1. Honesty - I hate when characters lie because 99.9% of the time it's usually a lie that is just making things 100 times worse then if they just went to whoever they were keeping a secret from or lying to and just old the truth. It drives me crazy no matter the genre.
2. A good sense of humor - I love when a character is funny and not in a "look at me aren't I crazy" kind of way. A bit of snark or sarcasm will usually make me love a book.
3. Mature - I can't not even count the number of times I've screamed at a character to act like a grownup. I hate characters that overreact time and time again or hold a grudge over something incredibly minor or having foot stomping temper tantrums.
4. Relatives that hide old letters/diaries in drawers and walls and are willing to die and leave their mysterious house to their main character - so this isn't actually a personality trait but I think it counts.
5. A love of reading - I frequently see characters that talk about loving to read but it's extra great when the character talks about books or authors and really feels like a reader.
6. The ability to ask for help - I love when a character admits they can't do everything or aren't portrayed as absolutely perfect and I love it even more when they bring together a group of people who have their different specialties and then they work together. I'm a big fan of putting together a team.
What are some of your favorite traits to see in your characters?
Humour and honesty always good traits!
ReplyDeleteLotte | www.lottelauv.blogspot.co.uk
I can forgive characters almost anything else if they love books. Now I know that sounds deeply flawed, but it is the truth.
ReplyDeleteAnd a sense of humor seems to help so much in life. I come from Scottish roots and my people take life so seriously. Fortunately I also have some Italian roots and that part of my gene pool helps those stoic folks.
I like your list of traits. Yes, honesty is a good one and, of course, being a booklover. A sense of justice and a willingness to admit when they are wrong. Compassion for others and mercy as well. A sense of humor and maybe also being able to see the big picture while also noticing details.
ReplyDeleteI like humor and keepin it real.
ReplyDeleteMature, yes - such a good trait. I know the feeling you are referring to with who don't possess this trait. A trait I often like in characters is the ability to be open minded, and not stubborn in thought - some characters can be very their way or no way and that definitely puts me off.
ReplyDeleteLying as a plot device or just to drag out the plot always drives me nuts. I do like a good sense of humor, that goes a long way towards making a character or enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYes! Asking for help is a big one. So many problems would be solved if people would just communicate.
ReplyDeleteYes great list, I hate it when things could be cleared up with a bit of honest dialogue but it drags on and on - I always think the author's ploy to make a book! I am enjoying The Printed Letter Bookshop right now which is full of people talking books.
ReplyDeleteI do like it when the MC loves books as much as we do!
ReplyDeleteThe ability to ask for help is a good one. 👍✨
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