How to Keep Readers Interested

I don’t hide my love for chick lit books. It has been my genre of preference for years. One might say that I love the happily ever after. Can’t we all use a little more happiness these days?

There’s a predictability to these books that some might find boring. Each reader is entitled to their own opinion; however, I think they are wrong. But yeah, I get the misconception that knowing how a book (or movie) will end makes it less entertaining. So you might be wondering what the draw to these books are that keep us reading such foreseeable storylines.

The Importance of the Characters Themselves

Authors keep me and millions of other readers coming back over and over again by making us care about the characters. We are shown their struggles in life, some of which we can relate. We have access to their thoughts, feelings, concerns, emotions, anxieties, and joy. This is true of all great books regardless of the genre.

Take my favorite fictional rom-com character: Bridget Jones. You know who I am talking about—the curvy London singleton who has the hots for her womanizing boss but ends up falling for the handsome, brilliant barrister who likes her just the way she is, flaws and all. Readers fell in love with Bridget so much that we got a sequel (that I won’t talk about) and a beloved movie. I related to her struggle with her weight, her bad relationships, and her ability to be awkward in any situation. In other words, she was an imperfect human. Perfection is boring, faults are not.

Reasons to Create Likeable Characters

Emotional connection: Likable characters can evoke emotions and generate a stronger connection with readers. When readers care about the characters, they become more invested in the story and are more likely to continue reading.
Relatability: Likable characters often possess qualities or traits that readers can identify with or aspire to. They may have flaws and struggles that mirror those of real people, making them relatable and human. This relatability helps readers see themselves in the characters and engage with their journeys.
Suspension of disbelief: Creating likable characters helps to suspend readers’ disbelief and immerse them in the fictional world. If readers find characters unlikable or uninteresting, they may struggle to engage with the story and feel detached from the narrative.
Reader enjoyment: Ultimately, authors want their readers to enjoy their books. Likable characters contribute to the overall enjoyment of a story by providing entertainment, humor, or even serving as a source of inspiration. They can be memorable and leave a lasting impact on readers.
Character growth and development: Likable characters are often well-rounded and undergo personal growth throughout the story. They may face challenges, make mistakes, and learn from them, which can be both satisfying and inspiring for readers. Seeing characters overcome obstacles and develop as individuals can create a sense of fulfillment and make the reading experience more rewarding.

Conclusion

Character development is vital to every story. Readers need to feel a connection the protagonist. If a reader doesn’t care about the characters in a book, they are not likely to either finish the book or read more from that author. Each chapter should have the reader wanting more. Have you ever finished a book and been sad that is was over? That is a sign that the writer made us fall in love with the story and the people in the book.