What are the most fascinating types of characters? what makes a character fascinating?

Answer 1

I believe strong characters are what makes or breaks a story. The key, for me at least, while reading is to be able to identify with the character.

The reader should almost feel like they are able to see and hear through the character. They must want to put themselves in the characters shoes.

I personally love the characters Stephen King creates in his stories. Although some nay-sayers would quip that his novels are not great literature, I think he is one of the most talented writers when it comes to character creation. King builds characters for the reader with both physical attributes and actions. He also tends to throw in little quirks of characteristics (words they use, mannerisms, family history) that, although unrelated to the story, fill the character out into a whole being.

Answer 2

The most fascinating character in abook for me is Mefistofel in Goethe's 'Faust'. What makes him so fascinating? That's a hard question.. Ignorance, ventureness, living for pleasure and fun? I dont know, he has some spice in him, without actually being a bad guy, because all girls like bad, but gentlemanly men, he is bad without having intention to be bad, knowing what he wants and reaching for it, and the only cost he pays to get what he wants is enjoying what he does.. Isnt it fascinating?

Answer 3

Villains, definately. But only if they aren't the stereotypical stock villians. I forget the details but in Christopher Paulini's Eragon the bad guy didn't start out bad, in fact he turned evil somewhat against his will. I think he was possessed by evil spirits, or something along those lines. That's what makes characters fascinating; giving them complicated histories and letting us understand their motivations; making them as lifelike as possible and someone we readers can find something in common with, and/or can identify with.

Answer 4

I like characters who do things different than everyone else, who do original things, or think differently than the rest of the world.
(probably because I'm a bit like that)
And also characters who have a complex personality - not all good and not all evil.

Answer 5

I believe the most facinating characters are the ones that suffer greatly with a past that we only get small windows into. in spite of their wounded past, they eventually do the 'right' thing. often without knowing why. as abraham lincoln once said, it is the better angels of our nature that force us to do what we never thought possible.

Answer 6

Characters who act like individuals instead of stereotypes

Answer 7

Unpredictability.

Absolutely riveting.

Answer 8

Holden Caulfield from catcher in the rye. complexity and utter defiance towards society's norms and laws

Answer 9

Ones that are real, that aren't too made up. Purpose, reality, and connection with the reader.