When writing fantasy, it's very easy to get caught up in the nearly limitless world of your imagination, and end up translating that into your characters. However, in most cases, this is something you'll want to avoid. Writing characters with supernatural abilities or bizarre personalities is a big part of fantasy, but depending on the type of character you're going for, you'll still want your audience to be able to relate to them in some way or another.
Your protagonist does not have to be a traditionally "likable" character, nor do their views and opinions have to align with yours. The important thing to remember is to give this character a believable motive - revenge? Glory? Safety? Even if your character is not human (or fully human, at least), you will want them to have qualities that make their actions believable - or else, they may come across as overpowered or invincible in a situation where they are not.
"Mary Sues" and "Gary Stus" are names given to the types of characters that are practically perfect at everything they do, never make mistakes, and everybody loves them. Flawless characters don't usually carry a story well, and often are not the most interesting to read, because you can know automatically that they are probably going to win by the end. Depending on where the inspiration for your character is coming from, try to put yourself in their situation - not necessarily when it comes to decision-making, but with reacting. How would someone with x personality respond to x situation? Imagining your setting as if you were there yourself can help you understand the characters you've put there, regardless of the similarities or differences you may have with them.
I loved that you mentioned that the character does not always have to be likable. One of my favorite movies is Hancock. He starts off the movie being a total screw up. He drinks and cusses and is totally not or normal super hero. I loved him because I thought he was endearing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I don't think there are any characters in the world that are universally loved or relatable, so it's important to remember that you don't always have to aim for that if that's not the sort of plot or personality you want your character to be involved with.
DeleteI've never really thought about fantasy characters and how they're obviously fantasized, yet they're also believable. Having human-like characteristics so we as an audience can still relate to them is a big and important part of fantasy like you said.
ReplyDeleteI agree! And like I said, there are definitely some exceptions to the "human-like" qualities, but I think that as a general rule, it's good to keep in mind that your readers are human (I assume!), and tend to subconsciously connect with characters they find similarities with.
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