Why Don’t You Like Me?
Which character in the book do you most relate to and why?
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| A heroine you’d like? |
That’s question number two at the back of Deep Cover, and it led to an interesting discussion recently among my writing friends.
We were trying to discern if there is a connection between our own personality types and the heroines in the books we enjoy most. Or if the heroines we admire have personalities we aspire to, but don’t necessarily have.
As a child of British parents, I learned that one should keep their emotions under wraps. I learned to esteem a stoic outlook of circumstances, and see crying as a weakness. Not necessarily healthy, and certainly not taught consciously, but that’s the way it was.
As a result, I don’t have much patience for weepy heroines.
That’s not to say, I don’t like women-in-jeopardy stories. I do. I love to read about a protective hero, rescuing and cherishing the woman he loves.
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| A Likable Heroine? |
Similarly, I’m a highly task-oriented, type A personality. When I read the list of characteristics of that kind of personality, I see them as positive qualities. Others read those same characteristics and see many of them as negatives.
Likewise, when they see those characteristics in a heroine, they’ll see her as unlikable while other readers may admire her.
Then, of course, there’s the influence of our first impression based on the cover are picture.
Interesting, isn’t it?
Your turn: What kind of hero or heroine do you most relate to and why? Do they share the same kind of personality as you, or attributes you aspire to have?
Oh, excellent insights and questions, Sandra!
I like spunky heroines–like me–but not bossy or overbearing, which I fear I can be if I’m not careful.
And I cannot stand heroes who are arrogant or rude. Do you hear me? CAN’T stand them! But if they come around and repent, that saves it.
Jackie, I haven’t read Merrilee’s Kellerville series, but spent a lot of time visiting with her at ACFW so feel like I know it. 🙂 She told me an interesting trivia that the name of the town got changed in the book, but not on the flash on the cover. Did you notice that?
Hope my book arrives soon. 🙂
I just read the 3 Kellerville series by Merrillee Whren….great. Her characters are so inspiring, so family oriented, and so caring.
Plan to read Deep Cover soon as I get it!
Thanks Lisa. 🙂 I do love the honor driven–God and country–kind of hero, too.
I like strong characters that can stand on their own feet, but are willing to show their tender sides too. I love military heroes–men in uniform…yum.
I’m reading Deep Cover right now and you have a great mix of characters!!
Who me?! What I put my characters through? 🙂
Love your examples, Kav!
Random thoughts because that’s all I’m capable of right now.
If a heroine cries (and I don’t see what she shouldn’t considering what some authors will put her through) I love it when she boohoos sloppily and her nose gets red and her face blotches up. And it should either be a really good crying jag to get it all over with in one go or a stoic ‘those are not tears glistening in my eyes’ kind of cry. LOL.
I heart beat madly for a hero who loves animals. If he talks to them, I’m likely to go into a swoon. If he actually understand what they say — well, I’m a puddle on the floor. 🙂
I like lots of variety in my characters. I’m open to any characteristics as long as the author can justify them in the end. Hate having a character I think I know suddenly go out of character half way through the book!
Ooh, Loree, I hope you like it!! Absolutely agree with you on the characters. The heroine in my second book was actually getting tearful quite a bit and I hadn’t even realized until a writing friend complained. LOL Now I have a post-it note on my desk that says, make your readers cry so your heroine doesn’t have to. Of course, she does sometimes. And like we all dream our men will be, the hero is wonderfully tender in his response. 🙂
Your book is next on my list to read. I’m so excited!
I love strong heroines…who always try to be honest and do the right thing. It’s ok if they cry, but only when it really calls for it. We all cry.
I love my heros to come along and take over when the heroine is weary. He can be gruff, but always tender with her.
Oh, yeah, I’m with you on the hero side, too!
Usually they have attributes that I aspire to have. I’m not fond of wimpy, crying heroines, either and domineering heros do nothing for me, either.