A great character - driven novel is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane is a very strong - minded character. Her experiences, from her difficult childhood at Gateshead to her time at Thornfield Hall and her relationship with Mr. Rochester, are all shaped by her own character traits. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also character - driven. Jay Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy and his attempts to win her back through his elaborate parties and false identity are what the story revolves around. Then there's 'Wuthering Heights' with Heathcliff and Catherine, whose intense and tortured relationship drives the entire dark and brooding narrative.
One of the great character - driven sci - fi novels is 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick. It delves deep into the character of Rick Deckard as he hunts androids. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The various pilgrims' stories are full of rich character development. And 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin also stands out, exploring the complex character of Genly Ai in a unique alien world.
Character - driven novels often have a profound impact on readers. They allow readers to explore different personalities and mindsets. In 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, the various Buendía family members' characters show different aspects of human nature, from ambition to madness. This makes readers reflect on their own family and human relationships. Also, such novels can change our perspectives. Reading about the character of Equality 7 - 2521 in 'Anthem' by Ayn Rand can make us think about individuality and freedom in a new way.
To write a character driven story, start with a strong character concept. It could be a detective with a troubled past. Develop their backstory well as it will influence their present actions. Use the character's goals and obstacles to shape the narrative. For instance, if the character wants to solve a mystery but is being hindered by a corrupt system. Make the reader care about the character by showing their emotions and inner thoughts.
One of the best character - driven novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. The characters, like Atticus Finch, are complex and drive the story forward through their beliefs and actions. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Elizabeth Bennet's character growth and her relationships are central to the plot. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger also fits. Holden Caulfield's internal struggles and his view of the world around him form the essence of the novel.
One tip is to create complex characters with deep backstories. This makes them more relatable and interesting. Another is to let the characters' actions and decisions drive the plot forward. For example, if a character has a fear of heights, that can influence how they react in a situation where they have to climb a tall building. Also, show character growth throughout the story, like a shy character becoming more confident over time.
In 'Detroit: Become Human', the story is all about the android characters. You can play as different androids, each with their own storylines that eventually converge. It explores themes like identity, slavery, and freedom. The decisions you make for these characters can lead to very different endings, making the replayability factor high.
One popular character - driven mystery novel is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. The main characters, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, are complex and their personalities drive the story forward as they dig into a decades - old mystery. Another is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' unique character traits, his brilliant mind and idiosyncrasies, are central to solving the mysteries.
Well, 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is a great example. The characters Noah and Allie are so well - defined that their individual traits, dreams, and insecurities shape the romance. Also, 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. Louisa Clark and Will Traynor are characters whose personal growth and circumstances lead to a poignant and deep romance.
Well, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien can be considered character - driven in a sense. Bilbo Baggins' transformation from a timid hobbit to a brave adventurer is what moves the story forward. Then there's 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin. Ged's growth and his struggle with power are key aspects of the story. And don't forget 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman, which has a host of characters whose actions and personalities shape the narrative.
I think 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King is a good one. Roland Deschain is a very deep character, his quest for the Dark Tower is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self - discovery. 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik also has strong character - driven elements. The main character Agnieszka is a complex girl who has to grow and face challenges. And 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon has many well - crafted characters. Ead Duryan, for instance, has her own secrets and motives that drive her actions and the overall story as she tries to protect her world from a great evil.