Do you tend to adopt characteristics of characters you read?

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Becca KeyWest
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Do you tend to adopt characteristics of characters you read?

Post by Becca KeyWest »

It turns out after I finish a book, I catch myself with a sense newfound abilities. For example: if I read a story where I feel the leading lady was strong and sassy, without realizing it I will be letting my true opinions fly (with tact of course, we are ladies after all!). Or if she is tough - physically - I suddenly act like Superwoman (my muscles hate me for days after). The one I notice most obviously is speech patterns and dialect. If I read a story from the past, I'll catch myself speaking with the tongue of the time. Makes me giggle every time I notice myself adopting these qualities. :lol:

Maybe these are things I had in me all along. Some of them are, I recognize the characteristics as I'm reading them - I identify with them with true knowing. Some of them are what I secretly want to be, and perhaps this is my push to do so.

What about y'all?
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Sarah G
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Post by Sarah G »

I don't do this as much with books but when I binge watch a TV show I do :). I start to get hints of an American accent...
I read so many books that I don't think I'd be able to keep up with myself if I did that during reading too :p
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Carrie R
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Post by Carrie R »

I don't adopt their characteristics so much as I decide I want their professions. I've wanted to be a detective, a forensic pathologist, and an investigative journalist thanks to some of my readings! Just to name a few.
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Post by jamesabr »

I usually adopt the characteristics of a female leading character (if there is one in the book I'm reading). I'm not having that issue now, thought, because the main character I'm reading is already so much like me. :lol:
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Post by Insightsintobooks »

I don't addopt their characteristics, but I do tend to try to learn something from each of them.
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Post by DATo »

I started smoking a pipe after reading Sherlock Holmes stories. What can I say, I was young and stupid. Today I am old and stupid and still smoke a pipe.
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Post by Ruxia »

I feel like if I get too into a book and if it's long enough, after I finish the way I speak will slightly change and become more similar to that of the book's. As for characteristics... not usually, but if I really admire or like a character, then maybe I'll act a little like them subconsciously.
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Post by Lilapo9 »

In some ways yes! If the story centered around a person who was successful and strong I might take them along in my collection of mentors that I have used through the years to continue and grow. My greatest fear is becoming old and rigid in my thoughts. That will not work in the world that we live in today.
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Post by gregs317 »

I always try to imagine the sounds of the characters' voices as they're speaking. I also try to imagine actions and postures of characters - for example, the scene might indicate how "the cat sat on the chair, watching the girl speak". I picture the scenario in my head, as I read. Does everybody do this?
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KAIURRIZA
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Post by KAIURRIZA »

I do! I'd be using her favorite expression, drink her favorite coffee or eat her favorite dish (cook it if it's not available here).
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Post by KiMB00P »

When I was a lot younger I read a book about a girl who loved to roll bread up into a ball and dip it in sugar before she ate it. I did that for awhile, haha. But I don't think I've adopted characteristics from books since then.
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Post by Italiansweety1982 »

I was reading books by British authors for awhile and found myself saying "Bloody Hell"
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Post by Asisha Joseph »

No. But when I watch movies I do.
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Post by Harley-Panda »

I do sometimes. When a book really pulls me in I feel like I idolise the characters a little. Even if I don't actually start taking on some of their attributes I feel like I want to be more like them. Like I'll want to learn more about their profession or the subject they are studying, and their hobbies etc. Also, if certain music styles or bands are liked by the characters I'll often give them a listen.
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Post by HailKingEbi »

After i finish a good book, I do find myself adopting some qualities of characters. particularly characters I liked. Maybe i start talking like them, or acting like them. Or start using slangs they used.
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