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How to make your characters likable?

Published on April 19, 2018April 27, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Or…

Is it necessary that every character be likable?

Faceless woman

Need all characters be —

pleasant, nice friendly, agreeable, affable, amiable, genial, personable, charming, popular, good-natured, engaging, appealing endearing convivial, congenial, simpatico, winning, delightful, enchanting, lovable, adorable, sweet, or lovely?

Recently, I just finished a book but didn’t like a single character. However, I did want the main character to succeed. This strange and bizarre book kept me captivated.

So, back to my first question, is it necessary for any or all characters to be liked by the reader?

This is an issue I’m struggling with right now. In my current WIP, I’m not sure my main character is likable. I want people to like her, emphasize with her and pull for her, but I don’t want her to come off whinny. I hate whining. Even in real life.

How do we accomplish giving characters qualities that a reader can relate to, but still see their faults?

And does every character need to have likable attributes? What about the bad guys? Do they need a few redeeming characteristics?

See I have lots of questions and only a few answers. So jump right in and help a writer out in the comments.

Okay, here’s what I’ve figured out so far.

Likability means a reader “likes” watching a character. Hmm…
Interesting and entertaining can attract a reader too.
If I understand what makes a character tick, it’s easier for a reader to relate.
No one is perfect, even the good guys. Show their flaws.
Avoid a “too good” character. No one likes a goody-two-shoes.
A kind-hearted act can make a character seem loveable.
A tragic backstory will make a reader root for the character.
Let the reader see a character’s vulnerability.
A sense of humor can go a long ways toward likable.
Avoid making a character “too bad.” Readers want to believe everyone has some redeeming qualities.
The name must fit the character.

And one last question…

Do you write the likable characteristics of a character in the first draft, Or do you add those traits in the second draft?

Want to read great articles on fleshing out a character? Then click and read.

Make your characters L.I.E.

10 Methods to Make Your Character Likable

What Makes a Character Likable?

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Do you focus on the eyes to see the character?

Published on April 17, 2018April 27, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Do you believe the eyes are windows to the soul?

Whether you believe this cliché or not, eyes are important. How you describe the eyes of a character can reveal a lot to the reader.

“Eyes that sparkled like sapphires glanced my way.”

This sentence tells us only that the person is blue-eyed.

BUT…

“Cold, blue eyes locked with mine. A chill rippled down my spine.”

Tells us the character has blue eyes and may be dangerous.

“Her blue gaze froze me in place.”

Lets us know the character is a woman and she ain’t happy.

“Lines crinkled at the corners of her sapphire eyes as they danced with mischief.”

This last one, again indicates the character is a woman and she may be laughing at or with another character.

If a body part is as important as William Shakespeare contended, we need to make certain our readers see into the heart of our characters. Through their eyes.

Thanks to Chris, my favorite Ape for directing me to a great blog post with terrific examples on how to bring a character to life through their eyes.

65 Ways to Describe Sight and Eyes in Your Writing by JACQUI MURRAY

What do you think?
Do you like the list of eye descriptions?
How would you write a sentence to show a character’s personality or attitude?

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How to make a character more real to a reader

Published on April 5, 2018April 10, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Now that you’ve decided on a terrific name for your characters, what next?

Real or imagined. Memoir or fiction. Doesn’t matter. Same rules apply.

Turn flat into fabulous!

The characters must come alive in a manuscript and jump from the page into a reader’s heart. If not, they stop reading.

So how do we go about breathing life into these flawed creatures?

Each character must have a defining description. Something unique to them.
Make comparisons and/or contrasts with another character. Plain Jane is best friends with Fanny Fashionista.
Give them something to collect, obsess over, or talent.
Everyone has a pet peeve, even a small one. Don’t leave it out of the story.
What’s in her purse, pocket, car, closet? What will she not leave home without?
Don’t forget her diary, journal or the divorce decree. Search out and include legal and private documents.
How does your character talk? Texas twang, Southern drawl, up North clip, curse, spray, slur, or tick put it in the story.
Look at pictures and fill in the blanks. Memoir pictures help us a lot but so do artwork for fiction. Think about it.
Rich, poor, political, religious, serious, hateful, jealous, and what else influenced them.
And don’t forget those life-changing events. Marriage, birth, death, divorce, job new/lost, love, heartbreak, sickness, etc.

My list is just a taste of a great article written by Shuly X. Cawood on Brevity.

Make Your Memoir’s “Characters”—Yes, Those Real Ones—More Real to the Reader By Shuly X. Cawood

Click and read her post to get much more details on giving life to your characters, real or imagined.

Did these tips help you?

Do you have a trick to add?

Do you have difficulty breathing life into your characters?

Do you think it’s easier to flesh out memoir characters or fiction?

Want more!

Keep reading…

One-dimensional Characters in Literature

Writing Remedy: How to Breathe Life Into One-Dimensional Characters

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Today on a more personal note

Published on April 4, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

This is a place to learn and share tips on improving the craft of writing and blogging.

However, today, I’d like to take a minute to apologize and share why I’ve been remiss in replying to your comments in a timelier manner.

I’ve been back East with family, saying goodbye to a wonderful courageous woman. My beautiful strong niece lost a very long battle with breast cancer last week.

It was wonderful to see my big family and large number of friends, but I would have gladly put off this reunion for several more years to avoid this sad occasion.

Lori fought the great fight for over nine years with grace and courage. She never bowed to the pain or demands cancer inflicted on her body and mind. She lived her life on her terms and we all watched in awe.

Today our hearts are heavy with her loss, but we are also filled with joy for having known her. Because Lori brought laughter into each room she entered.

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