
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. “It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”
I really love this week’s topic and I can not wait to see everyone’s choices! Writing this post has been enlightening. I realized that the first traits that came to mind were actually what one might consider to be negative traits and are not things I admire in people, but are traits I look for in fictional characters- they make for more interesting reading! I decided to choose five positive traits and five negative traits.
Positive Traits
Curious
I love a character who has a curious mind and a passion for learning- even better if their curiosity sometimes gets them in to trouble. I think that this trait can lead the character into some interesting situations which makes for an exciting read!
Favourite curious characters: Anne from Anne of Green Gables, Sherlock Holmes, Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Gentle
You know how there are some characters that are so sweet and gentle that you just want to protect them? I have heard them described as cinnamon rolls! I love when I find characters like that in books who are almost too good for the world they live in. They are normally side characters and they are usually the most memorable for me.
Favourite gentle characters: Ansel from Serpent & Dove, Neville Longbottom, Satoru from The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Wise
It is such a cliche, but I just love old, wise characters who bring some wisdom and experience to a situation. There is often a lot of chaotic and impulsive decisions made in novels and it is nice to have a wise character to add some balance.
Favourite wise characters: I mean… Gandalf and Dumbledore of course!
Supportive
Is there anything better than a supportive character? I love reading about characters who cheer other people on- it is so refreshing! There is nothing I love more in fiction than reading about a character who has a supportive friend group, family, or partner.
Favourite supportive characters: Angelica from With the Fire on High, Dani from Beyond the Point, Everyone in The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
Passionate
Reading about a character’s passion is always fascinating to me. It is interesting to see the different things that someone can be passionate about. It is always inspiring to me as the reader.
Favourite passionate characters: Emoni from With the Fire on High, Kiko from Starfish, Jude from I’ll Give You the Sun
Negative Traits
Sarcastic
I have always been someone who has appreciated sarcasm and wit. It is really the only type of humour that works for me in fiction. Sarcastic characters are always the most memorable to me. I not only want sarcastic villains, but I love when the heroes have a bit of an edge as well- makes for interesting banter.
Favourite sarcastic characters: Jackal from The Immortal Rules, Mark Watney from The Martian
Proud
Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and I just love to see it in my characters. I especially love when it leads to some character development and they become less and less proud at the story unfolds.
Favourite proud characters: Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice, Reid from Serpent & Dove
Vengeful
I have come to the realization that I love revenge stories. They are always fascinating and satisfying. I love reading about a character’s motivations and seeing the different ways that they seek their revenge- it is a plot device that will never get old.
Favourite vengeful characters: Alex from The Female of the Species, Hamlet, Everyone in Game of Thrones
Impulsive
Impulsive characters are constantly getting themselves in to trouble, and while it can be immensely frustrating, it is also fun to read about and helps to propel the story along.
Favourite impulsive characters: Jay Gatsby, Cara from Bitter Orange
Blunt
Reading about blunt characters who are not afraid to speak the truth or often put their foot in their mouth always makes me laugh. It is often refreshing to see someone who just says it like it is.
Favourite blunt characters: Jo March from Little Women, Unnamed Narrator from The Sleeping Giants
This was really fun but challenging to remember characters I loved who possess these traits. If you have any suggestions of books with characters I would adore I would love to hear about them!
Anne is such a great example for curious!
I love sarcastic characters!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Sarcastic was the first characteristic that came to mind- my favourite!
Aww, I love gentle characters, too.
My TTT.
They are the best!
I’m kind of in between everybody’s ratings on Serpent & Dove, but I agree about Ansel. I like how he grew to like Lou and even became loyal to her when that spoilery stuff went on that I won’t mention here.
A friend just sent me the exclusive chapter in the Barnes and Nobles edition and it is told from Ansel’s perspective. It makes you understand and love him even more!
Ohh, that’s really awesome! 😀 Now I might have to go to Barnes and Noble to read it sometime.
Oh Neville. 🙂 🙂 Great list Kristin. I totally agree with all your examples. They fit these traits.
He is the best! I am so glad!
Oh, the revenge stories! I know I shouldn’t probably be excited for a thought of burning all my enemies but if I only do that while living through vengeful characters’ arcs it’s ok, right???
My TTT
Hahah I feel the exact same way!
I must say I agree with all of these traits. A combination of those positive/negative traits is definitely gonna draw me to the character. I especially love my precious cinnamon rolls. Those are the guys I’d protect with my life haha. I find that the best banter comes from the sarcastic characters.
Exactly. Noone is all good or all bad. I love seeing a mix of these traits! I’m all about banter so sarcastic characters are my faves!
All these character traits make for great reading experiences! 👍😍
So true!
Oooh yeah, passion is definitely something I love seeing. Especially when the character is passionate about a subject/field/thing that I’m not at all familiar with. I might not be able to relate to them personally, but their excitement gets me excited. 😀
Exactly. I feel the same. It’s so fascinating to me!
Yes to all of this!
🙌🙌🙌
That Ryan Reynolds GIF is the bestest thing. Great list, vengeful characters are so interesting!
Here’s my TTT
I giggled when I saw that GIF. I just had to include it!
Impulsive characters are SO FRUSTRATING hahahah BUT you gotta love them. It keeps things fresh. Even if you want to scream at them to think before they act/speak.
So true! I love frustrating characters every once in awhile!
I too love it when characters are naturally curious! It is a really easy way to further plot and character development.
– Emma 🙂
Exactly! I love when characters have traits that propel the plot along.
Great list! I really enjoyed reading about the character traits that you love. 😀
Thank you! I had fun writing this one!
What a fantastic list!! I really like all of these!
Thank you!