Have a look at Alexander McCall Smith's terrific essay in the Wall Street Journal, "Lost in Fiction" that discusses not only the author's relationship with his many characters, but also his readers' intense feelings about what should happen to his characters. McCall Smith is the author of several very successful mystery series, including one of my favorites, the No. 1 Ladies' Detectives Agency series which is set in Botswana, South Africa. (The novels have been turned into a sublime new HBO series that should not be missed.) McCall Smith writes about readers whose emotional investment and identification with characters can sometime blur the line between fiction and reality. Smith has been instructed by readers of his series that certain characters really ought to finally have a relationship because it would be "so empowering for the reader." Other readers make the error of confusing the author with the characters, a situation which had a member of the Scottish Parliament demanding Smith apologize for rather callous comments made by ...well a callous character.
But I'll admit, the more I see of the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency," the more in love I am with the characters, and I think wistfully how wonderful it would be to meet the characters and to call them friends. If you are not watching the series, consider reading the novels -- they are gentle, poignant, funny, and delightful. And if you want to know more about the series, check out the video page of the HBO website for all kinds of trailers, promos, and the author's video diary. Also, here's an interesting interview with McCall Smith.
*art on top is by Ray Bakus for the WSJ. Art below is from the Series titles and credits -- which are spectacular bits of animation.
