Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series was novel not just because he was an alien, but also because he showed no emotion. This set the stage for later novel characters like Data.
Novelty isn't easy, but it's the quickest way to make an impression.
One author enters, one author leaves.
It requires more than showing your hero rescuing a cat from a tree.
A character with genuine hardships will get audiences emotionally invested in the story.
Only one of them is a good choice for your story.
They teach a lesson your hero won't soon forget.
Factions: Not great in real life, awesome in fiction.
Uh-oh, there are ants all over this post.
What if a character was just nice and dependable?
This silly-sounding spectrum has a huge impact on how we respond to characters.
Why root for a heroic protagonist when you can root for a mediocre white dude instead?
Have you heard the Klingon proverb that revenge is a dish best served cold?
Downward turning points make failure feel satisfying.
Cay Reet