Relatability. Characters like Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice' are relatable. Austen wrote her as an intelligent and independent - minded woman in a society that didn't always value those traits. Readers can identify with her struggle to find love and respect in a world full of social expectations and prejudices. This connection between the character and the reader is a key factor in making a character well - written in literary fiction.
Growth and development. Consider Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings'. He starts as a simple hobbit in the Shire but through his journey, he endures great hardships, faces his fears and is changed by the experience. His growth from an innocent to a battle - scarred hero shows great character writing. It makes the reader invested in his journey and transformation.
Well - developed motivation is key. Take Macbeth. His ambition, initially spurred by the witches' prophecies, drives his actions. It's a complex motivation that is both internal and influenced by external factors, and it leads him down a tragic path. This kind of deep - seated motivation makes the character interesting.
A well - written character often has a distinct personality. For example, like Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'. She is headstrong, determined, and at times selfish. This makes her a vivid character that stands out. Also, a good character has clear motives. They want something and will take actions to achieve it. Scarlett wants to save Tara and her family, which drives her actions throughout the story.
A good literary agent for fiction should have a deep understanding of the market. They need to know what types of fiction are currently in demand. For example, if dystopian fiction is popular, they should be able to recognize a good dystopian manuscript. Also, strong connections with publishers are crucial. An agent who has close relationships with major publishing houses can get a manuscript read more quickly and seriously. For instance, an agent who has worked with Penguin Random House for years can open doors for their clients.
They also have clear motives, like Magneto in the 'X - Men' series. Magneto's experiences with persecution as a mutant drive him to fight for mutant rights in a more extreme way. His actions, while villainous at times, are understandable given his perspective. He is not just a one - dimensional 'bad guy' but a complex character with his own set of beliefs and values.
One of the best - written characters in literary fiction is Sherlock Holmes. Created by Arthur Conan Doyle, he is extremely intelligent, observant and has a complex personality. His deductive reasoning skills are legendary and his relationship with Watson adds depth to his character.
A great literary agent for commercial fiction also has to have a deep understanding of the market trends. They should be able to tell if a story about vampires, for instance, is still in demand or if a new trend like dystopian romances is on the rise. They can then guide the author accordingly. Moreover, they need to be good at negotiating contracts. This means getting the best royalty rates, advance payments, and other important terms for their clients. They also should be able to provide editorial feedback that enhances the commercial appeal of the work. For example, if the plot is too slow in the first few chapters, they can suggest ways to make it more engaging from the start.
A character's motivation is key. Conan the Barbarian is motivated by a thirst for adventure and glory. His simple yet strong motivation makes him a memorable character. Also, their relationships with other characters matter. Samwise Gamgee's loyalty to Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings' not only defines Sam as a great character but also enhances Frodo's character. Their friendship is an important part of what makes both of them so beloved in the world of fantasy fiction.
Strength is a key factor. For example, Wonder Woman is physically strong and also has a strong moral compass. She uses her powers to protect the world from evil.
Relatability is key. Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' is relatable to many teenagers. His confusion, his disillusionment with the adult world, and his search for meaning are things that many can identify with. A good protagonist also has flaws. Holden is not perfect. He's often moody and makes mistakes. This makes him more human and a more interesting character.
A great side character often has a distinct personality. For example, Luna Lovegood in 'Harry Potter'. She is quirky and has her own unique view of the wizarding world. This makes her stand out and adds flavor to the story. Her odd beliefs and kind heart make her a memorable side character, not just a background figure.