First of all, people always talk about how they feel or didn't feel connected to the charachters or the story itself - before I discuss the connection itself, I think it is important to define it. How does a good writer penetrates the heart of the reader? Many people would say by idefintication. For instance, the characters in the book resemble in a way the reader himself. If the character had his/her heart broken, and so did the reader, the reader would immediately identify with the character. It is true that identifying with the character creates a relationship between the reader and the character, however, a good writer will not necessarily create a common, simple charcter so that any kind of reader would connect to immediately. A good writer can create the strangest character - one who does not resemble an ounce of the reader, and still penetrate the reader's soul.

I admit, that the books I feel the most connected to the characters are the ones being told by the character itself. For example Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby, Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon, and so on - all these are being told by the main character. Proves that it doesn't matter whether it is a 14 year old girl, a 15 year old autist boy, a 40 year old man, a 52 year old single mother, and so on - if the writer is good enough, he will get you to create a relationship with any character.

Back to the question, how do writers create a relationship between readers and characters? They let them in. Like I said before, they tell their story, trying to evoke something in the reader. A character can be completely unique and different, yet realistic. It doesn't need to be an alien from outer space, still we need to accomplish the mission of connecting the reader. Resemblance may not be the most important thing, but it has to be taken to consideration.

Learn more about this author, Shir Serero.
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