Likable Characters

Today, I started reading a new romance. I knew by page 2 that I liked the characters. I haven't felt this so early in a book for as long as I can remember. What is it about these characters that makes me suddenly like them?

The heroine is smart, loyal, and cares about people and her job – which is to help people in need.

The hero is loyal, caring, honest, and also true to his job – which is to help people in need.

Before anyone thinks that these two are selfless martyrs, perfect in every way – they are not. Each has their own set of baggage, each has their own stubborn faults. At first meeting they rub each other the wrong way.

This could be any of 1000 romances I've read. Well written -- but so are many others.

Yet these characters hold an instant attraction, not because of looks, but something inside them.

I once answered a survey question: what do you find the most important trait in a person?

I thought long and hard. There are many traits that could qualify. But I realized that the one most important to me is compassion. By that I mean genuine feelings for others.

Both characters have that trait.

Perhaps that's why I like them. I'll see if I still feel this way at the end of the book.

--Cat