Think back to your favorite characters in a well-loved movie or novel.
What is it that you remember most about them? The way they dressed? How they spoke? Their personality traits–the essence of who they were and what made them unique?
Granted, the story was probably the first thing that captured your attention, but without characters there wouldn’t have been a story.
Characters are the driving force behind the story. They compel us to keep reading. They tempt us to turn the pages, and they invite us into their lives as their stories unfold on the big screen.
For those of you who read or watched The Help, you’ll remember the indelible imprint left behind by its rich cast of characters.
The Help (by Kathryn Stockett) is a beautiful story of courage and friendship which takes place in the 1960s deep South.
Without a doubt, despite it’s salty language at times, it’s one of the finest films I’ve ever seen. (The book is still on my TBR list and I can’t wait to dive into it.)
As I watched the movie, I cringed at injustice and cheered for victories won. The acting was superb, and the characters, unforgettable.
What made the characters memorable was their refusal to walk the “straight and narrow. ” Though difficult and socially unacceptable at the time, the women stood up for what was right, not what was easy.
As writers, we often see the path our characters take as a means to an end. The paths they choose may not be the same ones we would take, and their means of traveling them may be unorthodox.
Because writers are creative thinkers, we do this for many reasons:
- Cardboard, cookie cutter characters are boring. They don’t inspire. They’re not real.
- Perfect is lackluster. Flaws, faults, and failures move us. They make us feel. Perfection bores.
- The best lessons are learned through the worst of circumstances. Patterns of behavior are the same way. We want to read about others who’ve faced down their own demons and have come out on top (while changing for the better).
- The depth of our stories is dependent upon that of our characters’. If our characters are wishy-washy, our plots will be, too.
- We can show God at work in the bent and the broken. If our characters’ lives were already perfect, there would be no need to tell their stories!
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Who is one of your favorite (and most memorable) characters, either from a beloved book or movie?
Why?
Photo Credit: pakorn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 9
I love it when a story has characters I connect with, characters I want to cheer for, characters who stay with me even after I close the book. I strive to create such characters, but I miss the mark at times. When my brand new agent read my manuscript over a year ago, she pointed out that I had a too-perfect hero and a wimpy, whiny heroine. Not good!
After a major rewrite, I ended up with two flawed by likable characters. (At least that’s what the few who’ve read the story tell me, bless their kind hearts.) I used several of the elements you mentioned, Cynthia, to transform them into what they are now. I like Miles and Ellie so much better and like to think readers will like them when they “meet” them come July as well.
Author
Keli, it can indeed be a tricky combination when mastering certain character traits–something that, as writers, we well know as the “learning curve.” I’ve been there and done that. I think most writers have.
I’ve absolutely no doubt that we will fall in love with your characters AND your story!
I just finished reading Jody Hedlund’s The Doctor’s Lady. I gotta say, I’m pretty in love with her hero! He’s kind, but stubborn. Makes good choices when it comes to protecting his heroine, but heart choices he fails at miserably! I love that.
Author
Jess, when engaging her readers, Jody’s one of the queen of hearts, isn’t she? Even the smallest details give us some insight into what makes her characters tick.
I really enjoyed The Help…both the movie and the book.
Cynthia, you put up some great examples of what inspires us, and what bores us – along with depth, strength, and wishy-washy. Excellent post!
Author
Loree, the movie version of The Help was amazing, and I plan to read the book, as well.
Characters that always make me want to stand up and cheer are those who’ve known adversity and bounce back better than before!
Anne of Green Gables immediately comes to mind. I think because all her flaws mask a deep need to be loved and belong to a family. As a result, the viewer/reader finds her flaws endearing rather than annoying.
Great post, Cindy!
Author
Sarah, I loved Anne of Green Gables!
I enjoy reading (and writing) about imperfect characters because they remind us so much of ourselves. I think specific character traits, i.e. bothersome habits and personal tics, make our characters come alive.
Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of the most memorable characters for me, as are most of the characters in “Gone With the Wind.”