In a story, who do you find yourself attracted to?

Question

For example,in a Story, such as The Phantom Of The Opera, would you be attracted more to the Phantom, or Raul? And why are you attracted to your chosen Character? You don't have to use this Story for your answer, I was just using it to explain what the question means.

Answer 1

The person whose life I (temporarily) wish I had. Usually picked on the grounds of interest, excitement, risk/danger and an element of the dark side, rather than anything that I'd actually genuinely want for my real life. The spy/double-agent, the unprincipled thief, the intelligent, resourceful guy/girl who's sent to stalk, kill or discredit the hero, that sort of thing.

Given that they're living the life I'd want (within the story world), they usually also have characteristics that I've either got or wish I had, so I identify with them to some extent.

I tend to dislike the lead character, or at least, fail to identify with him or her. They're often too perfect, to the point where I assume I'm simply reading the author's wish-fulfilment fantasy - even their flaws are things that aren't really flaws, or aren't really their fault. A pet peeve of mine with such perfect characters is that their enemies tend to be so obviously evil with no redeeming features other than a certain dumb cunning/luck that runs out just at the right moment. I feel cheated if the enemies don't have as much depth as the good guys.

I like characters who start off ordinary and end up powerful, but only if they earn it. Just getting lucky doesn't cut it, nor does a few pages of really exaggerated undeserved ill-treatment followed by the discovery of special abilities, powerful patrons etc which make the hero effectively untouchable from then on.

Answer 2

I always feel pull for the underdog. IN phantom, I LOVED the phantom-he seemed a little bit of a bad boy. However, there are often times I am drawn to the lead male who has it all even though they are jerks and spoiled, such as Christian in the movie Disturbing Behavior. There's something about those cocky men! :)

Answer 3

I would also go for the underdog. I like the example you've used. these are very archetypal characters. I find the natural winners of these stories to be rather boring; they just walk around and act as their own suave selves and await for the good things to start happening to them.
The twisted phantom, however, is a much more interesting character. Like the Bossu de Notre Dame, he we find him struggling with both inner conflicts, and social ones. He is much more multidimensional.

Answer 4

I am attracted to the characters who are evolving or undergoing change. I don't know Phantom of the Opera, but in The Beverly Hillbillies, I was attracted to Mr. Drysdale. He seemed to be developing an insight into the fundamental aspects of humanity by his association with the Clampetts, and therefore was becoming more in touch with himself.

Answer 5

Yeah I agree with the first answer. I usually am drawn to the underdog. I think they're the most vulnerable and are usually the ones I relate to the most.

Maybe it's because we've all felt like that at one point and we're cheering them on. Maybe we see a little of ourselves in the character and have hope for our own life through them....

Answer 6

When reading a story I tend to look at it as just that, although if I understand your question then I believe that I find myself paying more attention the to the character who has most to teach me. This isn't necessarily the one is most like myself, but the one who, finding him/herself in difficult circumstances deals with them in the best way they can. I may consider their actions to be innappropriate, but there are things to be learned from this as well. Whilst these views are often simply those of the author, we can address parts of our awareness through writing that often stays hidden in the subconscious, and these can be brought out in the villains and heroes of the piece.
I've never really thought about it before you asked your question, so thank you for giving me an oportunity to learn something!!

Answer 7

I'm always attracted to the underdog, like the person above me said. I find myself rooting for him to come out on top... one difference may be in the Death Gate novels. I really liked Haplo, and he was a big arrogant jerk a lot of the time... and yet, still lovable. Hmmmm.

Answer 8

i was watching the film Tristam and Isolde. I did not like it to be honest it was a bit like queen Guenevere and st Lancelot (king Arthur and the knights of the round table story) the king that Isolde married was a babe to be honest because the actor is a babe. i think queen Isolde should of forget Tristam and be happy with the babe king mark. same actor that was in the knights tale.

Answer 9

I agree with moaner...I always go for the underdog, even if he does try to drop a chandalier on the good looking character's head.

Answer 10

I agree with moaner also. the outcasts, the misfortunate, the orphans. I also love the outrageous & different, like the roles Jack Nicholson plays; espcially in As Good As It Gets, he's very annoying to people but he is non-conformist & does not live to please others. I love that, he's free & doesn't give a s***