So, You Want To Write A Likeable Character?
A genuinely likeable character can be hard to achieve in your novel or screenplay. In the 2020s, most characters in books, TV shows and movies tend to be antiheroes. This is because target readers and audiences enjoy shades of grey in their characters.
However, that doesn’t have to mean writers can’t write a likeable character. In hard times, such characters can be a real comfort to read and watch.
Here’s 3 top tips to ensuring your characters are likeable … Ready? Let’s go!
TIP #1: Kindness WITHOUT An Agenda
A likeable character is helpful, compassionate and patient with others because it’s part of their personality … NOT because they want something in return. They will even be kind when it’s not convenient to themselves.
Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) can be dramatic and impulsive, but her deep kindness shines through everything she does.
Forrest Gump’s kindness is pure and never changes, even when others attempt to take advantage of him.
Ted Lasso always gives others grace, even when they’re contemptuous of him. MORE: Why Trent Crimm Matters So Much In AppleTV’s TED LASSO
TIP # 2: Give Them An Optimistic Outlook
Optimism can be endearing, especially when it’s grounded in awareness. An optimistic character can seem clueless or over-privileged if they are overly naive. Likeable characters acknowledge reality, but choose to see the positive in it.
Jo March in Little Women is a good sister to Meg, Beth and Amy. Jo also wants to earn her own money and is determined to succeed as a writer. Jo does not mention love, a rich husband, or children like many women of her time. When she gets her first pay cheque then, we cheer for her.
Phil Dunphy in Modern Family is goofy and sometimes child-like, but that is not where his characterisation ends. He is a committed father and husband, providing for his family. When his real estate business is not going so well, he hides this from wife Claire as he doesn’t want her to worry. This makes him loveable rather than a man-child like Homer Simpson.
TIP # 3: Have Them Lift Other Characters Up
A character becomes likeable when they put others first. They validate the other characters and support their own journeys. They help them deal with setbacks, as well as celebrate others’ wins.
In Lord of the Rings, Samwise Gamgee is a constant support to Frodo. Sam accompanies Frodo on his epic quest and encourages him through its trials and tribulations.
Elizabeth Bennett in Pride And Prejudice is quite reserved, but offers constant support for her sisters. She understands the sacrifices she may need to make to ensure the family is financially secure. Her acceptance of this makes readers root for her.
Last Points
Remember there are three elements that contribute to a likeable character: kindness, optimism and uplifting others. Just ensure they are not naive or over-privileged in doing so. Then you will have a likeable character that resonates with readers and viewers alike.
