Hey ! You know, I have this manga project I'm working on since... Uuuh, almost ten years. I have soooo many characters and that’s why I love to ask the same question to everyone but :
What makes a character engaging to you ? Like what is it in a character that makes you like them, generally ?
(I know it’s vague but all answers to that question are welcome !)
Holy shit a ten year project??? That sounds so exciting! Also, hiiii ♡ i recognize your username ♡♡
For me part of it is design, but i think their introduction to the story is key. Some kind of unique thing that draws your eye to this character, you know? Some quirk in their introduction.
In my hero, Hawks obviously has his wings and the eye marks. Add to that the fact that when he has his first scene hes coming off as this cocky ingenue? Look, I kinda hate the character (in canon) but damn if he doesnt fascinate me.
Similarly, you have Zanka! Ive seen a lot of people say they didnt like him at first and he grew on them, but i really liked him from the get go. In part because his design with Assistaff is cool and you got the glowing blue eyes, but also the absurd fluctuation of his demeanor. That back and forth between cold, intimidating sneers to a kinder, soft spoken dude who smiles? It told me a lot about Zanka.
Then of course you get to expand on that as your story progresses. You get the pieces of the puzzle all around this one thing you know and suddenly theres a whole big picture and youre obsessed and scrolling edits at 3am and making fanart and writing stories of them getting absolutely wrecked 🥰 (yes, this goes for Hawks too. Hate him in canon but I love playing with his potential in fics like a barbie doll)
Thats stuff that gets my immediate attention at least!
To find them engaging.... tbh. Trauma u.u even without specifics if you create the character and base their interactions and choices off what their trauma might have done to them, you create a character that everyone will want to dissect. Look at Jabber. We know next to nothing and everyone is tripping over themselves to engage with him and figure out what could have possibly led him to where he is in the story now.
Also giving them a reason to fight/live. I find Rody Soul a fascinating character despite only having him for a total of like 147 minutes because I know his heart and soul lies in caring for his siblings. We got sprinkles of a backstory and he has a fun design and one heck of an introduction, but what drew me, personally, to him was his devotion to his siblings.
Giving a character something theyre devoted to can do A LOT to tell you about them, whether or not yplou agree with their devotion or how they express it.
I hope this helps i know I kind of rambled but this was a really cool question!!! I cant wait to see what becomes of your manga!!! Link me the purchase link as soon as its published 👀
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