Summary of "7 Reasons Readers Don't Care About Your Novel's Characters"

Brief

Ellen Brock (novel editor) explains seven common reasons readers don’t care about novel characters and gives concrete fixes writers can apply—especially in early chapters—to make characters more interesting and emotionally engaging.

Seven common reasons readers don’t care (and fixes)

Personality isn’t conveyed
- Problem: The writer knows the character, but the page doesn’t show it.
- Fix: Step back and ask a reader what personality they see. Revise scenes and choices to make defining traits explicit through behavior and decisions.
You tell instead of show
- Problem: Labeling traits (“She was so sweet”) feels flat or off-putting.
- Fix: Show defining actions and dialogue that demonstrate the trait (for example, have Susie stand up for someone).
You show negative traits without motive
- Problem: Characters come off as unlikeable with no explanation.
- Fix: Give a subtle hint (often one sentence) of why they behave that way—avoid dumping full backstory.
The character has no wants
- Problem: A character who seems content offers no emotional stake.
- Fix: Make the character’s desire or longing explicit early on.
No obstacles
- Problem: Wanting something alone doesn’t create conflict.
- Fix: Introduce something that stands in the way. If the main plot hasn’t started yet, invent a smaller, immediate problem to create tension.
Character is a stereotype/trope
- Problem: Overused conventions make characters predictable and uninteresting.
- Fix: Combine traits in unexpected ways or place archetypes in fresh situations.
Reader isn’t put in the character’s shoes
- Problem: Distant or bland sensory detail prevents immersion.
- Fix: Use sensory specifics—touch, smell, physical sensations—so readers feel like they’re in the character’s body.

Practical writing techniques & creative processes

Favor scenes and actions over labels to convey personality (show vs. tell).
Use small, focused hints for motivation rather than full backstory in early chapters.
Create wants and obstacles early to generate emotional investment and narrative momentum.
Don’t treat likability as the primary goal—focus on making the character interesting and giving readers a stake.
Make sure first impressions match the traits you want readers to latch onto; avoid confusing the debut chapter.
Break stereotypes by mixing unexpected traits or contexts.
Sensory immersion: concrete physical details (sweaty palms, clothes, butterflies in the stomach) deepen empathy.
Use external readers or beta readers for honest feedback on what the page actually conveys (personality, wants, tone).
If the main plot is slow to begin, invent a secondary problem to create early conflict and engagement.

Quick checklist for first chapters

Show one or two clear, defining traits through action or dialogue.
Reveal the character’s want or need.
Introduce an obstacle or problem early.
Give a subtle reason for any negative behavior.
Use sensory detail to ground perspective.
Avoid labeling traits; let scenes demonstrate them.
Make the character distinct—avoid flat tropes.

Tip: Small, specific choices on the page (a single line of dialogue, a tactile sensation, a tiny obstacle) often do more to create emotional engagement than large expository passages.