How to CREATE LIKEABLE CHARACTERS
Gasp!
Yes, gasp. How many times have we read a book with an unlikeable character. A whiner, a bitch, a brat as the main character. No one wants to read those.
I want a character that will leave a lasting imprint, make you want to be a better person, and act like a better person.
#1. Charisma!
Charisma is a big thing when it comes to a character. To be charismatic is tobbe the bigger, better person.
To be charismatic:
You must listen actively.
When you listen, give them your undivided attention and ask questions. Do NOT check your phone more than once in a conversation - better yet, don't check it at all!
Speak clearly!
Take your time and think about each sentence. The more you speak with unnecessary filler, the less clear you are. Especially when speaking to more than one person at once. Also, decide your words to make the things you say better, more positive sounding.
Smile from within.
A genuine smile from within shows on the outside: you smile with your eyes and mouth, and it's called the Duchenne smile. Not to say you have to walk around with a grin all the time! But when you smile on the inside, people are more receptive when you approach
Spread praise.
Ever hear "it's not what you say, but how you say it?"
If you have to critique someone, before you do, think of how you would want to be critiqued. Be direct and address the problem at hand, propose a solution, get feedback and establish a timeframe. At the same time, give credit & compliments where they are due. Make others feel important when they deserve it by complimenting a completed project, or a presentation that went well. Building confidence in yourself is important, but being able to build confidence in others - that's charisma.
#2: Optimism!
Your character could be optimistic. They should have a goal that they never want to give up, that they'll push through the roughest time, to achieve it.
Something they can smile through.
If they aren't optimistic, then try determined. Some characters aren't going to be happy-go-lucky like optimists. So determinationbin another trait. When your character arrives through everything, when she reaches that finish line, when they get what they wanted, that makes them LIKEABLE.
#3: Sympathy
To make a character likable there are many personality traits you could choose from: sweet, funny, sarcastic, trouble-making, brave. All of those can be twisted to make a likable character. The likable personality traits are obvious: sweet, caring, kind. But sarcastic and trouble-making can make for a very likable character, especially if your other characters adhere to the rules or are part of a world where such behavior is unsightly.
Remember, your character won't appeal to every reader, but so long as there are elements which the reader can empathize or sympathize with they will stick by them until the end of the story.
#4. Background
So, you've got your good-looking character called Ziggy who is idiotic and claims to be an evil genius, but in the story messes up all of his evil plans. This makes a likable character. Of course this is a more cliché approach to it - if you want a realistic character you should take a more three-dimensional approach. Instead of Ziggy being arrogant and thinking he's brilliant and super evil, there could be a reason behind his evil ways. Abandoned as a child? Never knew how to love? Adding background like this can add yet more likability to your character.
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Welp, I hope you all loved this, I didn't cuz I'm bored, and watching Naruto. IM ABOUT TO CRYYY!!
- A_P ♥
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