Let’s Talk Bookish: Character or Plot Focused Books?

Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits. Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss certain topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.

This week’s topic is suggested by Brooke @ The Reader’s Game and is all about character or plot focused books.

Prompts: What makes a book more character focused? What makes one more plot focused? Which do you prefer? Do you have any recommendations for plot focused and character focused books?

There is a huge difference between character focused (or driven) and plot focused books. In a character driven book, the characters undergo a lot of development – at least, that’s what they’re supposed to do -, meanwhile the plot driven books lean on the story itsself. For instance, contemporary novels lean more into being character driven, whilst fantasy books or historical fiction lean more towards being plot driven. For fantasy, huge plots are more important than character development. However, they often go hand in hand. A book is not solely character or plot focused. Sometimes, the characters need the plot to develop themselves throughout the book or vice versa. Novels about coming out, bullying, mental health et cetera tend to me more character driven because the characters are “dealing” with these topics. Therefore, a plot focused book won’t make much sense.

Myself, I prefer both type of books. It really depends on what I’m in the mood for orr what kind of story I’m reading. Is it a fantasy novel? Give me the huge plot please! Is it contemporary? I would love to have all the character development possible. For thrillers, I would like to have a good mixture off both. Unfortunately, I’ve read several thrillers who excellerate in character development, but where the plot is lacking and therefore aren’t that thrilling. Recommendations you ask? Well I have none, because in my opinion you have to find what suits you best and what you prefer.

What about you? Do you prefer character or plot focused books?