Introduction
Moreso than the plot or concept, the stories I enjoy the most are the ones where the characters "hook" me. There's a certain kind of character that I absolutely adore.
The character doesn't have to be the protagonist. All that matters is that they are prominent in the story. I've started stories because the antagonist was someone that I expected to enjoy greatly.
Of course, the other elements of a good story (rich world-building, a compelling narrative, consistent and compelling characterisation, etc.) are all important. This is more a preference of mine among the stories that are "good".
I'll attempt to describe below the traits that most deepen my enjoyment of a fictional character (ceteris paribus). It should go without saying, but I'm specifically looking for female characters here.
Primary Characteristics
These are the core traits of the characters I'm looking for. All of them are traits I want, but they're not all equally important. In terms of importance:
1 > #4 > #2 >= #3
1 and #4 complement each other very well, and likewise #2 and #3.
- Exceptional competence in the primary domain of conflict.
- This can be combat, but it can also be a strategy game, sports, politicking or anything else.
- Just the primary domain of conflict around which the story is organised.
- Bonus points if they actively love combat and delight/thrill in "battle".
- Examples of characters that excelled in non-combat domains of conflict that I enjoyed:
- Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui
- Kirari Momobami from Kakegurui
- Akashi Seijuro from Kuroko no Basuke
- They don't have to be "overpowered", if they're incredibly skilled/prodigiously talented at what they do it'll work as well.
- Very strong-willed and driven
- Sheer determination to achieve their goals and an unyielding resolve to make it possible.
- I like ambitious people. I like grand ambitions even more.
- Moreso than the scale of the ambition, it's the determination and resolve that hooks me.
- A strong internal locus of control.
- I want someone in charge of their life.
- Someone that will forge their own path.
- With their own hands, they'll carve out their destiny.
- They'll be their own saviour.
- This shines best for me when they actively reject the machinations and will of the powers that be. They wouldn't bend to the whims of fate.
- This is a strong philosophical alignment.
- Arrogant
- I dislike people who are arrogant without the ability to back up their arrogance.
- I absolutely love justified arrogance. I love it when someone excels in a particular domain of conflict, is aware that they excel in it and is fucking proud of it.
- I want someone who revels in their competence.
- Pride is a very underrated virtue.
- Akashi Seijuro from Kuroko no Basuke was by far my favourite character in the series, and this is a major reason why.
- This is very important.
Secondary Characteristics
These traits are very synergistic with the primary traits and would deepen my enjoyment of the character. You can think of them as seasoning that makes the character truly exquisite.
- Elevated pedigree or otherwise high social status
- I'd appreciate it if they were born into high nobility, royalty or otherwise have a similar pedigree.
- I love competent aristocrats.
- Pedigree is not necessary if the character independently acquired their elevated social status.
- I want people that are at (or near) the pinnacle of their world:
- Aristocracy
- Countesses, Marquesses, Duchesses, Princesses
- Corporate
- CEOs, Directors, other C-suite executives
- Government
- Heads of State, Secretaries of State, Governors, Ministers, their deputies, etc.
- Military
- Generals, Admirals, Marshals, Chiefs of Staff, etc.
- Highly ambitious
- I want someone with grand ambitions.
- Someone who wants to take the world and reinvent it in their own image.
- People that seek to reinvent history.
Tertiary Characteristics
These are completely optional. They'll make me enjoy the character more, but they aren't mandatory. I'll take a character that doesn't meet any of these:
- A mean streak.
- I've enjoyed characters that are sadistic, cruel to some degree.
- I enjoy reading about "villains" more than "heroes", so I think this is an offshoot of that.'
- Selfish and/or self-centred
- Someone that cares mostly about their own self-interest and acts to that end.
- They don't have to be an asshole, enlightened self-interest is a justification for some level of altruism.
- I guess I just don't like reading about kind and selfless characters that much.
- Scheming and manipulative
- I enjoy reading about characters plotting, scheming and the entire game.
- I like characters that excel at making use of others.
- I guess there's something very seductive and alluring about a manipulative woman.
