Addicted to YA discussion

Hi All!

I have a few general questions- open for anyone who wants to respond. I'm just looking for honest opinions about the types of characters that get you hooked in a book!

Not everyone will relate to a book's protagonist... but in order to get hooked, I feel like you need to connect with them on *some* level... or at least feel something towards them.


How do you feel about a protagonist that starts off cold and distant?
Lets say he/she doesn't have much to believe in, doesn't care for much- and isn't willing to sacrifice much. Even though you could guess that a character arc will take place- would this type of character frustrate you? (Even if they had reason to be the way that they are?)

Let's say you are game for a cold protagonist. What are some qualities that would help you connect with them, despite this?

What are some of your least favorite qualities in a protagonist?

I'm asking because I'm working on developing some of my own... and I really value different opinions, however varying they may be.

I find a regularly relate to protagonists, even if they're cold and distant, if they display some kind of vulnerability that leads me to believe they're the way they are because of a situation on their past, or something that makes me think they're still trying to rise above their own personality problems and do the right thing.

Lynne wrote: "I find a regularly relate to protagonists, even if they're cold and distant, if they display some kind of vulnerability that leads me to believe they're the way they are because of a situation on t..."

Thanks Lynne, well said!

Lynne wrote: "I find a regularly relate to protagonists, even if they're cold and distant, if they display some kind of vulnerability that leads me to believe they're the way they are because of a situation on t..."

This was basically what I was thinking as I read your post, Brittney. I would be frustrated with this character at first, but if I knew they were that way because of something that happened to them and not just because they're a heartless jerk, I'd be interested.