-Random Belle Post: Likability of Characters-
We all have comfort characters for a reason, or if you only have a mild liking to a character that’s your favorite, we all have our reasons why for it. And I think that’s what makes us capable of sharing the characters we love with others who have different tastes.
But why is that? Is it because they’re well written? That they have a unique design choice? Is it because they’re relatable to the audience? Or do they just happen to be appealing and it’s all based on “they’re cool, I like them.”
It’s important to note everyone has their own reasons for liking a character or even considering them as a comfort character, even if the character is someone you do or don’t like.
I’ve been through enough of the trenches of the internet to get a good understanding that people will follow the bandwagon, find genuine appreciation, or just love the underdogs of most media.
And while I can’t say I would understand EVERYONE’S tastes in characters, I can at least respect why it would be appealing to someone because to them, this character means a lot.
I consider myself as someone who can get attached easily to a bundle of characters which totally hasn’t backfired on me in the worst way possible.
*This has led to some horrific unresolved emotional turmoils and makes me question how most series’ can stomach doing that. Its story I know but it makes me cry ;-;
But in short, if you’re considering going into the big industry where your characters are going to need to make a stance on the big screen, then I can’t really give the most authentic advice because it really depends on how well your series/game will be perceived by the audience. Not to mention, personality and looks DO count but don’t sweat on it too much.
The best thing I can offer is this:
Write your character in the most “real” way possible. Don’t go try writing them as if you intend to make them to be liked by everyone (in a real world sense), just make them as authentic as possible without the pressure of a bigger audience in mind.
You have to pretend that your characters are just characters in the story, treat them with enough love and respect by you to flourish.
And then let your future fans and fanbase handle it from there!
Trust me when I say that when it comes to fandoms, the fans are GOING to carry your characters on thrones or something if they REALLY like them. Even the strongest fans are going to treat this character like they’re a gift to humanity (which could, in context, could be funny if the character is meant to be antagonistic.)
