The Qualities of an Enduring Character

Last month I talked about how characters don't have the same enduring, timeless qualities as they used to. We don't write Aragorns, or Marty McFlys, or Ariels anymore, or not as much it seems. In today's post, we're going to look at the qualities of such characters, and how they create characters that people remember.

Good

While this quality isn't always there, it's one of my favorites, so I'm starting with it. A lot of enduring characters are good guys. There are the great villains that grace our memories forever, but in this post we'll be focusing the more heroic variety.

But as I said, they fight for the good and the right. Their moral alignment might not be that direction at first, but by the end they'll stand up for what's right.

Examples: Superman, Wonder Woman

Memorable Quality

A skateboard. A word or phrase they say. A certain skill. Many enduring characters have something that makes them stick out in a crowd, or at least in our minds. We remember that thing and when it comes to a fight, or the climax, we hope they'll use it.

Examples: Marty McFly's skateboard skills, Katniss's archery

Iconic Look

This goes with the previous point. Along with a quality or skill, they will have an iconic outfit that you can recognize on sight. Book characters can have them just as much as movie ones. Their outfit can help us remember them even if we haven't seen it for years.

Examples: Dorothy Gale's dress and shoes, Charlie Brown's shirt

Universal Morals

These characters have morals that we can all basically agree on. Murder is bad, saving lives is good, don't hit ladies. Things like that. Their moral compass is generally good, or at least becomes like that.

Examples: Spider-Man (With great power comes great responsibility), Samwise (There's some good in the world worth fighting for)

Inspiring

This is one of the biggest things enduring characters have. They inspire us. They make us want to be better. To fight for ourselves and others. To bring light and hope to others. Those are the sorts of characters and real life people, that stick with us.

Examples: Aragorn, Captain America

Charismatic

When they're on the page or screen, they capture our attention. Even if they might not be the best person, we're fascinated with them. They command a room and stand out in a crowd. There's just something about them that we like.

Examples: Wednesday Addams, James Bond

Decent

You know how hard it is to find decent people or characters these days? People that are just downright nice or good? It's such an underrated quality. People continue to belittle it, saying it's unrealistic and naïve, but I find those characters the ones I love the most (if done well, of course).

Examples: Bilbo Baggins, Cinderella

Talented

Going with some of my earlier points, they will often have some sort of special skill that helps them during the plot. Especially if they fall under the Chosen One trope (which many of our most enduring characters do). They might be good at magic, or a certain weapon, or just at conning people.

Examples: Ethan Hunt, Indiana Jones

Growth

One of the less necessary traits, but one I think should be included more. The most interesting timeless characters are the ones that change and grow over the course of the story, becoming a better person by the end. We feel closer to a character if we are able to go along on their journey of discovery with them.

Examples: Han Solo, Ariel

Strong

Finally, these characters are strong. They have to be to face what they go to. They inspire us with their strength. There are many kinds of strong as well. Physical strength, emotional strength, and mental strength. Each is important to see.

Examples: Batman, Scarlett O'Hara

Like any other writing advice, you can apply all these qualities to your character and still end up with a forgettable or badly written protagonist. Not everyone finds the same characters timeless and memorable. But adding a few of these traits to your characters can help you craft better and more enticing characters.

Who are some of your favorite iconic characters? Which of these traits are your favorite? Tell me in the comments.

Suggested Posts:

Character Archetypes: The Hero

The Importance of Story and Message