In the novel “Therese Raquin” by Emile Zola, the time period in which the story was written plays a very strong role in making these characters interesting. This book was written late 19th century, where people’s general beliefs differ greatly from those shared today. Society was not as liberal as it is today, much more was considered taboo. Zola’s characters were something that nobody had ever seen before. As the readers at this time were new to such characters, they become interesting. Although many people thought that his book, and the way Therese and Laurent were portrayed was scandalous and disapproved of it, it was nonetheless intriguing.
Therese’s character also contrasted greatly with the setting. As Zola described, she need open air and lots of activity. Instead, she was stuck inside nearly all the time and she become bottled up in herself. This was Zola’s explanation for her passionate fits, and lustful behavior.
Again Zola used contrast to better realize the character of Therese, using Camille. He was differed from her in many ways, and having the two in such close proximity for a long time emphasizes their temperaments. Camille was sickly and inactive as a child, which would have been the exact opposite of Therese who was strong, and would have been active had it been possible. When they both had grow-up, Therese remained quiet, and seemingly indifferent. Camille wanted to be involved with everything, was extremely egotistical and oblivious to everything surrounding him. Although these personalities aren’t exact opposites they are very different, contrast greatly, and are both at extremes.
In “An Instant in the Wind,” by Andre Brink similar techniques are used to make his characters interesting. Again a character is placed out of her natural environment; in this case, Elizabeth left civilization for the wild forests. This setting deeply contrasted her bringing up and customs of her society. She had been taken care of her whole life, and was not used to having to survive on her own.
Adam is both in his comfortable environment and also longed for something else. He is very self-sufficient individual, who knew how to take care of himself. His life has not been easy, and has suffered largely.
A relationship was established between these two different characters. This is where the point of interest in the book occurs. Their characters and described through each other, and how it is strange for two people so different can be compatible. Their differences were plentiful, including race, and upbringing. The evolution of their relationship also helped to define their characters. Adam remained loyal throughout the book, and it appears that Elizabeth betrayed him. The positive qualities of both Adam and Elizabeth were exemplified in their relationship, and shortcomings in its end.
In both these books readers were able to form opinions on theses characters. In my experience these opinions were strong, and it seemed as though readers were speaking of real people. Bringing characters to life, and making them believable is largely responsible to how interesting character can be. If the reader can relate to the character, it is very possible interest can be shaped.
Successful authors are able to use a number of different ways to make their characters interesting. Interesting characters are a vital element to a good book, as they are the very core of which stories are often times based on. The elements that make characters interesting, also contribute to interest of the book as a whole. After all, if a book's characters weren’t interesting, we wouldn’t be discussing them.
