Trail-Mix Readers discussion

Readers, what makes a character stand out to you? What makes you click with a character? Have you ever put a book down because the character just didn't 'get' you (or vice-versa)?

Authors, how do you choose your characters traits? How do you make them come alive? What do you do to ensure your reader won't want to say goodbye to your characters?

My characters HAVE to be more than just a few scribbled notes of description. They have to have strengths and weaknesses - not so much in the physical sense, but in other ways. A character that's basically a superhero and can walk through an impossible situation and come out victorious without a scratch just isn't believable.

It's those moments when they stumble, the times when the characters are forced to deal with a situation that they don't know how to handle and knocks them down emotionally - those are the characters we love, the ones that stick with us, the ones that are believable - because we can relate to them on a deeper level.

Variety is also a key factor for my characters. Each one is unique in their own way, with their own personality, which makes them truly come alive within the pages. That's what I strive for - believable characters that readers can connect with on an emotional level. I hope they'll love some, despise others, cheer for their victories, cry with their defeats.

Well said, Scott!

My characters start my story. I don't always know how the plot is going to go until I know who the characters are inside and out.

For example, the latest Book Girlfriend I am writing is Hannah and she has been yelling at me in a deadpan--almost high-functioning autistic--voice for weeks now. She has been telling me her history and her character traits, and her story is developing from that.

In a different story, Ai Ye and Tyr have been a challenge for me because I almost can't even imagine being 9000 years old and what that would do to a person. I have really had to stretch my creative muscles to figure out who they are and what they would say and do. Bringing them to life and giving them a story has been difficult (I've restarted 3 times), but they are finally becoming full in their personalities, desires, goals, and as a result, their story is now unfolding.

For me, it's the same whether I'm reading or writing: they have to be natural and they have to have their own voice.
I do admit having to put down a book because the characters acted in a way that was more like how robots from outerspace might mimick us based on watching humans on TV. Now, if the book was about robots from space trying to fit in, that would be a different story. If I can't tell who is speaking or if the characters all sound wooden, I can't read. I'm a huge fan of vernacular for this very reason. I like colorful, memorable characters.

Christina, vernacular! That's an interesting way to get characters their voices. Have you read L.A. Banks? Not a fan myself, but sh'e got ebonics down to an art!

I have not read her work, no. It does look interesting, but I'll be honest, I'm more likely to pick up an Indie book these days.

One of the things I've found out (several times actually) is that my characters have secrets that even I don't know about. Honestly, I've been writing my fantasy series for a little over two years... followed along with the characters through 3 books (working on 4th in the series now)... I thought I knew everything about them. And then I get hit with something about them I'd never known. It's almost scary at times, but part of why I love them so much is because of that... they really do come to life even more with things like that happening.

So true, Scott!

I had to reply to this one. I often find that the characters decide to go in a different direction than the one I planned. It happened in the trilogy I am writing now ending up with a change of Title! It has gone from 'I Am Me' to 'Eyes In The Mirror' lol.

You can't complain when it happens though as it is evidence that the character has got depth and is believable, giving themselves their own opinion.

It doesn't stop me arguing with them on a regular besis during the writing procedure though as the result can often give some nice twists to a plotline.

I love to read books where it is obvious that this has happened to the author as it is so exciting and often makes the ending unexpected.

Rita wrote: "I had to reply to this one. I often find that the characters decide to go in a different direction than the one I planned. It happened in the trilogy I am writing now ending up with a change of Ti..."
Sorry, just realised you might think the mention of the title above is self promotion. Not intended, I just got carried away with giving an example of my point.X

Not self promo, Rita. And i agree. I have a friend i consort with on writing on a daily basis and our conversations often end up with, "Omg! I just figured out..."
Love it!

Jen wrote: "Not self promo, Rita. And i agree. I have a friend i consort with on writing on a daily basis and our conversations often end up with, "Omg! I just figured out..."
Love it!" Thank you for your kind words Jen, relief is evident. I am sure most writers find that their thoughts tumble out onto the page before their brain catches up with them.
After all, that's what editing is for!

For me to like a character, they need to be "real." I prefer it when a character has both faults and assets, not just one or the other. We each have our flaws, and it makes the story more realistic if a protagonist does too.