Okay, most readers have been there: reading a book (or better yet, a series) where the character (whether male or female, or either, just depends ;) totally steals your heart. It's kind of amazing. And kind of awesome. And also something you may only admit to other die-hard fans that will squeal and giggle with you over said character, completely agreeing about the character's absolute perfection in the book-boy/girlfriend category. So long, of course, that you're not fighting over him/her.
It's even better when they make a movie or TV show and the character is the *perfect* fit, although this happens all too rarely...I'm looking at you, Sam Heughan.So, here's the thing: I ran across this meme a while ago and it's SO true. It stated that we fall for these literary characters who in real life would need some serious help. In some ways, it kind of bugs me, because many of the guys/gals that fall into the love interest category have massive issues. Or the relationship is bordering on abusive (or is just abusive outright (*coughTwilightcough*). Another one is where they move so damn fast into things that I find myself going WTF? They met YESTERDAY. And they are sleeping together/planning marriage/running away together/something else that seems rash and irresponsible.
And yet, I totally love it.
Of course a fictional world is vastly different from real life, but can one have sway over the other? I think it can, but most readers are also quite logical souls. Still, when are things too quick, to impossible, too far-fetched to be accurate? That's what I am throwing out to you all today: where's that line for you?
I fell in love with Susan Silverman of the Spenser mystery series. So I understand completely. :-)
ReplyDeleteI suppose the writer thinks that the massive issues love interest will appeal to the reader who thinks "if only that character loved me, I could heal them", even in an abstract way. It's probably the only way to explain Edward Cullen... though pretty much every character in that series would benefit from being in the same place at the same time and having the military drop a nuke on them.
ReplyDeleteCharacters definitely make it or break it for me. If I can't fall in love w/the character, then I don't muck like the books, even if the world-building is incredibly good. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why I either don't like insta-love, or just gobble it up. Maybe a combo of my degree of character-like, plus the author's writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I think we have all been there and have felt similar feelings to the ones you described. Sometimes I like a character (or relationship) that I might not like in real life- but as a reader I often get to know a lot more about those people/relationships than I would in real life. Writers do a great job make us feel things!
ReplyDeleteI used to get attached to books and get SO excited when they made a movie about it...but the movie almost always disappointed me.
ReplyDeleteI get attached to books today, but I remember the strongest bond I felt as a kid in middle school was with V.C. Andrews' books. They came alive to me, especially the character of Troy.
ReplyDeleteWhen characters fall into bed right after they meet, it bothers me on the level that, in real life, it wouldn't be a smart thing to do because for all they know, their lover could be an axe murderer. You just can't take that chance. However, the romantic in me really wants to believe in love at first sight, so in books/movies where it happens, I let it slide and fall in with the romance, hoping it will truly last.
ReplyDeleteFor me it's all about the execution. I'm willing to throw logic aside for just about any absurd situation if an author can convince me to do so. I mean, it is fiction after all and not real life, so we're allowed to be totally impractical in our reader lives. It might even help us make better decisions in our real lives because we can satisfy all those bad-for-us impulses in our reading. Great post!
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