The need to relate to fictional characters-needed?

[SFG75]

The New York Times has an excellent article regarding Zoe Heller and her new book. In reading the article, I learned that a key criticism of her is the fact that her characters are hard for readers to *relate* to if you will.

Ms. Heller was a bit dismayed to learn that some readers found “there were no sympathetic characters,” that “they didn’t want to spend time with them,” or that they “were not inspiring in any way.”

That isn’t necessarily surprising. She is, after all, famously adept at depicting unpleasant characters like the obsessive English schoolteacher, Barbara Covett, in “What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal,” her 2003 novel that was later turned into a movie with Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. Ms. Heller, 43, prefers insight to amiability.

“I don’t write books for people to be friends with the characters,” Ms. Heller said as she tucked into a spartan brunch of a boiled egg and seven-grain toast. “If you want to find friends, go to a cocktail party.”

:lol:

I would be curious to know what others think of this, especially of her characters in particular. I'm not certain that readers necessarily like characters based on whether or not they could sit down and have a cup of coffee with them. I for one, think it's more of a matter of a character showing depth or the author creating a lot of detail regarding a given character. Dialogue alone without background information or thoughts from other characters leads to a rather shallow, not to use the term to harshly, reading. I did enjoy her previous book and if I remember correctly, it was one of our book of the month selections that was fairly decent in regards to being an active topic.

 

[Anamnesis]

Hmm, as long as the characters are written well and their actions are understandable, then I don't really need to relate to them. Not to say I don't like relating to the characters; far from it. It's just not a requirement for a good book .

Thanks for posting this. I loved Notes on a Scandal and was wondering whether she planned on putting out another book or not.

 

[Stewart]

It's a book group mentality that seems to want to relate to the characters. Or one, at the very least. What should matter is that the characters are interesting. Nothing more.

 

[Wells83]

I share the same sentiments as other posters--so long as a character has depth and is intriguing, I don't care whether I "like" them or relate to them.

 

[Peder]

I care. Interesting characters I'll read about; but characters I can relate to lead to more enjoyable books (for me). Repulsive characters I definitely avoid, but we've had that argument once before, so peace. :flowers:

 

[Heteronym]

I don't remember having any need to relate to characters. I can't explain why I like a certain character, but it has nothing to do with wanting to spend leisure time with him. Most of the characters I like indeed I wouldn't want to be friends with.