How to create a charismatic character?

[CrystaI]

This is one question I came up when I was reading an article about the heightening of story plot but yet lowering of characteristics in recent Japanese animes.

So, my question is: How one can create a charismatic character?

Firstly, WHAT IS CHARISMA? Charisma, by literally meaning, is a kind of quality that a person possess, that makes one charming and attractive, where others will feel admiring and wanting to follow that person. It is like a magical attention "magnetism", where that person draws other people's attention very easily, making him/her an attractive eyesight target if he/she went onto the street.

For a charismatic character in writings (not only fanfictions, but also original novels), it must be a character that attracts the reader, and the reader will feel "attached" to him/her. My question is how to create such character that will makes reader admired and feel attached to him/her?

I know the answer differs variously for different fictional situations. A charismatic person in politics might not have the same quality as a charismatic person in sports. But there must be something that makes those people attractive to others.

What is your thought?

 

[Kelleo]

Unfortunately, I believe that creating a character any reader can get attached to is impossible. Simply because not every reader is going to like the same characters. We all have different tastes and preferences.

For example, I totally love Frederick from Fire Emblem: Awakening for 3DS. He's my favorite in the game by far. But he's hardly a very popular character (sadly. D. For me, he's attractive and charming, therefore charismatic. But other fans don't find him that way.

 

[LightningTopaz]

Well said, Kelleo--there's no one "correct" definition of charisma. what Person A finds charismatic, Person B may find annoying

 

[Stratelier]

Unfortunately, I believe that creating a character [every] reader can get attached to is impossible....

Fixed.

 

[Kelleo]

Eh, not much difference, really, but whatevs. xP