I’m very entirely of the opinion that characters are enormously important. I’m talking ENORMOUS, okay?! Books can get away with all sorts of writing-flavoured failings and evillery, for me, but so long as I’m invested in the character’s wormy little lives, I’m going to enjoy myself.
I also happen to like relatable characters. Oh, you know the ones…when you’re gnawing down on a delicious story and suddenly stop and gasp, “BUT I THINK THAT WAY TOO.” When a character is relatable, the book becomes more personal. For me, I even get so sucked into a story that I feel like the character. Especially if we share similar life circumstances or sense of humour or faults or a deep appreciation for cake.
So, if a book has characters who don’t relate to me, not even a little…will I still enjoy the book?
Eh. This is a hard one.
I don’t like to fully base my opinion of a book on the characters. Maybe 90% of my opinion…but I like to consider how much I enjoy the world! Or the writing! But honestly…if the characters fall into unrelatable puddings of squashed flatness? The book just kind of plops into a puddle of nope.
But I don’t have to relate 100% to the character for the book to be a winner. It can be something small but powerful. For instance! Take Ronan from The Raven Cycle! That dude is like a bitter uncooked espresso with a side dish of vinegar. But he still cares super deeply for his friends…and I relate to that! Even if he shows it by…you know…throwing them out the window. (But he does like you Noah, I swear.) I totally show people I love them by throwing them off high ledges. I relate!
But there are also characters I’m notoriously fond of that I can’t find much to relate to. I mean, Legolas is epic. But…I’m 99% sure he spends more time on hair than I do. And Kaz from Six of Crows is my newest darling but…he’s craaaaazy. Zlich in common there. And as much as I love Sharzhad from The Wrath and the Dawn…I probably would’ve thrown the grapes and olives in the king’s face and RAN OUTTA THERE. I think an unrelatable but well written character can still resonate with me! But it’s not often.
How much I relate to the characters definitely affects my enjoyment of the book. But is that fair?! Should it affect my enjoyment this much?! I mean: WHAT ABOUT THE WRITING!? That should count too, right?! RIGHT!? And the plot. AND THE AMUONT OF CAKE!??! Oh, excuse me, bookworm existential crisis here.
I feel like if I’m going to chew an entire book from a certain character’s perspective, I want to connect in some way. For me, reading is about having adventures! About being someone else for 400-pages and getting in their shoes. I want the shoes to be comfy. If the character irritates me, how am I going to enjoy this adventure?!
And obviously there are just SOME BOOKS that are always going to clash with my personality. Ergo the book and my relationship just won’t work out. Ever. It’s me not you, darling. That’s why it’s a relief there are SO many books in the world. Odds are we’ll find one we connect to, right?!
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” ~ JK Rowling
I don’t need to be the same person as the character. I don’t have to be their brain twin. I just have to relate to something about them. A thought process. Or a struggle. Or the random urge to SHRIEK IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENTENCE. If you get that reference, dark side cookies for you. Characters are the life of a story! THEY ARE. And I want to love them.
I think that I should be able to relate to most well written characters- because at a base level we’re both humans (unless it’s like the tale of desperaux or another animal story) and should share something because of that. I do love it when I share some part of my with a character- like going running! spending too much time with boys who DON’T UNDERSTAND! sass! reading! schooling of some sort! Awesome parents! Dogs!- but I guess that isn’t necessary as long as we can see each other’s feelings. I recently read Winter and I couldn’t relate to Winter’s craziness, but I got her passion for justice, if that makes sense. I also struggled to relate to some of the people in the book I’m reading for English right now (they’re annoying. It’s non fiction) But the characters ARE not the sum of the book-good stories can have characters who’s emotions I don’t necesserily get. Thanks for the discussion, Cait!
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YES THAT MAKES SENSE!! I mean, technically all humans should relate a little bit….?! But I mean, IRL we don’t always, so it’s fair that in books we don’t either. *nods* BUT STILL. If a character is super well written then there’s always something. Like I’m not even sure I relate to Scarlet BUT SHE IS LIKE MY FAVOURITE LUNAR CHARACTER OF EEEEEVER. *hugs Scarlet* And any character who’s sassy just wins insta-points from me. 😉
I don’t think they have to be completely relatable, but I do need to understand why they are like they are. Although I can’t think of any specific books at the moment….
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Ohh, true, true. Does it affect how much you actually enjoy the book, though?! Like I’ve read books where I thought the character made SENSE but I still didn’t really like them and did still rate the book low. OOPS. >_>
A lot my my liking books comes from the world-building…. but then I will also like a book that is terrible in a lot of ways but had great characters. I enjoy a lot of Si-fi books (generally old ones Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov) I don’t find those characters relatable, but I really enjoy the books… those men were amazing at writing and their worlds… and predictions….. and wow…
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Any sarcastic character is relatable to me.
Maggie Stiefvater writes loads of relatable characters – some of the things that Puck and Grace came out with about growing up had me nodding along like “Yes! It’s not just me.”
I don’t have to relate to a character, but I do have to LIKE them. This doesn’t mean they have to be likeable – just one or two redeeming qualities is enough. When I hate the protagonist, I tend to hate the story.
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HaaaaaHAHA ME TOOOO. Cake. Sarcasm. Deranged shrieking. = All very relatable to MOI. And omg, every time someone mentions the Scorpio Races I’m reminded how much I desperately want to reread it. *pines for the beautifulness of the Scorpio Races*
And YES! Likeable is definitely different to relatable. I can relate to unlikeable characters sometimes…as long as they have SOMe redeeming feature. xD
I do have to relate to characters in some way or form, and actually, that happens more often than not. There is always something, I think, even if it’s really tiny. A love for foreign languages. Leaving home quite young. Playing an instrument. Wanting to learn to drive a motorcycle… hehe
Because to me, characters make or break a book! If a character is so dark and inconsiderate I would never, ever want to meet them in real life, and I want to scream at the other characters to run for their lives and never look back, I will definitely enjoy the story less. However, there are some authors who are so good at character development that they are able to completely change my mind about their character(s). And then, I’m among the happiest I can be when reading. Because if I start a book and feel really iffy about a character, and then, I want to just hold them close to me before the book ends – that’s amazing character development right there, right? Something that made me actually understand the a**holery or hardness and just made me love them despite their flaws. *sighs*
Not sure if I even answered your question, Cait, but YES!! Characters are important. And somewhat relating to them on at least one level is, too.
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Yessss ME TOO. WE ARE THE SAME ON THIS. And it can totally just be a tiny smidge of a relatable thing. *nods*
omg I totally love that feeling of watching a character grow and become someone you really love. I adore it when my feelings change over a character because it just proves the author is really talented at writing and character-development. Right?!?!
CHARACTERS ARE DEFINITELY A BIG DEAL. XD Probably nearly “everything” for me?!? But, I mean, I do enjoy several books where the characters aren’t my favourite. xD
And also, the characters have to make sense! If a character starts out as being strong and confident, becoming weak and self conscious doesn’t work for me either… I’m very hard on characters 😀
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yES I TOTALLY AGREE!! I hate it when that happens in series…like book 2 is all about the character having a breakdown and moping around!? I can’t stand it when that happens. *heavy sigh*
This is a tough one! I’ve definitely read books before where I haven’t related to a single character, but still enjoyed it, but I think the book would have to have a lot of other redeeming qualities (an exceptionally intriguing plot for example). I also think it depends in what way they’re unrelatable – if it’s because they are exactly the kind of person I really wouldn’t like in real life then the book has probably lost me.
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*nods* Omg, yes and yes. Like I don’t know if you’ve read Game of Thrones, but there are a LOT of unlikeable characters in there that I haaaate. But the world building and magic system do make up for it a fair bit!! So that’s a positive. XD
I always love it when I can relate to characters in a book, but when I don’t I don’t necessarily hate it immediately. Sometimes I love a book because of its plot no matter how unrelatable the characters are. But when they’re unrealistic or just plain ol’ unreasonable, then I might just put the book on my DNF shelf.
Well you are clearly wise and logical then. 😉 I mean, there ARE instances where my mind has been totally changed about a character as I kept reading!! I looove when character development is phenomenal. <3 But ugh, unrealistic characters are frustrating too. Even reading a fantasy book...it still needs to have realistic characters, right?!?
It is kind of sort of A MASSIVE RELIEF to read this post. I have never had someone tell me so clearly what I am thinking/feeling on a topic that I find hard to explain to people. To other readers, it’s easy. To my parents and random IRL friends….notsomuch.
It’s like…I have to relate to a character *or* care about them somewhat. Avery Roe from Salt & Storm isn’t easy to relate to, but I cared so freaking much about her story that the book became an instant favorite. Lola from Lola and the Boy Next Door, however, is 100% me and falls for the boy who is 100% mine. (*weeps*) I love them and their books equally! But if I don’t care about a lead character – Neryn from Shadowfell, Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and Cathy from Wuthering Heights, for example – I typically won’t like the book/will DNF it.
Seriously an excellent post. Love it muchly. ❤️
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AHHH I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT, SIERRA. <3 XD I'm so glad I'm not rambling mindlessly and this makes sense, hehe.
And it's like we need to root for them, right?! Or just ADMIRE them. I often admire characters a lot but I'm nothing like them...I just wish I was. haha. omg, you love Lola?! I LOVE LOLA TOO. She was my favourite in that trilogy.:')
I think for me it’s similar. I don’t necessarily have to relate to the character, but as long as I can have some sort of emotional connection to them, no matter what it is. But if, for example, they are one of those crazy extroverted people (WHO EVEN ARE EXTROVERTS HOW DO THEY TALK TO PEOPLE) and they hate reading or something (I know it’s hard to imagine) it makes it harder for me to see the world through their eyes, and everything seems kind of off, because the story would have been different if they weren’t like that and if they were like ME (BECAUSE IT’S ALL ABOUT ME MWAHAHAHA). But if I can see where they are coming from, and if I can connect to their emotions, whether they are similar to mine or not, then I will probably still enjoy the book. However, the books that I can relate to more tend to be my favourites and the ones I re-read.
Just that little thing that makes us root for them, right?! I find myself admiring characters too, so that I don’t necessarily relate but I ADMIRE them and that maeks me still love the story. XD
AGH BUT I GET THAT TOO. In fact I just read a book with a mega-extroverted character today and I just…I didn’t click at all. So characters really do make or break the book for me sometimes. >_<
Oooooh you and your difficult questions! I think I agree with you, though. To me, the characters are the most important part of the novel, and I always find myself describing the characters much more than anything else in my reviews. Sometimes I love reading about characters that are completely different than me, but usually, like you said, there’s this one tiny thing that we would have in common. There has to be some sort of connection, or something. And I do tend to adore novels much more if it has a character like me. I mean, Cath from Fangirl?! I LOVED her and that book, mostly because I saw so much of myself in her!
Characters don’t have to be exactly like me, but if everything they do or say is completely foreign to me, I probably won’t like the book all that much…
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I ask all the tough questions TO CAUSE HAVOC AND DESTRUCTION MHWHAAHAH. *ahem* Excuse me.
I talk about characters a lot in my reviews too!! So clearly they’re what matters to us, right?! 😛 I just need that tiny scrap of a reason to root for them and then I’M SOLD ENTIRELY. Cath was basically the closest I ever got to finding ME in a book. XD hehe. Except for the part of her dance parties. I would just fold up onto the floor and be immobile and call that a dance party. >_>
Ah no, this is hard because I feel like I need to relate to a character a lot either emotionally or mentally. I mean, sure I might not relate to a woman who bakes all Christmas and is super awesome at a roast, but if she is humour filled and snarky, she’s my girl. Or cheerleaders and death and murder, but I really enjoyed Dare Me by Megan Abbott because of the complicated emotional aspects and subtle LGBT themes. It’s hard, but I think a character is super important and can affect around 65% of my overall feelings, maybe more. WHY THE TOUGH QUESTIONS CAIT, DO YOU SET CHALLENGES TO BREAK ME?
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SAME! SAME! I think rooting for and admiring the character is important too, right?! So even if we don’t relate, we WANT them to succeed in their bookish goal…so that makes the book uber enjoyable. *nods*
I ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY TO TORMENT YOU, AMANDA.
Similarly as you, I dont have to 100% relate to the characters to enjoy the book. If writing is good, story is good, I can easily enjoy the book even if I dont have nothing in common with main protagonist. However, I CANNOT be annoyed with the character. Once character irritates me, there is not a big chance that I would enjoy the book. So unrelatable characters are okay if they dont annoy me with their thinking. Annoying characters who make me crazy with their behavior and decisions are so not okay.
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Annoying characters are the worst. Or super immature??! Or just characters that make crappy decisions all the time. *dies a little on the inside* hehe. That irritates me a lot. XD So maybe a character doesn’t have to be 100% relatable, but I need to be able to root for them!!
I’ve read a few books that I liked even though I couldn’t relate to the characters, so me liking books doesn’t necessarily include relatable characters. The book could have a great plot or unique characters and I’d love it. But if the people are unrealistic or senseless, then I might possibly put the book on my DNF list.
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Unrealistic and senseless are definite turn-offs for me too. And I was also just thinking while replying to comments, that one of my all time favourite books is Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas and yet I do NOT like any of the characters at all!! It’s just the book is so incredible and the plot is AMAZING. So yes!! Relatability ISN’T the be-all-and-end-all for me either. XD It just helps?!
I think it’s impossible for you to write a post that isn’t relatable for us bookworms out there hahaha
I find that I have to relate to something in a character. As you’ve mentioned, it can be something small, because I definitely don’t have to like everything or think the exact same way. However, whenever I simply cannot understand a character’s motives or decisions, I have real troubles liking them and the story. If it’s just a supporting/side character, that’s okay – it won’t ruin the whole book. But if it’s the main character, I simply can’t enjoy it as much, even if the writing is good.
I hope my ramblings made sense, either way, huge thumbs up for your awesome post :D!
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AFJDLKSAD THANK YOU, KAT. <3 That means a lot!! 😛 I haven't written a discussion like this in a while, hehe, because my last one was quite blah. SO YAY I'M GLAD THIS ONE WORKED. 😛
And yes! I think the relating can just be a tiny thing...like a fear of spiders! I'm definitely going to get behind a character who's scared of spiders because omggggg me toooo.
OMG! YAAAAS! Spiders are just a big NO-NO!
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I don’t think that you have to relate to any characters 100% but when it comes the protagonist I like to have some familiarity with them. I find it quite hard to read a book if I can’t connect to the characters – this doesn’t happen a lot but when it does the book drags on and sometimes I don’t even finish the book.
The characters doesn’t have to be ”me,” but I like to have something in common with them; even if it’s something really small it helps with the interaction and it just makes such a better read.
The characters don’t even have to be human but they still have some human quailties to them that I can pick up on – if it’s the way that they love or hate someone, the way that they talk or act in situations, to what food they like – it doesn’t matter. – just something small.
Thanks for the post.
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*nods emphatically* Same. And it doesn’t have to be a HUGE thing for relating…it can just be a tiny thing. Like they like dogs or cake or are scared of spiders. I guess, just something that shows they’re human, too, sometimes?!?
YES!!!! in The Wicked and The Just, it was narrated by two women. The first, Cecile I think, i despised! She was selfish and abused the power of her place in society and was just plain awful. from page one, I instantly hated her.
However, the book overall is on my top twenty list of best books. It might be because of the absolutely beautiful writing or the wonderful plot or maybe how the other narrator, Gwenny, was just a bit better. So I don’t think character relation is a huge problem if the reader can find something else about the book that they love, but it still affects your opinion of the book a lot.
Also, sometimes character relation is just reading about a character that sounds like you, but better. Maybe character A has similar traits or whatever, but they also…jump off buildings to save puppies, and survive. So they’re similar, but you’ve always wanted to jump off roofs to save puppies, so you enjoy reading about this character because of that fact.
Awk, that is so awesome though!! Usually if I really don’t like the characters, the book will never be a favourite for me. But I might still like it! Like I ADORE the Divergent series, but basically do not relate to Tris at all. Four and his love of cake though…I can get behind that. XD *Ahem*
AND YES!! Admiring a character and rooting for them is a big part of it too!! Like I can root for a character because they’re exceptionally well written, even if I don’t relate to them much.
YES!! I mean: yes^^ I totally feel like I enjoy books much more IF I can relate to the main character. If I find myself thinking: OMG I would be thinking/feeling the SAME thing -or- I would have done that too! then we have a winner! It’s like you said though, we don’t have to be soul mates, we just need to have some little relatable aspect in there. It’s more that that even for me…if I admire the character or if it’s a compatible personality type: like someone you know you could be friends with because they’d be entertaining or helpful….then I’m usually good to. BUT. The more I feel like I can relate to the character, the better the experience is! This was an awesome post and it made me laugh – especially those bits about Legolas XD Thanks for sharing!!
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Yesss! It’s not the “we are the same person”, it can totally be little things. (And tbh, I’ve never found “Me” exactly in a book anyway. It’d be kind of creepy if I did, right?!) Admiring and rooting for characters is a big deal too. I kind of forgot about that aspect. XD Because that sums up my feelings for Kaz for Six of Crows! I admire him and root for him BUT STILL THINK HE’S NUTS. XD
I agree, the character makes the book for me, too. And so does the writing. However, I am not so sure those things guarantee a best seller, which is disappointing to me, because if I like a book, it should become an instant hit! But it doesn’t seem to work that way. Some authors are able to pull off a major blockbuster by writing books I hate. One series that comes to mind has characters that I think are dull and flabbatory, and writing that is so voiceless and plunktacious that I had to read the chapter titles to know who was speaking…I forced myself to read all three books in the series, hoping it would get better. It did not. Which is further proof that my taste in what makes a good book good is not a useful predictor of the future, because that series was a bestseller AND a blockbuster movie. So…without mentioning any titles…I have learned that some people like stuff I hate.
The world is such a cool place!
Excelsior!
Ack, I KNOW RIGHT?! All the books I love should be instant bestsellers. XD We just have to promote our unappreciated favourites more, right?!
For me it’s not as much relatable, though that is a nice extra. I look more to things like… Do I want to root for them? Do I like them? I need an MC or MC’s I can root for. If I can’t root for them to reach their goal, it means I don’t care about what happens. & that’s not good. If I’m like “I hate this character, I really can’t stand him/her.” or “I don’t give a flying fudge what happens to this character” I’ll enjoy the book less because characters are, as you say, enormously important for my enjoyment of the book.
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OMG YES YOU SUMMED THIS UP SO WELL. XD I forgot about the “rooting” aspect. Like I’ll root for Kaz, even though I think he’s nuts. xD
He’s the anti-hero type, haha. 😛
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KAZ IS THE ULTIMATE ANTI-HERO. OMG. He is so bad. :’)
I don’t really have to relate to the characters to enjoy the book. I do enjoy it when the characters feel relateable, but it wasn’t a compulsory feature for me. As long as they’re interesting and have personality I would love them *squeeze the characters into a group hug*
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*nods* I GET THIS TOO. Like if we can root for them, that makes it a good book, right?!
I usually don’t seek out books with characters that are similar to me; i prefer characters that have different personalities and situations so I can branch out a little bit. However, I think characters have to have some sort of relatability to them in general, especially if they’re villains. Characters like the Darkling from the Grisha trilogy and Eli from Vicious are evil to the core, but there’s also a bit of humanity in them that makes me feel empathy for them.
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Yes yes! I totally get that too!! It’s like that little spark and glimpse of humanity that makes them connect to us, right?! ELI YES. Eli terrified me. And tbh, Victor was basically a villain too. But I kind of understood them both on a little level…so they were entirely interesting and great to read about. BUT SCARY OMG.
I AGREE, I AGREE! *NODS HEAD VIGOROUSLY*
It definitely affects the whole reading process if I can’t connect with a character emotionally or mentally. There must be something, atleast one element that should make us connected to the character otherwise the whole book becomes a chore.
Great post btw! ♥
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We have to root for the character, right?!?!? We have to WANT them to succeed or the book feels kinda flat.!!
SQUEE, THANK YOU. <3
That puddle gif though! I love it haha. I completely agree that if I can’t relate to a character even a tiny bit I have (more) trouble enjoying the book. Though of course there are exceptions! It’s been a while since I read The Picture of Dorian Gray, but I don’t think I related to the characters yet it’s one of my favourite books. Great post Cait!
ISN’T IT THE BEST?!!? It is officially my new favourite gif of ever. And I agree that relating is like a “be all and end all”…but it definitely helps. XD
Such a great post, I love this!! I really have to relate to a character, in order to enjoy a book – well, to really fall in love with it, too! Sometimes that doesn’t happen, though, but I think I can still enjoy a book if I don’t relate to the character, but can understand in some level their motives, their way of seeing life, and everything that goes with it. If I don’t relate or don’t even understand the main character, then that’s the worst for me. That makes me so sad when a book has potential, but the characters are just a big NO for me.
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I need to relate to really connect to the book. XD I mean, I can read really good books with really epic characters I like a lot!! But all the books that REALLY hit home for me…I related to the characters at some level. *nods*
I need to either relate with a character or be fascinated by a character in order to truly enjoy a book. Maybe it’s not fair, but that is just the way it is for me. 😐
It’s like that for me too 😛 I kind of forgot about the whole “admire” a character thing, actually!! But I DO!! Like I might admire a character, but not relate, but it still makes the character awesome for me.
My favorite characters are often slightly crazy ones. Like Ronan — as you said, he’s a bitter espresso with a side of vinegar, but there’s also that part of him which cares so deeply about his loved ones (and he even has a pet bird named Chainsaw which makes me love him even more). I feel like I relate to him in so many more ways than that, though. This discussion, by the way, has given me a new post idea so thank you!! hehehe ☺
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yESSS I LOVE THE CRAZY ONES SO MUCH TOO. I almost always go for the anti-hero type of character. *sigh* What does this say about me? LET US NOT EVEN CONSIDER.
You are welcome. I am inspiring to be around. *flips hair majestically*
100% AGREED! I’m okay with characters that I can’t relate to very much, but I DO have problems with annoying protagonists. (There’s a difference between a flawed protagonist and an annoying, unreasonable protagonist.)
Zomg, YESSSS. Annoying protagonists are the worst. -_- It really sours the book for me. And totally agreed that “flawed” and “annoying” are different!!
Ooooh, this one is interesting. For me, its kind of rare that I come across ANY relatable characters in YA novels at ALL (which leaves us all to ponder on the nature of my suspicious qualities) but I STILL enjoy it. Like you said, if its fleshed out in a powerful way, the character can be one that I come to love immensely even though we don’t have much in common. I agree, relating makes the book SO MUCH PERSONAL I MEAN OMG THAT IS WHAT I WOULD DO! But that’s not always the case, and it NEVER stops me from enjoying and falling in love with the characters in my favorite books 😉
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Ooh, you ARE a suspicious bean. XD hehe. I’ve never read a character where I’m like ” OMG THIS IS 100% ME”. More like I find aspects I utterly relate to. xD But good writing pretty much triumphs, right?! Because if a character feels real they’re going to be interesting to read about. xD
This is a really great post Cait! I feel like relatable characters are amazing and they make the book much more personal, but I don’t feel they’re a necessity. Characters don’t need to be relatable necessarily, they just need to be well-written and multi-dimensional. Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous discussion! ♥
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YUP. I SHALL AGREE WITH YOU THERE. It’s the writing that can make the character come alive. But I definitely think it’s the relatability that makes the book special for me. *nods*
This is a hard question… honestly it kind of depends! How much I like a book is usually based on 40% characters, 30% writing, and 30% plot. but there is always exceptions…. sometimes I don’t like the characters but I still enjoy the book, but this is usually rare because I’m quite picky with these things. However sometimes the characters are awesome, but the plot is…. not so awesome, yet I still find myself enjoying the book! i think I share the same opinion as you!
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YAYY!! WE ARE TWINS ON THIS MATTER THEN. XD Good writing and excellent plot are still really important to me, too! *nods* But I do find myself more lenient if I really love the characters. They just win my heart no matter what the plot does. XD
This is a pretty awesome discussion here! I mean, I love Ronan, but I’m not in a constant state of anger. Yet his deep loyalty to his friends– I can relate to that (though I don’t throw people out windows *ahem*).
I do have to have compelling characters to like a book. I tried to read H. G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” but there is zero character development. The characters are flat and are only there to convey the scariness of the plot. It’s strictly a plot book and I. . . couldn’t finish it. But it’s the same way for movies too. If the movie is just about punching people in the face and epic effects, I will not connect. I need characters!
Also, Splintered by A. G. Howard. I think that’s the first book in which I couldn’t relate to anything about the main character, or any of the other characters. BUT they were very, very well written. I could at least understand where they were coming from. And, they made me angry, aka they made me feel things. Also, the writing, and the WORLD BUILDING! Just ADFASDJALKJ! My goodness, what a retelling! So yeah, I love the book.
I don’t think I have to always relate to the characters so much as I have to at least understand them. You know?
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You DON’T throw people areound?!!? *gasps* WHAT. ARE YOU A NICE PERSON OR SOMETHING, OMG??!?!
(Okay I am slightly kidding. I try not to throw people around too much. Just occasionally.)
AHEM!
I honestly think if the character’s read like uncooked pasta then I just usually switch off emotionally entirely. And what good is a book if it doesn’t rile a bit of emotion out of you every now and then?!?!
I don’t really think I related to Alyse either, now that I come to think about it. 0_0 BUT THE SASS OF MORPHEUS WAS EVERYTHING. And the writing. Aaand world building. So that is totally true *nods* ME TOO.
Why have I never though of this….? I’m realizing that it’s true though. The books where I can relate with the character in some way shape or form (be it a quirk or a desire or a flaw) are the ones that I fly through and feel simultaneously empty and fulfilled when they’re finished. Books where I CAN’T relate to the characters are ones that feel like a chore to read. I always finish them though….weird mental roadblock for me XD
I think that if the main character isn’t relatable, there has to be something else there that will keep me enjoying it. For example, I recently read a book where all the characters I related to died (it was very unfortunate) but I kept reading because the action was SO GOOD at the end.
If the author offers no compensation for my lack of relation to their charries, I’ll likely give the book a big thumbs down. Nobody likes a “mary-sue” but no one wants to read about a character who’s the complete opposite.
This was a very good post ^ ^ You got me thinking so that deserves a slice of cake 😉
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I hardly ever DNF books either! SO WE ARE THE SAME ON THAT MATTER. But it does totally become a chore to read them when the narrator drives me up the wall. Agh. Irritating or just unrelatable characters sooo ruin a book for me. *heavy sigh* And I agree!! Like I have books where the characters are “okay” but not great, but then the plot is AJFDKSLAFD MIND BLOWING. (Dangerous Girls definitely gets this category!) So it’s still an all-time favourite for that. *nods*
*gobbles cake*
I think: somewhat. As long as they have a somewhat realistic voice – sarcasm is definitely a key point – and their parents aren’t total nuts, I have no problem. Caymen from The Distance Between Us is one of my favorite MCs. So is Harper from the Rebel Belle trilogy. They’re both so realistic, witty, and quirky! Darling post!
Basically sarcasm is everything. SARCASM AND CAKE. *nods* THAT IS WHAT MAKES A BOOK WONDERFUL. XD Omg, Caymen had me in stitches with her perfect deadpan sarcasm. <3
I actually just wrote a post on plot-driven books vs. character-driven books that explains my opinion! I’ve just been reading so many ARCs lately that don’t have fantastic characters that my expectations have been a bit lowered, so I can generally still like a book if the characters are less-than-perfect. I value my plot a LOT. Ultimately though I consider all factors when rating a book- no one factor will make or break it. These days it’s probably harder to find a unique plot than unique characters, though, so that may explain why I value plot a little more.
Alicia recently posted…Let’s Discuss: Character-driven books or plot-driven books?
OHH YOU DID?!?! Great minds think alike. XD Clearly it’s an awesome topic to discuss right?! hehe And omg me too with the ARCs. Actually me too with 2015 books in general, for some reason. o.O I’ve had to step back and dig out some older books from the library to find some excellent characters. So I don’t know if I’m getting fuss or … what it is! 😛 I do SO love an excellent plot though, but I feel like I can look past plot cliches if the characters are afljdsafkdl wonderful.
I tend not to relate to a lot of characters. I don’t know why that is, but I just don’t. But, I still like the characters anyways.
So I think the characters don’t really need to be super relatable, but they do need to be complex and interesting. Like, teenage girls don’t really relate to Katniss that much, but we still like her.
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I mostly relate to just snippets of them. xD Like a love of sass…or cake. Because I am made up of sass and cake, let’s face it. (Omg I related to Katniss SO MUCH. Everyone’s like “smile!” and she’s like “no, go die”. AND THAT IS ME.<333)
If the character is well written, I like them both equally. I like to try and figure out why they think and act differently. Snape is a perfect example. He is totally unlike me, but he is one of my favorite characters of all time. 🙂
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OMG REALLY??!??! I HATE SNAPE. HAHA. Okay I should not shout that. *hangs head in shame* Because i know lots of people do love him and no shame! I just can’t forgive him ever for malicious bullying of small children who did him no wrong.
I do prefer stories where the characters are relatable, but the plot and writing style has a huge influence too. And I sometimes find myself liking moody or insane characters (like Kaz), who I have NOTHING in common with. It does make a difference, but my answer to this question changes depending on the book.
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yessss. Why is it that we love Kaz so much?! Because he’s evil but TRAGICALLY SO?!?! And I think he does have a bit of a heart of gold (black gold?) under all his meanness. He just needs melting. Omg, Kaz, darling.
It is pretty awesome when I am able to relate to a character completely. It makes the story feel even more special. I’ve enjoyed plenty of characters that are the polar opposite to me, though, as well. Maybe it’s because I appreciate their qualtities and secretly wish I could instill that in myself. I just finished Graceling by Kristin Cashore, for example, and I although I couldn’t relate to the main character, Katsa, I loved her. I thought she was incredibly badass. Annnnnnd I’m the opposite of badass :P.
yESSS. I only just realised it when another commenter pointed it out…but sometimes I love a character because I want to BE them, hhee, not because I actually am them or relate in anyway. XD OMG KATSA WAS AMAZING. I did relate to her wanting to stab dresses and just be herself. That is very much me. Although if someone tried to kick me I would just lie down and die. I am also a weakling.
You summed up my feelings SO well, Cait. (As always.) Also – your post ideas are always GENIUS. I want to steal alll of them okay??!
For me, characters matter 112%. Characters matter a TON to me. I’m a weird person and sometimes I get lonely with real people (because INFJ’s make up 1% of the population and I’m a lone soul) so I’ve always felt that the reason I read books is to not feel so alone. Relating to the characters and feeling like someone actually GETS me means a bunch. Personally, if the characters aren’t meshing right with me, I put the book down. If they’re drab or plain or boring or dumb or just confusing… the whole book just kind of seems pointless. Thank goodness this doesn’t happen often ’cause fictional people rarely disappoint. 🙂
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AFJDLSK THANK YOU, EMILY. XD I’m so glad you liked the post!! hehe AND YES OMG WE ARE THE SAME ON THIS THEN. I just need those characters to be utterly incredible for me to love the book. (Oh oh INTJ’s are apparently very rare too *nods* and book humans can be less annoying than real-life humans sometimes…at least you can hurl book-humans across the room and they don’t get offended *coughs* UM. WHAT WERE WE SAYING.) I like to have a reason to root for the characters. If I can’t relate, I can’t root, ERGO LIFE IS AGONY. *collapses*
I’m a super character-driven reader too. In fact, despite my general love of the classics, there are some I don’t like specifically because I don’t care about the characters (The Great Gatsby and Great Expectations come to mind). If I can’t find anyone is the story I like or at the very least care about, I don’t usually keep reading.
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*nods* I totally get this!! I mean, I rarely DNF because I have such a problem having unfinished books around, but it’s realy a chore to finish a book with a character I care like 2% about. I NEED TO CARE. I need to find a reason to root for them!!
Yessss. I don’t tend to LOVE books if I can’t relate to the characters at all. If I can’t find anything relatable about a MC, I tend to get disenchanted and unfortunately lose all motivation to read the story. Well, unless the plot is insanely good and intriguing, but I’ve only experienced that once or twice.
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Characters are usually why I’ll love or hate a book, tbh. CHARACTERS ARE EVERYTHING. Or like 99% of everything?!!? 😛 And if I clash with the characters, chances are I’ll bail. XD
Gee well, it really depends for me. In some cases, I really enjoyed the book because of the relatable characters. But I find that (in my case anyway) the characters that I love don’t relate to me in the slightest, but are everything that I want to be as a person. I’m a horribly insecure human being (which I am working on I swear!) so characters like Kaz (ahhhh <3) who are sure of themselves most of the time and are so completely badass in their actions and desicions drag me into the story even more. Nina is another example because she's so confident and full of sass and wit. Hazel Grace from tfios is so intelligent and just reads most of the time (which I wish I could do too!) so she turned out to be the only character I really liked in the story. Do you see what I mean? That's what really makes the characters interesting to me, if they inspire me in some way rather than if they are exactly like me. Wonderful, wonderful post Cait! xx
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OH OH I GET THAT TOO!! Like I’ll super admire a character and be all “I want to be them when I grow up” and so there’s no relatability but I still adore them. KAZ THE DARLING LITTLE MONSTER OMG. *gives him cookies and dark chocolate to reflect his evil heart*
so many books I love often ARE because of the characters – first and foremost, so yeah, I get what you mean about wanting to relate to them in SOME way, even if it’s only one or two things. I think that’s true for me, but it’s not always the case.
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yESSS. We are like twins on this matter then. XD Like honestly there are characters I adore but really have nothing in common with. But good writing can change anything. XD
I love your thoughts! I love when Ronan threw Noah out the window!!! Haha, but he really does care for him and all the other peeps.
Also, I absolutely love it when you say “ergo” in your posts!!! I might be stealing that word from you and using it in my daily conversations hahaha
Oh oh he TOTALLY does love and care about them. *squishes Ronan in hug of happiness* *probably gets stabbed in the face for my efforts* I DO SO LOVE RONAN. <3 Ahem. Also ergo is a fabulous word to use and should absolutely be used in every day conversation. XD
In certain ways, I guess I do have to relate to characters – maybe just their morals or something? When I think about my favourite books, I definitely have a lot in common with those protagonists, but then with others I don’t at all (ahem, Harry Potter).
…so basically this comment is absolutely pointless and I don’t know what I’m saying.
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WAAAAT?!?! YOU DON’T RELATE TO HARRY’S LOVE OF SASS AND SARCASM?!? XD heeh You are not pointless, my friend. Your comments are always fabulous. <3
Hear, hear! Well-written characters, not necessarily totally relatable are gold! I like sassy and Tony Stark-ish characters on the page, but in real life, I know I’ll be tempted to punch them in the face.
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OMG ME TOOOOO. Tony Stark characters are my ultimate favourites. XD And I also love literary “bad boys” and the dorks. But IRL they’d probably all get on my nerves. 😛
I think I don’t necessarily need to relate to them, I just need to like them. But, if I were to really think about it, maybe I do relate to them in some way, and maybe that’s *why* I like them. But I’m not sure. I mean, I think it’s more fun when I read about a character and am like, “That is so something I would do!” but I can think of numerous characters, and even series, I like even though I don’t feel I have anything in common with them. And when a character is completely different, I love the chance to see how they think and why they do what they do, something I’d never have understood before since I’d never have had those same thoughts or feelings. And what about those characters who you don’t like as a person but love as a character because of how well-written or interesting they are?
So I *think* I don’t need to relate, but you’ve made me unsure because maybe I do relate in some way lol.
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It is kind of a tricky thing to analyse right?! Like I started making a list for this post on characters I love but don’t relate to…but then when I really THOUGHT about those characters, there was always a tiny little something that I related to. SO YEAH. I totally agree it’s also fun to just be completely “someone else” for a while when reading. *nods*
I always go back and forth about this. I think the most important aspect to me, is that there is an interesting plot. If I don’t care about the story a character can be amazing, but I still won’t fall in love with a book. At the same time, with a fantastic story and characters I completely loath, I also can’t enjoy the book.. I guess a story just need to have both!
Unrelatable characters can go either way with me. It really depends on the thing that makes them unrelatable. Is it because they suffer through something I’ve never had to go through -> no problem. If it is because they are completely the opposite of me, like they are terrible bullies -> NOPE NOPE NOPE.
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Asking for both shouldn’t be too much, right?! RIGHT?! We readers should be able to demand both. xD *nods vigorously* I can’t stand bullies either, and I think that’s why I’ve had such a hard time finish Harry Potter because I just can’t understand or get onside with Snape’s horrific bullying. *heavy sigh*
I definitely need to relate to a character to enjoy the book. I’ve given up on many books where I just couldn’t connect with the characters. As you said they don’t have to be my twin, they can view the world differently, make decisions I wouldn’t, but I need to relate and understand on some level. It’s like IRL, if I have nothing in common with someone, if we can’t find common ground, it’s not going to fun spending time around them.
On a side note, I adore Ronan and relate/connect to him best from TRC 😛
YAY FOR RONAN LOVERS. <3 I absolutely adore Ronan. I think he’s my favourite Raven boy, tbh??! Ahem. But yes, back to the post at hand, hehe, I just read a book today where I connect exactly 0% to the main character and while I appreciated that it was just a personality disagreement…it really did ruin the book for me. I just enjoy a book better when I admire or root for the character!!
Hmmm. I do like to be able to relate to a character – it makes them seem much more real! I agree 100% CHARACTERS are the most important aspect of a book. Sometimes, just about everything can go wrong with a book but if I like the characters then I want to stay with them and see that it all turns out alright. If it doesn’t, then I can fuss over the poor fictional little people. But sometimes it can be interesting to have a character you don’t relate to at all. It is a great way to gain a better understanding of humans in general. Like, there may be a character who totally reminds you of your arch nemesis and you hate them. BUT spending 300 or so pages in their shoes, learning what makes them tick… it can help you understand that type of personality, so you will know how to better handle others in your life. You arch nemesis might become your best friend! Alternatively, by understanding them better, you might know how to defeat them! Yeah… characters are important. And yay for mentioning Six of Crows! That book still hasn’t left my mind! But you’re right… Kaz is insane. Although, one relatable aspect I found with him was how when he fainted on the way into the Ice Court? Just when he needed to be strong, he couldn’t, and I think quite a lot of people have felt like that at some point???? I don’t know! What I do know, was that this was a fabulous post! 🙂
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OH THAT IS SO TRUE. And you’re really wise/mature to think of it like that actually. HAH. I’m just an immature bean though and if I find the character unlikeable or I absolutely do NOT see their perspective…I just end up disliking the book. *sigh*
When Kaz got all scared and vulnerable THAT WAS SO WONDERFUL. <3 And see that's relatable?! Being scared and losing it in a really dark situation, right?!?
I agree with what you say, Cait. Yes, it’s nice to have an amazing relatability to the characters, but if they are so kick-ass & awesome then less relatability is okay with me.
Just because I can’t relate to someone doesn’t mean I can’t fathom what they’re going through! 🙂
Awesome post, you always make me think & I love that!!
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It’s like either we admire or relate to the character, right?!? 😛 I admire the ones who are absolutely kickbutt…but haha NO RELATING THERE. omg. I am a very weak pineapple.
I don’t think all characters have to be like me or relatable, but they do have to be believable and deep enough to care about. If I don’t care about the characters at all I won’t find the book enjoyable.
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yeS!! CARING IS IMPORTANT. If I don’t care at all about the character then why am I reading?!!?
I think being able to relate to a characetr even in a small way can definitely make me like the character more and enjoy the book more. But on the other hand I can also enjoy books with caracters that are totally differnet, take Tris from Divergent for example, I am totally not like her and wouldn’t dare do most of the things she does, but I still enjoyed the book. Sometimes it’s also fun to read about characetrs who are totally different. On the other hand if a character shares something with me and I can relate it’s so much easier to like that character. I recently read a book about a main characetr who liked to cook and I instantly connected with her about that. And like you mentioned if you’re going to read a whole book from their point of view, it is nice if you like them. So for me it’s a bit and no. I definitely think it’s great when I can relate to characters, but sometimes I can also enjoy a book with a character that’s totally different as long as I can get a feel for why that person is that way.
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I totally know what you mean!! And SAME WITH ME AND TRIS. I didn’t relate to her at all, though I did admire her. *nods* I related to Katniss a lot, haha. XD Ahem. I think the relating doesn’t make-or-break the story, but it WILL make it more special for me if I can connect to the character. It’s either relate or admire, I think. *nods*
I think that characters… Ugh, I’m not sure how to phrase my thoughts. On the one hand, I think that characters who demonstrate some element of the human condition are very easy to relate to because then we can see ourselves in those characters, like you see loyalty and friendship in Ronan even if he’s kinda like being friends with sandpaper. But I also think it’s how the characters we relate to are emphasized… Because let’s say there’s a character named Bobby Mike who is indeed always looking out for his friends and pushes his friends off ledges, but that is because he is a drug dealer, and there is nothing more important to the protagonist of Bobby Mike than illegal substances, and those who can’t pay him back get pushed off tall buildings… not so relatable.
And sure, like you said, there’s people like Kaz in the world who only do that to their enemies and take care of their own, but I feel like if we have a protagonist who is too far removed from our own values—as Winston Churchill might have said, who has none of the vices we admire and all the virtues we do not—it gets to a point where even if we relate to the character to some very small degree, like sharing a species, it’s still no good to want to read their story because we’re so far removed from who they are.
I guess.
I think I agree with you but I used different words.
(Also: Kudos for the Vicar of Dibley GIF. Maybe you picked it at random. But I still like it.)
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Being friends with sandpaper…YES. That is a perfect description. xD And, yes, I do see what you mean a bit. But I think relatable to me has to be gold on the inside?! Like if the character loves cake but is a murderer, then I’m going to not get behind them. But I might understand them a bit better? OMG I’M PROBABLY MAKING NO SENSE. My brain has died and melted today.
(I did pick the Vicar gif randomly but I do know of the show, even if I haven’t actually seen it. xD)
Great question! I think I usually like to have at least one character in a book that I can relate to somewhat, even if it’s only certain aspects of their mindset/personality. However, there’s a difference, too, for me in whether a character is unrelatable or whether they are downright dislikeable. There may be some characters that I can’t relate to, but I wish I was more like — characters who have traits I admire (for instance, when I was a kid I was a big fan of Ramona Quimby in the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary, even though I was absolutely nothing like her. I just wished I was, lol.) So those are characters I can certainly get on board with. On the other hand, you have characters that you can’t relate to AND you don’t like. Characters you have zilch in common with and you are GLAD you don’t. Wuthering Heights is one of my go-to examples for this kind of scenario — I just *loathed* those characters (especially the mains, Heathcliff and Catherine) and could not connect to their nasty, backstabbing, egotistical ways. So yeah… Wuthering Heights is not a favourite. Occasionally, though, I can get past dislikeable characters IF the plot is fantastic and super gripping, OR if the character(s) seem to have some sort of hope for immense character growth that would redeem them. But that doesn’t always happen!
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Same!! It only needs to be a tiny thing for me to really feel like I’m relating to the character. XD AND YES!! Also admiration is a big thing! I’m often a huge fan of characters I really wish I was. hehe. Disagreeable characters almost always spoil the book for me. Also characters who make obviously stupid decisions is a big turn-off, *sIGH*
I think a reader can usually find something in common with a well-written character… even if it’s just a feeling of really wanting something. All characters want something; it’s what drives the story. All of us real-world folks want something, too. So even if that’s the only thing, the character will still be relatable.
One thing that makes me feel that I can’t relate to a character is when they’re unintelligent. I’m not talking actual intellectual disability or anything (because some of those characters are awesome and totally relatable). I mean the characters who aren’t well written (like the 18-year-old high-school grad who acts like she’s ten), who make inexplicable choices (like picking the dud love interest for no good reason, other than to drive the angst of the next book), or who do dumb things just to further the plot (like the girls who go prowling around at night in dark alleys or other places they wouldn’t normally be, and then need rescuing). I can’t relate to those characters at all.
yESSS THIS IS EXACTLY MY POST. You understand me, omg, yay. :’) Really well-written characters will ALWAYS have that glimpse of humanity that we can realte to. Although, let’s face it, I’m easy…just make a character love food and I shall relate.
And awk, I totally know what you mean with the intelligence thing. >_> I just totally read a book where the character was supposedly 17 and acted like a 12 year old and I just…I couldn’t?! The book fell utterly flat for me because of that. I REALL LOVE BRAINS. (Not eating them, um, no. Just…admiring them? Okay there is no way I can sound uncreepy now. I’M JUST GOING TO GO.)
I think I consider the writing over anything else, but the characters play a HUGE part for me. I have to understand them, if not like them. And I can be SO PICKY. One reason I didn’t like The Girl on the Train while everyone and their sheep does–I greatly disliked all of the characters. And also RONAN IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL. I love him, even when he throws people out of windows. XD
YESSSSS. Understanding!! Like if I can understand an unrelatable character, then it doesn’t matter. Right??! Because I’m rooting for them and I like them. 😛
For me, it’s more about writing relatable characters. I really don’t relate to many characters in the books I read, and usually I’m okay with that. But if I write up a profile for a character and think, “No one is going to understand why he’s thinking like this”, the character is going to get some sweeping changes. Or be deleted completely.
When I’m reading, I sometimes try to seek out someone who I can relate to, but mostly, I could care less. I have no clue why, but if someone’s an egotistical maniac who’s absolutely gorgeous and smooth-talking (I am none of those things, haha) then I could love that character – or hate them. Maybe as long as they’re breathing air, I get it. Or maybe I’m just unrelatable. Which is sad to think about. I hope that’s not it, heh!
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I do get that too!! But then I wonder if I always love the evil masterminds because I admire their cleverness!?! I LOVE CLEVERNES. Or just there’ll be this snippet where they adore crumpets or something and…I CAN JUST GET ONBARD WITH THAT. XD I also like to root for characters! So even if there’s no relatable-ness, if I’m rooting for them, the story is still golden. *nods*
Relatable characters definitely take the reading experience of a book to a new level (one that teeters on a spiritual experience, I dare say), but for me it’s not a requirement. More often than not, I do not relate to the characters that I read. But, that’s probably an “it’s not you, it’s me” thing. I just sort of suck to relating to people in general.
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hehe, I do get this actually. xD I’m not an epic relator-to-people…but in books it’s somehow easier?!?! I love it when characters have a real venerable side or something that just makes me root for them, whether I relate or not!
*doesn’t get the reference* *feels sad* *consoles herself with dark side cookies anyway* I just finished Eleanor and Park, and the characters were incredible relatable even though I don’t have abusive stepfathers, aren’t American, don’t ride a school bus, etc. This is an interesting discussion! For me, relatable characters make a book *that* much more enjoyable, but less relatable characters don’t necessarily put me off.
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NO YOU DON’T GET DARK SIDE COOKIES. But you may have pineapple cake because I STILL LIKE YOU EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T GET MY FABULOUS REFERENCE, SHAR. AHem. And I related to Eleanor And Park too!! BECAUSE COMICS. nerd life is the best kind of life.
Basically, I don’t have to relate to them (depending on the book, of course) BUT I have to at least have a sense of where they are coming from. Like, yeah, Kaz and I have not a single thing in common, but I still enjoyed him because his character made sense, and I could understand him even if I didn’t agree with him.
Now, if a character is just unlikable or dull and there’s no real sense of who they are, then I am out. If a character needs to be a thief or a jerk or a murderer or whatever, great, but just maybe let me in on why. Character development is also huge. If it’s just some jerk continuing to be a jerk… well no, I can’t relate. OR understand, or connect, or any of it. Just… that character is a jerk and this book is stupid.
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*nods* OH oh I totally get this. Same with me and Kaz. Like half the time I couldn’t even figure out WHY I liked him…except that I really like smart people?!?! AND HE WAS REALLY SMART. Although evil. But evilly smart…I’m a goner. ‘Scuse me a moment.
Knowing the “why” is SO SO IMPORTANT. And getting behind the “why”. Like when I read about a mega bitter nasty character and they’re that way because a parent died or whatever…sometimes I still find it hard to get behind them!? I need to see them be sneakily nice or have a soft spot for kittens OR JUST SOMETHING.
Ah, I think characters are like the backbone of a book. And if that character sucked, well, the whole book is a flop. Hence, I don’t really need to relate to a character to like them. BUT it would make reading a HELL LOT MORE FUN if I do relate with a character (which is quite rare, because I don’t know me that well, so how could I know if that character is like me?!? *cries*). For example, I definitely love Aelin from the Throne of Glass series, but I know I’m not that brave or confident, or even remotely kickass like her. BUT I love Nina from Six of Crows, because she eats. And eats. And eats. And not once does she complain about her weight. And that is pretty much me. Food before anything (amen to high metabolism). So, I think yeah, there were times when I do loooove a character who relates to me, but I would also love characters who make me wanna be better, do better. HEHE.
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AHHHH I SO GET THIS. And Nina NINAAAAAA. I loved Nina specifically for that reason too (Although I covet the high metabolism, ahha) *ahem* And I also agree about Aelin. Although I don’t like her as much as I used to?! But whenever she just tosses the assassin/queenlyness and sits down and consumes a whole box of chocolates…me = loves Aelin. XD hehe. So basically if a character likes food I RELATE. XD
I don’t care about the characters being relatable AT ALL. Sometimes it’s even more fun to read from the viewpoint of a character that you know you’d hate in real life. I just read The Girl on the Train and I HATED Anna, but I got excited to read from her viewpoint. Wasn’t too fond of the MC, either (definitely couldn’t RELATE to her) but overall I found the book enjoyable. I guess I do like books more when I can relate, though, but I don’t HAVE to.
Haha, well we are nearly opposites in this then. xD BUT THAT’S GREAT!! GOOD FOR YOU!! At least that keeps you from being turned off books due to unrelatable characters right?!?!
Haha, yes! My mother in law’s like “I couldn’t stand this book. The main character is horrible!” And I’m like “Tell me more! I want to read it!”
I think this is such an interesting question because the way I define ‘relatability’ is slightly different than yours. I love reading about relatable characters because then I can really step inside their shoes and assess the situation in various ways. A character is relatable to me if; we have something in common, if I feel like I would react the same way in their situation, or if I find traits in them that I want for myself. Does that even make sense, Cait? Does it?
Anyway, that’s why Kaz from Six of Crows is someone I REALLY REALLY RELATE TO. He is my precious baby and I want to smother him with kisses AND TACKLE HUG HIM. Not that he would let me do any of that but I have so much love for him, OKAY?
Can we still be friends even though you don’t relate to him but I do? CAN WE? PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE WITH CHERRIES ON TOP?
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YES IT DOES MAKE SENSE. *nods* And that’s not far off what I think relatability means either. 😀 I want to be able to root for a character as well as relate…and even if I don’t relate, admiring them still makes me love the book. xD Kaz would probably stab you in the face buuuut AT LEAST HE WOULD KNOW HE IS LOVED BY YOU.
I find that I do have to relate to a character in at least one way, whether it’s a huge amount or a tiny amount, otherwise I struggle to care for them, which makes the book a bit dull. And I think a big chunk of that is having a really well developed character who has the small little bits that you can relate to.
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*nods* Absolutely yes! I agree with this! If I’m too far detached from the character I just…I just don’t know how to get along with the book, you know?!
Really interesting take! I think that sometimes it’s better to have characters who are not relatable – just like having friends who are too similar to you can be a bad thing, reading only characters who are similar to you can be bad! Having a character who is so different from you challenges your perceptions and how you see the world!
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*nods* I can definitely understand why you like really different characters too!! I mean, I never want to read ME in a book (wooooah that would be so weird. xD) but I do want to have some level to relate to them. XD
I dont know if I care so much about relatable as being able to connect
hummm
is that the same thing?
anyway.. hah. yeah I guess. But everyone personality is so different o.o I don’t think there is one generic character that people will love because others will prob hate them you know?
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I feel like it’s the same thing. xD Like connection is relation, isn’t it??!!? AGH I DON’T KNOW. Anyway. I like connecting too!
Ahhh! Characters are EVERYTHING! And I mean everything. They can truly make or break a book. I think one of the big reasons Sarah J. Maas is so big right now (and why I love her writing and books and everything) is because of how well rounded and beautiful her characters are. I think relating to characters is important too, but I agree it doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes I am also drawn into a book by a character who is opposite from me because it’s interesting to see how the other half lives HAHA (sometimes). I think if the book world was built up enough and everything else was perfect, I might still enjoy the book, but characters (in my opinion) are the most important part. Thanks Cait! I really enjoyed and identified with this post! THE CHARACTER FEELS!
Omg, I definitely agree! Sometimes the opposite-to-us characters are equally interesting. And sometimes I love characters because I admire them and it’s like I wanna be you when I grow up…XDXD
YES! I feel like so many times you say exactly what I am thinking. Great minds think alike, I suppose! 🙂 haha
I agree with you, Cait. If I can’t relate to the main character even a little bit, it’s hard for me to get into a book. I’m having this problem right now in a story. This person loves NASCAR and I really don’t care about it, but I want to see this book through to the end. XD
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Hmm, this is definitely a very good question, and I’m not really sure what I think. For the most part, I go for relatable characters, but sometimes I like certain characters specifically because they aren’t like me, so ultimately I guess it depends on my evil whims.
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Awesome discussion. Being able to relate to a character is one of the more essential requirements for enjoying a book. I can usually find ways to relate to just about everyone, even villains! I could even kind of relate to Levana from The Lunar Chronicles in a weird way. She just wanted love, she just went about it in the wrong ways. Her ways were very, very wrong. But if there is a character that I can’t relate to AT ALL, then that just makes the entire story worse. I find myself not liking the plot or the writing. It loses major points with me.
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I felt SO BAD for Levana after Fairest!! Like I still think she’s horrible, but it makes sense in a way? She just wanted to be loved… :'(
I don’t have to relate to a character to enjoy a story. I just have to LIKE the character. Or some aspects of them. I like to be able to respect the vessel carrying me through a story. Like in Wrath & Dawn, I didn’t relate to Sharzhad AT AAALLLL! Didn’t even really like her for a fair bit. But as the story went, she grew on me. I started to get used to her. It was fine. I like her now. Why I kept reading her story was because I respected her mission. Also, I liked OTHER characters in the story. And I liked the world. And I wanted to know what the heckie was going oOOONNNNN! So character relatability is like, a 40% issue to me.
I’m a very lazy person xD so a lot of these books with heroine’s who are kick ass and have huge missions to save their families or topple governments… I don’t relate to them. But like, I respect their goals. Personally, I have background character tendencies. I’ll do all the work behind the scenes and crack jokes. I relate to quirky sidekicks.
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Oh oh I get that though!! Because I adore characters I just admire too (or what to be when I grow up!?!? HAHAHA I’M NEVER GROWING UP BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN) So admiring and being interested is definitely a big deal for me. Although if I relate…the story just becomes so much more special. *nods*
I love this discussion Cait! As you said, the character doesn’t need to resemble me, but definitely something that I can understand or even symphasise with will make me connect more to them than a character who just makes decisions I don’t understand. It’s definitely an important part of me enjoying the novel!
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Haha I relate to this so much! While I don’t have to relate to a character to enjoy the book, I usually like to somehow relate to the MC in a book. It makes the reading experience much more personal, and I feel like I’m more invested in the book. The world building, writing, and plot line do matter to me too, but I feel like the characters can help make or break a book. Relatable characters are important, at least to me. I’m not saying I want to read to a character who is exactly like me in every aspect, but I want a character who I can somehow connect to and understand. Great post!
I definitely agree that being able to relate to the characters is essential for my enjoyment. Like you said, there are TIMES that I can overcome an unrelatable character, but those are few and far between!
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This is really insteresting! Hmm. I’m really into reading diverse books, and I can’t realte to most of the experiences the characters go through, especially if the characters have intersectional identities. I like learning about other people and their lives, things I don’t relate to. Yet, I suppose I will relate to something; friendship, relationships, compassion, so on and so forth.
But unlikeable characters are different. If a book is written well enough, I don’t think we need to like the main character to get on with the story. I didn’t really like the main characters in Before I Fall, Trouble, Asking For It, Entangled, Undone, and a number of others, but I still enjoyed the stories. Not because I could relate in some way (though I’m sure I was able to), but because the story itself was really good. And characters don’t have to be likeable. Especially girls. It gives the wrong message, I think, if all girls are nie and lovely – because we just aren’t. Teen girls who are bitchy or argumentative or sullen and moody exist. They should be in the books.
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Honestly, I don’t NEED to relate to a character to like them. Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses… I HATED him at first, but I still loved his character. Amarantha.. I hated her. And yet I thought she was all kinds of badass.
I think I always end up loving the characters that are unrelatable or “different” from me. I might just be weird that way XD
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I do have to relate to a character in some way, no matter how small, in order to be fully invested in a story. It could be anything, like if they like cake, I can relate to that because I like cake too (but if a character does not like cake, we have a whole other set of problems). I do not really get the point of reading about characters that I cannot connect to on a personal level. That may sound harsh, but there are not that many characters who I have not really been able to relate to on some level, and those are the books that I have ended up not finishing or not liking. I even found a way to relate to Ronan too, who is practically the opposite of me in every way. But, he is very stubborn (like myself) and tends to bottle emotions and secrets inside instead of sharing them. I think that everyone can relate to that, which is just one of the reasons that Ronan is an amazing character. As readers, we see how bottling up his emotions got him into some bad situations, and we learned (hopefully) not to do that. Reading is about discovering new things, but it is also about using those new things in your life. And if you cannot relate anything in a book to your real life, then you cannot exactly do that.
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I think I need to relate to characters most in their decision making. Like, the ones that do something stupid or make bad decisions because “I had no choice” or because they’re super naive or something. nope. If they’re a really well written character, though, and I believe they have a *good* reason for making a decision, even if it’s not the one I would have made, then I’ll go along on the ride.
I totally get that!! And I particularly hate bad decisions in characters. Argh. >_> It drives me mildly NUTS.
I don’t know. I feel like I kind of have to relate to the characters at least a little bit or it just doesn’t work for me. But I am sure there are definitely exceptions to this and books that I have enjoyed despite not relating to the characters. I do feel like I need to at least understand the characters, and the things they do. I don’t want to be constantly shaking my head in despair at every decision that they make.
That makes sense to me too! 😀 I AGREE. I mean, it’s really hard to feel like a book means something to you if everyone and everything is…so so removed from you, right?