How do writers craft characters that leap off of the page or screen and seem to live long after the book is put down or the television turned off. This is what I've been pondering lately. I just finished Grey's Anatomy Season 2 and I've been walking around sad about Denny for days. Apparently, I'm not the only one.
Some enterprising fan found tony Phelan's home number and called him asking why Denny had to die.
I won't even comment on the night I had to work after watching Luke and Lorelai break up (the first time). I was not in good shape.
And then there's Shannon's death on Lost. I was pacing the floor ranting about the insanity of it at 1:30 in the morning.
Characters in books get under my skin the same way: Jay Gatsby, Heathcliff, Sophie Zawistoski, Rhett Butler, Ellen Olenska. Many a book has been flung against a far wall when it was over.
So, what characters come alive to you - in any medium? I've decided that this is key in crafting a book that really works. I can't think of a single "classic" with characters that I don't care about.
I'll leave you with a picture of my dear Denny while you think about it. :)
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