whenever i watch a movie or read a book, i always judge the quality of the story on the characters. the plot is given some consideration, but ultimately, the characters make or break the story. it doesn't do much for me to read a wonderful plot if i am not invested in the people. i think this focus on characters comes from my mom; interestingly, she is most interested in mystery novels, largely due to her fascination with the psyche and the motives behind the personality. it makes her extremely good at reading people accurately, but that is besides the point.
more important are the reasons for this preference. i think this preference is largely due to an understanding that the people are much more important than the story. because in the end, you don't control your own story. there are no deux ex machinas (and if there are they come at the wrong times). you control your actions in the story. your motives, decisions, and goals are your own. you may not like the setting or the plot twists, but you are your own person.
for that, i salute you, and urge you, live a tale worthy of the telling, no matter what your setting, plot, or time.
