What would make an interesting character?

Question

As in, a book or movie character.

People enjoy watching House (the medical drama) because of the main character's cynical attitude. Then again, others like Smallville because of Clark's altruism.

In your opinion, then, what would make for a more interesting (but not cliched) character?

Answer 1

Good example with the HOUSE character, It helps me to answer your question in fact. What makes him an interesting character is that he is more than just cynical. First you focus on that characteristic and it makes you wonder WHY and WHAT made him this way?

Then you see that he is also many other things - layers... he is funny, sarcastic, intelligent, stubborn, defiant, clever, there is a hidden sensitivity in there.... you get the point. Interesting characters have many levels to them.
Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I like characters whose flaws offer a classroom from which I can learn. Characters that cause their own doom because of their inability to communicate their ideas, or who see things differently from the rest of the world. A story line for such a character can go in different directions: a story to expose the character’s flaw, a story that exploits the character by means of his flaw, a story where the character bumbles about and wonders why the world works against him so, a story where the character sees his flaw and tries to overcome it. My favorite would be where the character uses his own flaw…instead of a weakness it becomes a strength to him.

My favorite example of this kind of character is Philip in OF HUMAN BONDAGE. Also, Ayn Rand's characters in ATLAS SHRUGGED are also in this mold.

Answer 3

the character's characteristic should be related with the story one is presenting, as well as the other characters .. I don't think people watch smallville because clark is altruistic, but because of his character as a whole.. other characters inside the story seem to appreciate clark for his service and altruism.. but for the viewers I think it is more than just that

Answer 4

Someone driven by inner passion, instinct to have fun, while doing everything to live it up, doing the things he's actually was created to do. Ability to be everyone and everything, being a sophistic master of language. Being a bad guy, the worst actually, and therefore very odious; at the same time being very alluring, because of giving ability to touch the untouchable, to feel what cannot be felt.The most amazing character ever - Mefistofel from 'Faust' by Goethe.

Answer 5

Probably a character has to be realistic and passionate. At least if the story is about that character as she/he relates to events that are larger than the character itself. Try reading "Five Miles from Outer Hope," by Nicola Barker and see how the two main characters are portrayed. They are passionate and realistic and it is a fantastic book because of them.

Answer 6

I think the character of House on the TV show with the same name.

Most character have been done in one fashion or another, such as religious cartoon super heros, they are on the religious TV stations.

Answer 7

A man is really a genius and irresistible to women. He does not realise this and thinks of himself as just ordinary. As the story progresses he begins to gain in self confidence but a chance event destroys it and he contemplates suicide. But he is saved by the love of his childhood sweetheart.

Answer 8

an imperfect but likable character. Like not freaky, just understandable but a little weird.


love your avatar, btw.

Answer 9

physically handicapped super hero - so he knows what its like but can escape his handicap for a little while to help others

Answer 10

two characteristics that contradict each other - like a librarian who likes heavy metal etc etc