A character's growth or lack thereof can be a sign of great writing. Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' doesn't really grow in the traditional sense, but his static nature is what makes him so unique. His disillusionment with the world around him and his consistent cynicism are what the author uses to explore the themes of adolescence and the search for identity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Another important factor is strategic thinking. Take Sun Tzu from historical fiction. Although not a traditional 'warrior' in the brute - force sense, his military strategies are so profound that they can turn the tides of war. He can outwit his opponents without always relying on physical strength.
A great character often has a strong and unique personality. For example, Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' has his own cynical yet relatable view of the world. Also, a character's growth throughout the story is important. Like Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice' who learns to see beyond her first impressions. And their ability to face challenges and make difficult decisions, just as Katniss Everdeen does in 'The Hunger Games' when she volunteers to take her sister's place in the Games.
Well, for a main character to be considered one of the best in fiction, they need to have a distinct voice. For instance, Huckleberry Finn has his own way of speaking and seeing the world which is very engaging. Their actions should also have consequences. In 'A Tale of Two Cities', Sydney Carton's self - sacrificing action has a huge impact on the story. And they should be able to evoke emotions in the readers. When we read about Jane Eyre's struggles and her love for Mr. Rochester, we feel a range of emotions, which is what makes her a great main character.