“Unlocking the Heart of Fiction: What Every Reader Craves from Your Characters”

"Unlocking the Heart of Fiction: What Every Reader Craves from Your Characters"

Ever found yourself blissfully lost in a page-turner, only to realize you can’t remember who half the characters are? It’s a common predicament for readers—and honestly, it’s pretty darn frustrating! You meet someone at a party, share a laugh, and… poof! Their name vanishes right after. But what if I told you that this isn’t just a memory issue, but maybe a deeper exploration into the characters’ backstories? In a recent article, the importance of crafting rich narratives and compelling histories for characters is highlighted, shedding light on how this can lead to stronger connections with readers. So, grab your favorite reading nook, and let’s dive into the art of storytelling that keeps us hooked! LEARN MORE.

It’s important to work on their backstory

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I used to wonder if something was wrong with me.

I sometimes meet an old colleague or neighbour in the supermarket and have a pleasant chat but it is not until later, at home eating dinner, that I remember their name. I’m told I’m not alone. Many of us suffer this temporary amnesia for the names of (some) people.

My wife has stopped asking me to introduce her to people she hasn’t met before because she knows I sometimes struggle to recall their names.

It’s a thing.

Last week, I was several chapters into a thriller and had to flick back the pages to refresh my memory — who is John, again? Some characters don’t stick. I used to blame my memory, but perhaps it wasn’t at fault.

Last night, I was halfway through reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens when the titular David bumped into Mr Macawber again. I remembered Macawber, vividly. I could picture him with his portly paunch, bald head, double chin and rosy complexion. I recalled his ever-optimistic and kindly character and his perpetual financial difficulty.

It was the same with Uriah Heep. I could visualise him, with his pale, cadaverous…

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