For Writers: Rooting Interests

1)  We care about characters we feel sorry for (empathy)

2) We like characters with humanistic traits

3)  We like to admire the character

Most importantly, we like someone with a mix from all three of these categories.

Empathy:                                                                              

undeserved mistreatment                                                      

undeserved misfortune (bad luck)                                        

physical or mental handicap                                                  

frustration or humiliation (embarrassment)                          

a moment of weakness                                                               

abandoned                                                                              

betrayal                                                                                 

telling the truth but not being believed                                 

exclusion and rejection (not one of the group)                      

loneliness and neglect                                                          

feeling guilty when one’s mistake causes pain                    

represses pain                                                                        

life endangerment                                                                  

Humanistic traits:                                                               

lets down his defenses in a private moment                          

(bonus pts if someone invades his privacy and humiliates him)

helps less fortunate

relates to children

children like character

patting the dog & dog likes character

change of heart

comes to aid of a friend

risk life for another

sacrifices themself

cares for just cause (dies for a just cause)

ethical or moral & responsible

dependable, loyal

loves other people

generous, caring act, compassion, altruistic

Admiration traits:

Power and charisma

Self-confident

Courage (mental and physical)

Passionate

Attractive

Skilled (competent)

Thoughtful & wise

Witty & clever

Sense of humor

Playful

Physical and athletic

Wounded and continues on

Unique way of living

Underdog who tries hard

Active rather than passive

Surrounded by admirers

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• Bookbub says cschmid gave The Education of Mrs. Brimley five stars.
• The Whisky Laird’s Bed is featured in November 28, 2017 Bookbub ad!
• The Education of Mrs. Brimley is featured on the October 18, 2017 Bookbub ad.
• CHARMING THE PROFESSOR is a finalist in the Prism Contest!