What is overriding that and most important is that readers

In the insightful words of Michael Connelly, "What is overriding that and most important is that readers generally are interested in a good character. They might be more comfortable with Harry because they think they know him, but they always seem willing to give somebody new a chance," we are drawn to the core of what drives both storytelling and human connection. Connelly speaks to the universal truth that, at the heart of every great narrative, lies character—that which makes us relatable, that which resonates deep within our souls. It is not the circumstances or the plot that captivate us, but the characters themselves, the ones we come to understand, trust, and care for. This speaks to a profound principle of storytelling that transcends the written word: that humankind, at its core, is drawn to authenticity and integrity, even in the most unfamiliar or complex of characters.

This insight finds its roots in the ancient philosophers who, more than 2,000 years ago, understood the power of character. Aristotle, in his seminal work Poetics, spoke of the importance of ethos—the character of the protagonist—as a vital element in creating emotional engagement in a narrative. Aristotle believed that for an audience to connect with a story, they must first believe in the moral integrity of its characters. In the context of Connelly's quote, we see that whether readers are familiar with a character or encountering someone new, they are most often drawn in by the goodness and complexity of that character. Just as Aristotle taught that characters must evoke pity and fear to create catharsis, Connelly suggests that readers are willing to take a journey with characters they believe to be authentic and well-crafted, no matter the initial unfamiliarity.

Consider the enduring figure of Odysseus, whose journey in Homer's Odyssey is not merely a tale of physical adventure, but of the moral evolution of a complex character. Odysseus is not a flawless hero; he is a man marked by both strength and weakness, wisdom and folly. It is precisely this blend of humanity that makes him relatable to readers and listeners of all ages, across cultures. While the ancient Greeks may have been more familiar with his journey, the appeal of his character lies in his growth and his flaws, allowing him to transcend the boundaries of time and remain a figure worthy of empathy. In this way, Connelly's words about readers giving "somebody new a chance" are exemplified in Odysseus, as his character continues to captivate us, showing that it is not familiarity alone that attracts us, but the depth and complexity of the character.

The principle of character over circumstance also finds resonance in the life of Socrates, who, despite being portrayed in various ways by his contemporaries, became a figure of profound moral integrity. Socrates did not conform to the societal norms of Athens, nor did he gain fame through the outward achievements that the city revered. Instead, it was his commitment to truth, his moral character, and his philosophical integrity that drew others to him. Even those who opposed him found value in his wisdom, because his character shone through in every interaction, making him a compelling figure even in the face of persecution. Just as readers and audiences connect with a well-drawn character, so too did those who came into contact with Socrates, recognizing that his inner strength and authenticity were qualities worth engaging with.

In more recent times, the rise of figures like Harry Potter exemplifies the power of character in modern storytelling. J.K. Rowling’s creation of Harry, a boy marked by loss, vulnerability, and courage, resonates deeply with millions of readers. Harry’s imperfections, his relatable struggles, and his moral growth draw readers into a world of magic and wonder, yet it is his character—his ability to rise above adversity with integrity—that truly captivates audiences. Like the ancients' admiration for Odysseus, modern readers find themselves willing to embrace new characters like Harry Potter because they see in him the core values of bravery, loyalty, and selflessness. These universal qualities transcend the need for familiarity and become a bridge between the reader and the story.

From the lessons of Aristotle, to the timeless appeal of Odysseus, to modern figures like Harry Potter, the truth remains that a great story is not about the plot alone, but about the character at its center. The character must evoke something in us, something real, something human, that transcends time and place. Connelly’s assertion that readers are willing to give new characters a chance is a reminder that, in the end, we are drawn not to the familiarity of the story, but to the authenticity and depth of the character. We long to connect with the soul of a person, whether that person exists in the world of the story or the world outside.

Thus, the lesson we can take from Connelly’s wisdom is clear: as we engage with the world, whether through stories, relationships, or challenges, we must prioritize the development of character. The world is full of new beginnings, full of unfamiliar faces and uncharted paths, yet it is the character within that draws us in, that makes us willing to give someone or something a chance. Let us, therefore, focus on building integrity, authenticity, and resilience within ourselves, knowing that these are the qualities that will connect us to others and to the world around us. Whether we find ourselves in familiar situations or new ones, it is the goodness within that will always attract, inspire, and transform.