I agree. I wonder why these sorts of characters are so engaging? They’re certainly more human and attractive for that reason. But I wonder if we’re also attracted by the conflict between the character’s self-conception and the person they actually are (in the same way that we might be by a conflict between two distinct characters). We want to know how the conflict will be resolved maybe.
I’ve been re-reading Remains lately and have to put it down every so often because I can’t deal with Stevens...exasperating! But you are so right--his flaws make the story.
Also, I think you’re right about Atticus, and I may have to re-listen to the audio version on a drive this weekend (it’s narrated by Sissy Spacek and just wonderful!). But I’m rooting for Atticus being that self aware, stand-up guy we think him to be.
I have that audiobook. Sissy Spacek tells the story really well. Atticus has a more obvious flaw in Go Set a Watchman, if I remember right, but I kind of wish that sequel had never been published.
Yes, so true. I was once told a character I'd written wasn't likeable enough, and I think now it's perhaps because I'd made her too self-aware and perhaps not flawed enough. Sophia Money-Coutts is good at writing non-self-aware characters and they are all very loveable, in turn. A very good point to bear in mind!
Flawed or quirky characters always make for a good read partly, I think, because we're never quite sure what they are going to do next which makes them more interesting. As readers, we don't always have to like characters and sometimes if a character has a 'nasty' persona we can actually warm to them if they show their vulnerability. All great stuff for 'character building' when writing a novel. Thanks for a great read.
Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These.. maybe because I have read it recently, but his integrity to act when others didnt, has stayed with me and is the turning point of the story.
I love this and think you're right. I haven't read TKAM for years, but my memory is that Atticus was pretty great! I didn't read the sequel, but I remember a lot of the furore around it was that Atticus wasn't such a great guy (and some people who'd called their kids Atticus after the first book were particularly upset!?)
I really love Flora Poste from Cold Comfort Farm - she's not perfect, but she's very pragmatic and practical, not always qualities that make for loveable heroines/heroes. But they do in her!
I agree, I think there was something about the sequel, but I couldnt get into it quite the same and I cant remember what it was about. I think it implied he WAS racist, but I cant remember.
Great article! I haven't read Mockingbird since etc first time in school but I think Atticus isn't aware that when he's around Scout and her brother he's more a champion of human rights and a lawyer than he is their father.
I agree. I wonder why these sorts of characters are so engaging? They’re certainly more human and attractive for that reason. But I wonder if we’re also attracted by the conflict between the character’s self-conception and the person they actually are (in the same way that we might be by a conflict between two distinct characters). We want to know how the conflict will be resolved maybe.
Yes I'm sure this must be it!
Loved this! Have subscribed!
Thank you Gabriella!
I’ve been re-reading Remains lately and have to put it down every so often because I can’t deal with Stevens...exasperating! But you are so right--his flaws make the story.
Also, I think you’re right about Atticus, and I may have to re-listen to the audio version on a drive this weekend (it’s narrated by Sissy Spacek and just wonderful!). But I’m rooting for Atticus being that self aware, stand-up guy we think him to be.
I have that audiobook. Sissy Spacek tells the story really well. Atticus has a more obvious flaw in Go Set a Watchman, if I remember right, but I kind of wish that sequel had never been published.
Yes, so true. I was once told a character I'd written wasn't likeable enough, and I think now it's perhaps because I'd made her too self-aware and perhaps not flawed enough. Sophia Money-Coutts is good at writing non-self-aware characters and they are all very loveable, in turn. A very good point to bear in mind!
Flawed or quirky characters always make for a good read partly, I think, because we're never quite sure what they are going to do next which makes them more interesting. As readers, we don't always have to like characters and sometimes if a character has a 'nasty' persona we can actually warm to them if they show their vulnerability. All great stuff for 'character building' when writing a novel. Thanks for a great read.
Thanks Rosy! And you're right about vulnerability making even an awful character appealing (in TV I think of Tony Soprano and Don Draper)
Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These.. maybe because I have read it recently, but his integrity to act when others didnt, has stayed with me and is the turning point of the story.
Yes you're absolutely right, this is a good example. I *loved* that book, and Bill.
I love this and think you're right. I haven't read TKAM for years, but my memory is that Atticus was pretty great! I didn't read the sequel, but I remember a lot of the furore around it was that Atticus wasn't such a great guy (and some people who'd called their kids Atticus after the first book were particularly upset!?)
I really love Flora Poste from Cold Comfort Farm - she's not perfect, but she's very pragmatic and practical, not always qualities that make for loveable heroines/heroes. But they do in her!
I agree, I think there was something about the sequel, but I couldnt get into it quite the same and I cant remember what it was about. I think it implied he WAS racist, but I cant remember.
Great article! I haven't read Mockingbird since etc first time in school but I think Atticus isn't aware that when he's around Scout and her brother he's more a champion of human rights and a lawyer than he is their father.
Oh yes, good point!