Likable Characters
By SM Ford
For the most part, we want our main character in a story to
be likable. We want the reader to care enough about the character to keep
reading. I know I’ve put books down because I just didn’t care what happened.
So how do we create likeable characters?
First, likable characters are multidimensional. He feels
like a real person with a personality, background, an occupation, interests,
likes and dislikes, etc. She has good and bad traits/habits. Each has their own
specific set of problems, strengths, and beliefs.
Second, think about the people you find likable. What makes
them likable? People who attract me are friendly, honest, hardworking, interesting,
and interested in others. I want to be able to trust what she says. It doesn’t
mean I agree with everything he says. It doesn’t mean she is perfect. In fact,
perfect people are unrelatable. Interesting people have experienced life and
are willing to share and listen. We have some things in common, but not
everything. There’s something I can admire—a strength, a talent, a gift. These
are the kinds of people I’m willing to spend time with, so those are the kinds
of main characters I’m eager to read. Make sure you know and share your main
character’s good traits and strengths.
Third, think about the flaws that your main character can
have that you’d be sympathetic to. A person who kicks puppies, is always
annoyed by little kids, and thinks nothing of lying or stealing doesn’t garner
my sympathy. On the other hand, a guy who puts his foot in his mouth, a gal who
struggles with her weight, someone who is overly shy or worries too much—those
are things I can relate to. This doesn’t mean a main character can’t start out
with some detestable flaw, but most flaws will be understandable in some way.
Fourth, your main character has to have a desire or dream
and a believable problem. If he wants/needs nothing, why do I care? This dream/desire
can’t be reached too easily—the solution to the problem can’t be too simple.
The obstacles along the way are what make the story interesting, especially if
the obstacles force a main character to make decisions and choose options
counter to the desire or dream. I want to see this person work for what they
want.
Fifth, your main character needs to change in some way.
Living, breathing people are not the same today as they were a year ago—sometimes
even yesterday or five minutes ago. Good main characters echo this. What a
character goes through should affect him—make him grow, change his opinion,
maybe even change his dream or desire. A story shares her journey—the ups and
downs along the road, the detours—including the arrival, even if it may not be
where she planned to go. That’s change.
We root for the underdog who succeeds, for the hero who
isn’t perfect and has struggles, for the ordinary person who does something
extraordinary. Help us cheer for your main characters by making them likeable.
Thanks so much for the informative post! I know you have a book out. Would you like to share a bit about that?
Blurb...
About SM Ford...
Ready for adventure in the snowy Colorado mountains, Cecelia Gage is thrilled to be employed as the live-in housekeeper for her favorite best-selling author. The twenty-five-year old doesn't count on Mark Andrews being so prickly, nor becoming part of the small town gossip centering on the celebrity. Neither does she expect to become involved in Andrews' family drama and a relationship with Simon Lindley, Mark's oh-so-good-looking best friend. And certainly, Cecelia has no idea she'll be mixed up in a murder investigation because of this job. Will Cecelia's faith get her through all the trouble that lies ahead?
Links for purchase...
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/
About SM Ford...
SM Ford writes inspirational fiction, short stories, and
articles. Her first novel, Alone, was published in 2016 by Clean Reads. Besides
writing herself, she enjoys helping other writers reach their goals. She blogs
on her website at smfordbooks.com and is an instructor for the Institute of
Children’s Literature.
Where you can find her online...
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