Every year, I reflect on the characters I’ve met through fiction. I do this because character-driven fiction is my favorite. While plot is important, too, I’m more likely to recall a fascinating character over any plot. I connect with characters. Following are my favorites from my 2020 reads:
Manny Rivera in February Files, Trail of Deception, and Moon Shadow Murder. Though I first met Manny last year in Artifacts of Death, the first in this murder mystery series, I came to know him even better in these three volumes this year. Manny, a law enforcement officer, investigates murders in the beautiful Moab, Utah area. He is patient, self-reflective, kind, and loves his family. He is a good man who above all seeks justice.
Jordi Perez in The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spaulding. Jordi is a talented teenage photographer. She is also a lesbian, comfortable in her own skin. Her parents are supportive of Jordi’s sexuality and artistic goals. Jodi is free-spirited, passionate, and quite mature for her age. The other major characters in this YA novel, Abby, Jordi’s love, and Jax, Abby’s friend, are fully developed and interesting people.
Isaiah Quintabe in IQ by Joe Ide. This is the first in a detective series. Quintabe is a private detective. He lives alone in Long Beach, California. He’s a loner and a very intelligent man, despite being a high school dropout. He will take a case that challenges his skills, even if the client can’t afford to pay in cash. He is loyal and determined.
Tangy Mae Quinn in The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips. Tangy is incredible. Only thirteen years old, she endures and survives parental abuse and sexual abuse. Throughout, she maintains her strength of character.