《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 99: Making characters attractive to readers
Advertisement
asks: How do you make your main leads romantically attractive? When you read those mind blowing romance novels and end up falling for the guy, I never understood how writers induce those feeling within the readers. I always find myself confused on how to make the character attractive, not only through his actions but also his dialogue. How can writers make readers fall for the main lead?
Physical attractiveness is only a small part of a character's appeal. There are plenty of good-looking characters in movies and books who act like jerks. Desirable behavior is a much bigger lure than the perfect body.
To determine what kind of behavior might be considered attractive, think about what you want in a potential romantic partner. Readers who enjoy romance want to escape into a fantasy world where men and women exist that embody all the things they like in a person. In the real world, maybe the reader knows one person who is witty, another one who is respectful, and a third one who is sexy. But to have all three of these qualities wrapped up in one person? It feels impossible. That's why they're going to fall in love with characters in stories.
Characters convey their personalities through actions. If they're respectful, they let someone finish speaking instead of interrupting. They listen. They don't invalidate other people's feelings. If they're witty, there will be clever banter. They'll know when it's appropriate to crack a joke. If they're kind, they'll open doors for people. They'll pay for someone else's groceries. They'll do nice things without being prompted or asking for anything in return. If they're supportive, they'll help the other character achieve what they want. They'll try things they're unsure of just so the other character isn't alone.
Think about what traits the character should have, then think of ways for that character to show those traits. They should be consistent throughout the story, or they could show some character development and grow into these traits over time.
Advertisement
When I give one dog a treat, he'll sometimes glance at it and go, "Eh." Then when the other dog comes to sniff it, he'll lunge at the treat because it's suddenly desirable. People are kind of the same way. We pay more attention to things other people express an interest in. To implement this in a story, you could have one friend whisper to the other, "Wow, this guy is such a gentleman." Or she could remark, "If you don't marry him, I will!"
By having side characters express admiration for the main characters, it leads the reader to feel the same way.
Advertisement
- In Serial37 Chapters
Ethereal Sovereign
Currently on temporary hiatus----Lyrim Hytio, a boy who lives in a world of Talisman, uses a suit of armor that magically infuses itself into the body of its wielder. He had always wanted one since he was young and now that dream had been fulfilled. Although such things seem happy, Lyrim's father had been exiled on grounds of being a traitor. His father started a rebellion for a noble cause only to be routed by one of his own family members. Lyrim's older brother betrayed him, only to take control of the Hytio clan his father once led. Join lyrim in his goal to gain more power and inflict vengeance upon his brother.
8 193 - In Serial21 Chapters
Over Sea Under Star
The Sasha Erdos Institute of Dimensional Research is a wonderful place to work, if you enjoy damp, half-drowned caves, the smell of mildew, cold drafts, crocodiles, and the occasional hole in reality. There is a slight chance you will vanish from past, present, and future in one fell swoop, but that's terribly unlikely. Please sign all the waivers. The Institute hires Isaac Skinner when his doppelganger robs their museum, murders one of their employees, and escapes into thin air. They offer Isaac something he’s wanted for seven years: a chance to go sailing across the fabric of reality. In exchange, they expect him to catch his elusive doppelganger. As he descends into the caverns, Isaac blunders into a web of secrets and must choose between his job as a wizard, his search for the truth, and the alien ocean on the other side of the universe. Alongside an arrogant weaver and a soft-spoken pirate, he strives to escape SEIDR's labyrinth.
8 138 - In Serial37 Chapters
Bloodthirsty(KNJ)
Book 1 of the Blood Series.A beautiful young detective starts working on a case that will change her life forever.ps: I don't own any of the pictures or BTS members for that matter. BigHit don't sue me I'm broke😭ps(again): I will be editing some of the chapters, just letting you know in case you get confused later when you come back to finish the book. 😉😉
8 222 - In Serial13 Chapters
Calamity
The world of Criant gave birth hundreds of races. Many of have thrived while some have perished. Now a unknown force has taken root in this world, forcing all to flee or fight for their lives. Will they put behind their differences and unite? Or will they scatter like the wind and fall prey to those that wish to do them harm?
8 142 - In Serial11 Chapters
Marbelous
Thulla accidently entered a pocket dimension, while she was on her way to her new school of magic. Now she has to survive with her wit. budding magical abilities, and a good amount of luck. Will she make it out alive? And if she does how will this experience change her life moving forwards?
8 127 - In Serial18 Chapters
Scarlet Fate
Peacefully living in isolation away from society, Akane and her family lived peaceful lives. Until she met a badly wounded girl on the field near her home, despite knowing the dangers she may bring to her family Akane helps the girl nonetheless. This fateful encounter marks the end of her peaceful days.
8 200

