In 1984, I was sixteen—the same age as Samantha Baker in "Sixteen Candles." She was the middle child, and her parents forgot her birthday. The story was so relatable that I frequently rented the VHS tape. John Hughes movies still resonate today for the same reason they did in the '80s. They capture the messy, hilarious, and painful teenage journey, so they remain relevant.
Their relevance comes from being character-driven stories, which makes them the emotional Velcro of books and movies. Plots can thrill, and settings can dazzle, but what about characters? Characters are why we stay. Character-driven books and movies become timeless because they continue to tug at our hearts long after the credits roll or the last page turns.
Character-driven stories reflect us to ourselves, tapping into profound emotional truths. We see our flaws in their failures and our hopes in their triumphs. Consider Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice or Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption; their stories are ours, just on a different stage.
While plot-driven stories often focus on what happens, character-driven ones ask: Who is this person becoming and why? The stakes are internal. That's why The Breakfast Club remains relevant, while The Da Vinci Code isn't being re-read every summer.
One of the best character-driven books I have read is The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros, author of The Fourth Wing, which is deeply emotional, character-driven, and devastatingly honest. It is a full-body emotional experience with a heartbreak warning label slapped across the cover.
The Plot (No Spoilers):
When Ella's brother Ryan is killed during a military mission, Beckett, his best friend, receives a final letter from him containing his last wish. Ryan asks Beckett (call sign: Chaos) to look after his sister and her kids.
Beckett, drowning in his guilt and trauma, steps into Ella’s world incognito, not revealing his true identity. However, as feelings build, secrets unravel. And just when it feels like healing might be possible… Yarros wrecks you.
- Ella is beautifully flawed, fierce, and a vulnerable heroine dealing with unimaginable grief, a child with cancer, and significant trust issues.
- Beckett is a quiet storm of loyalty and regret, torn between duty and desire, concealing the truth that could shatter everything.
- The kids are incredibly lovable, especially Maisie.
- It is raw and does not flinch from emotional pain. The plot twists are gut-wrenching and rooted in real stakes and human struggle.
This narrative aligns with military themes but focuses more on internal struggles, including grief, guilt, self-esteem, and the process of healing. The romance develops gradually, emphasizing emotional closeness without haste.
Books like The Last Letter let us feel deeply. Great characters don't just move the story; they make you feel it. In books like The Color Purple, Celie delivers an emotional arc that haunts, heals, and stays.
Character-driven stories stand the test of time as they prioritize people over plot mechanics. After over 40 years, I still recall the characters from John Hughes movies more vividly than their storylines. Any actor could embody those characters at any time, and it would still resonate. As a reader, I seek out character development. The essence of Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels illustrates Christian Grey's evolution throughout his relationship with Ana. Beyond the explicit content, it tells a story of healing, trust, and the complex dynamics of emotional power. Fifty Shades of Grey deserves a blog post all its own.
Plot-driven works often lose their steam once you know what happens, but character-driven stories beckon you for the comfort, the nuance, and the ability to learn something new each time you watch them. It's why people watch Pride and Prejudice or Little Women a dozen times—because the people matter more than the events.
Timeless narratives feature characters that endure beyond fleeting trends and even the creators themselves; when a story resonates with us, it holds a lasting place in our hearts.
In my writing, I strive to avoid relying on excessive drama or unexpected plot twists. My focus is on showcasing the characters' internal struggles and transformations. In "Their Mended Hearts," I sought to convey the emotional journeys of Jon and Kati, with the most profound change happening in Jon. Their love story isn't merely about falling in love; it's a matter of earning it, with each emotional step forward a hard-fought victory. Through my time engaging with the community of Cardinal Creek while writing, I aimed to build not only a setting but also a vibrant community filled with quirky quilt-makers, firefighters, and locals who add warmth to the stories. One promise when you read "Their Mended Hearts" is that love can still reach us amidst the rubble.
