Favorite Characters in Sci-fi & Fantasy

What aspect of writing do you struggle with the most? When I first started out trying to string sentences together, you could say I wrestled with the whole kit and caboodle—even if I didn't realize it. But what I grappled with the most in those early days was characterization, unless cardboard characters without discernible emotions are your jam! So I thought I'd take a moment to pontificate on some of my favorite denizens in fantasy and sci-fi literature.

500th Post!!!!!

When I started blogging, coming up with one post seemed like a monumental task. It's amazing to realize I've hit 500 now! What used to seem like a drag (What?! Another blog post?!) is now actually kind of fun. As with much in life, consistency and taking a measure of enjoyment in doing it lead to a modicum of success.

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Favorite Characters in Sci-fi & Fantasy

Paul Atreides

I've read Dune many times. The rest of the books in the series, not so much. In fact, I've never completed the series, although it's on my bucket list. I'm a huge fan of the original novel, and a big part of why I love it is Paul Atreides. 

Now, as an adult, the character doesn't quite hit as hard as when I was younger. Boy, did Muad'Dib hit hard when I was a preteen and teen. He was an only child at home who later had a crazy sibling. I could totally relate. I was an only child who wanted a sibling until I observed how crazy annoying my friend's younger brother could be. Plus, Paul turns out to have a nascent superpower and goes on one heck of an adventure. How cool is that? I know, pretty, darn, cool. On top of that, he struggles with moral dilemmas, despite his budding, godlike powers. All around, he's a great guy.

Harry Potter

I didn't read the Harry Potter books as a child. I think the first couple of books came out while I was in high school. It was probably when the novels exploded in the U.S., being featured on the nightly news as inspiring more kids to read than just about any other books, that I finally read them. 

The key to their success was obvious—fabulous characters, especially Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione. How many trios in sci-fi and fantasy are more memorable than them? Like any great series, you read the books for the story but keep coming back for the characters.

Seraphina

Seraphina is an amazing story and even a better character. She is a human-dragon hybrid, attempting to find her way in the world where neither dragons nor humans accept her. I read this book while writing Dragons Walk Among Us, and Hartman's writing helped inform my own. Seraphina is simply one of the most compelling characters I've ever encountered.

Murderbot

When I think about an author or a story or a character possessing "voice", I often think of my favorite SecUnit, Muderbot. They possess an immediately identifiable voice that you either love or hate—at least, that seems to be the case from what I have seen of reviews. I find Murderbot with all their neuroses, predilection for dealing death and mayhem, and obsession with soap operas endearing. Honestly, who doesn't want to be left alone to enjoy their media sometimes?

Tyrion

George RR Martin is in the habit of writing memorable characters. The Game of Thrones is chock full of them. For me, few are as memorable as Tyrion Lannister. One reason for this is his complexity. On one hand, he's a womanizing drunkard; the classic second son of a wealthy family—a good-for-nothing ne'er-do-well. Of course, that is selling him short. He's also generous, brave, loyal, kind (although he's also unkind as often as not), and extremely intelligent. At times, he shows remarkable wisdom, though his actions aren't always the wisest.

At first blush, he might not seem like a sympathetic character, but I'd argue that he's one of the most sympathetic characters in the entire Song of Ice and Fire. Just look at his family—a mother who died in birthing him, a father who despises him, a sadistic sister who happily tortures him, and a brother who is everything he is not.

Rand

Rand from Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time (WoT) is the first character I remember getting mad at for his poor decisions. That's how invested I was in him at the time. Even though I was sick and tired of the later books' glacial pacing, I kept reading for the characters, especially Rand.