Introduction: In daydreaming literature, well-created characters are the heart of the narrative, driving the plot and engaging readers on a personal level. A richly developed cast adds depth and dimension to the story, making it vibrant with audiences and elevating the fancy experience.
- Creating Relatable Heroes: A compelling protagonist in a fantasy novel often possesses traits that readers can both admire and relate to. J.J. Reeves excels in this with her main characters, blending familiar human experiences with extraordinary qualities. For instance, in Serenade—A Love Like No Other, the proponent Lark, despite being a powerful winged god, grapples with personal struggles and emotional conflicts that make him accessible and engaging. His journey, marked by both greatness and vulnerability, allows readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
- Complex Villains: Effective antagonists are not merely embodiments of evil; they have complex motivations and rich backstories that make them believable. J.J. Reeves crafts her villains with delicate personalities and personal histories that drive their actions. In Batty, the antagonist’s motivations are rooted in a complicated mix of past traumas and desires for power, making them more than just a simple threat. This layered approach to villainy adds depth to the conflict and invites readers to understand, if not sympathize with, the antagonist’s perspective.
- Supporting Cast: The supporting characters in a fantasy story play crucial roles in expanding the world and enhancing the main plot. J.J. Reeves populates her novels with a diverse range of side characters, each contributing to the novel in meaningful ways. In Serenade—A Love Like No Other, characters like the gods’ allies and the protagonist’s companions enrich the story by adding different viewpoints, advancing subplots, and providing additional layers of intrigue and interaction. This variety in the supporting cast helps to create a more immersive and dynamic fantasy world.