Connecting with characters

The other day my mom and I were talking about some our favorite books that have been turned into movies. Of course there are always going to be differences in a movie compared to a book. That's a given but what I find fascinating, is even though I know that, my reaction to the movie, or the characters. I really like the Twilight books. Though I did enjoy the movie, it didn't come close to doing the book justice, IMO. The funny part is, throughout the show, I could remember myself say things like, "Edward would never have done that". I back peddled a little bit. I'm not crazy, I swear. I KNOW this guy is a fictional character so why am I sitting here angry because the movie version of my character did or said something that book Edward, "never would have done"?

That got me thinking of the magic of a good character. To me, that is the power of a good book. I love getting so wrapped up in the characters, their story and their HEA that they feel real to me. I love that kind of emotional fulfillment. I'm investing hours into reading a book and even more time into writing one and to really connect with a character is the best reward.

That's another reason I love a good series because I feel like I'm revisiting friends. I get to check in with them after their story is "finished". The best way for an author to get her hooks into me is powerful characters that I can truly connect with, whether or not I have things in common with them. But if I can...bond with them then I'm sold.

Who are some of your favorite characters that you've connected with? Do you reread their story over and over just to feel the pull of being carried into their world? What is it that makes you connect with a character?