Let's talk about what makes people real. That's what my favorite characters are to me. Real. If you're reading this, I suspect that's what they are to you, too. Characters I love often feel as real to me as people I know in the physical world. Whether from books, movies, comics, or television shows, the characters I love mean something to me. They give me hope. They teach me lessons that become ingrained into the fabric that makes me who I am. If you get me spun up, I can talk about my favorite characters in the same way I talk about best friends. So, yes. The characters I love are real to me, and there isn't anything you can do or say to convince me otherwise. --- So begins award-winning SF author Ron Collins's celebration of characters that matter. From Katniss Everdeen to Tyrion Lannister, from James Bond to Lieutenant Dan (and maybe a few more!), Collins brings his unique perspective built through thirty years of experience to examining some of the most iconic characters ever presented on the page. Along the way, helping writers build toolboxes that they can use to create their own dazzling and memorable characters. All done with a personal touch illuminated by a life spent searching for characters that matter. If you're trying to write great characters, or simply want to celebrate them, too, this book is for you.