Memorable Characters

This month’s question is a three part and more complex. What characters in other author's books have not left your mind? Have written a character who wouldn't leave you? Why do you think this happens?

There are many novels where you remember the characters. Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca; Jo from Little Women; Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and so many others. Contemporarily JD Robb writes great characters. I love Dallas and Roarke, Summerset and Peabody, and most of the other of her regulars.

Why does this happen? It’s a good question because if I knew the answer I’d be able to write those memorable characters. These characters are fully developed, three dimensional with a mixture of traits that are common in people. They have weaknesses, individual personal traits, a fully developed background that shows where they came from and how they’ve developed and become the person they are now. People can relate to them, empathize with them, root for them and cheer them on. They are characters you wish you knew and could visit.

One character that I’ve written that stays with me is Kye from Book three – Kye’s story - from my Hawkins’ ranch series. He’s adopted and a member of the Blackfoot tribe. I did a lot of research about the Blackfeet, his characteristics and his growth.  
Now, I’m off to check and see what the other authors have to say about memorable characters.
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Heidi M. Thomas http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
A.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com