Alright, I realize the title of this little guide is not very drawing xD But I don't care. Here are some tips of what I believe are what makes a good, lovable character. To most people, anyway. Everyone's choice of a lovable character is different, but this is a collection of just that. :D
So, I have read a lot of fanfics in this lovely little collage. Not really little; my has this site grown! So many great writers. Its a concentration of awesomeness.
Anyway, less nostalgia and more ideas :3
Tipz[]
Talk Number One: Examples[]
In Dark Sun, a fanfic by my dear friend Sunny, I find her character drawing. I like Hiddenpaw, and not just because the author is awesome.
I think one of the traits Hiddenpaw has is that she is a victim.
Tip number one. For a general likable character, don't make them the one causing turmoil. Sure, this sounds easy, but sometimes the narrow-mindedness of a cat gets to themselves.
Like, Squirrelflight, for example. Although she is relatable, etc, she was nasty to Brambleclaw. And everyone loves Brambleclaw :0 sorta.
Make the character have enemies with non-likable cats.
Alright, I notice that this guide is sounding very demanding. But you're still reading. >:0 I will talk about this trait later: retorts.
Another very important trait is that a character is original, of course :3
But it doesn't hurt to be general ;D
Anywhoos, Hiddenpaw falls victim to her adopted sister, Littlepaw's hatred. Littlepaw is now the bad guy, making her enemy the good guy. Tada, Hiddenpaw is more of a good cat than she was.
But if Hiddenpaw had not just been honorable and not become exceedingly angry, she would be snappy, and attack back. However, that would just make Hiddenpaw less honorable.
Now, having a sharp tongue is a trait in a character that many authors love. Sarcasm, perfect-ness, something to look up to are all things that authors wish their characters would have as traits. I get why, but when you step back, sometimes their perfection makes the reader annoyed, perhaps of envy. They have to have their imperfections. The more, the better! It also doesn't hurt if the main character is very modest, but witty.
Now, why modesty and wit contradict, I will explain.
As you see in Dovepaw, she is very modest. But then, sometimes she's too modest. She asks too many questions, becomes not much a character, but a naive little thing. Then there are times she becomes angry, and has heart.
Don't make a cat TOO good. That just gets on peoples' nerves.