other ways that it makes it easy to root for them.