Page 4

The typical cozy mystery protagonist is a single, white, Christian (unless she’s a witch—no, seriously) heterosexual female in her early thirties. Frequently, she is opening a new chapter in her life. This new chapter is both exciting and daunting.

Now, having said that, there are many,manysuccessful exceptions to this rule. And you’re about to write one! Don’t be afraid to make your protagonist younger, older, non-Caucasian, non-Christian (non-wiccan), dealing with physical challenges, LGBTQ+ and/or male. The human shell should not be the point. It’s what’sinsidethat shell that counts.

Let’s consider the character of the standard cozy mystery protagonist. What qualities do these women and men have in common?

Relatability and Aspiration:Cozy mystery protagonists often embody a blend of relatability and aspiration. They’re typically portrayed as everyday people with whom readers can easily identify, but they also possess qualities or lead lives that readers might aspire to—be it owning a quaint bookstore, running a delightful bakery, or something as simple as having a close-knit circle of friends. This balance makes them both accessible and appealing. Very often they are someone starting off on a new adventure, a new chapter in their life. Challenges lie ahead, but they are eager to face them. They embrace the adventure of life, and thrive.

Moral Clarity:These characters navigate their milieux with a strong sense of right and wrong, providing a clear moral compass in a complex world. They do not agonize over the big rights and wrongs. Whatever the obstacles, they will try to do the right thing. When they make mistakes, they will try to fix them. This clarity can be comforting to readers, offering a straightforward view of justice that often seems lacking in real life.

Good Citizens:Cozy mysteries are deeply rooted in the sense of community, and protagonists play key roles within their social circles. They care about their community and their neighbors. This emphasis on relationships and belonging speaks to a universal human desire for connection. Readers may be drawn to the protagonist’s integral role in their community, seeing them as a pillar of support and camaraderie.

Competence and Cleverness:Even though they’re amateur sleuths, these protagonists display a remarkable level of competence and cleverness in solving mysteries. Their ability to connect dots, notice details, and think outside the box can be deeply satisfying for readers, who enjoy the intellectual stimulation of piecing together clues alongside the protagonist. These characters are innovative problem-solvers. Professional detectives have training and resources at their disposal. In contrast, amateur sleuths must mostly rely on their wit, intuition, and the help of their community. This can lead to more creative and unconventional problem-solving strategies, making for potentially more interesting and unpredictable stories.

Courage:The world of a cozy mystery, with its picturesque settings and delightful denizens, offers a perfect escape from the complexities and anxieties of real life. However, this safe little world is regularly threatened by the presence of those who commit crimes and wield violent death. While any normal person would avoid getting involved in any crime, let alone homicide, the cozy protagonist, our guide through this world, doesn’t hesitate to come to the aid of their friends or neighbors. Okay, maybe they hesitate. They’re not suicidal, after all. But they are willing to risk life, limb, and even the occasional arrest in order to restore balance and harmony to the universe.

Growth and Resilience:Despite the effervescent surface, many cozy protagonists do—certainlyshould—display resilience and therefore experience personal growth in the face of many challenges. This journey can make these characters more compelling and adds a layer of depth to their character, even when that journey is so subtle as to seem almost invisible.

A Sense of Humor:Honestly, this one’s a bit optional. Every cozy protagonist need not be a stand-up-comedian-in-waiting. A cozy mystery doesn’t have to be humorous so much asgood-humored. If comedy is not your strength, that’s okay. But your main character has to be a pleasant person who can laugh at themselves and not take everything too seriously. By the way, the comedic elements in the cozy areneverbitingly satirical or mean-spirited.

An Everyman/Everywoman:How ironic, right? But yes, in theory there’s an element of the “everyman” hero in cozy protagonists. They’re not detectives by profession nor do they have any special powers, yet they manage to solve mysteries—somanymysteries!—through observation, intelligence, and the help of their community. This democratization of the detective role suggests that anyone can make a difference, which is an appealing and empowering concept.

Stability and Predictability:Cozy mystery protagonists do not “go off the deep end.” They are not going to run amok and shoot up the joint or go on a bender or run off to Vegas with their romantic interest and wake up the next morning with a hangover. That is not to say your protag can’t have quirks and foibles—I should hope they do—but they are not going to suddenly “behave out of character.” Stability is not dramatic, but it’s what the cozy reader wants. There’s comfort in the familiarity of these protagonists. They come to feel like old friends, and the predictability of their moral and behavioral codes offers a sense of balance and harmony in an ever-changing world.

In essence, the appeal of the cozy mystery protagonist lies in their ability to offer escapism, moral clarity, and a sense of community and belonging, all while engaging the reader’s intellect and emotions in a comforting, yet stimulating, narrative environment. It’s a delicate balance that, when achieved, resonates deeply with readers, regardless of the prose’s sophistication.

However, your job is a little more complicated than creating a safe and predictable cipher. Unlike in other mystery subgenres, the cozy protagonist cannot merely be interesting, they have to belikable, which means you need to consider how you can make your main character even more appealing to readers.

Let’s review the traits we humans typically admire in others—and unconsciously look for in fictional characters, in order to relate to them:

Empathy:The ability to understand and share the feelings of another is incredibly endearing. Empathetic individuals are seen as caring and compassionate, making them naturally likable.

Humor:A good sense of humor is irresistible. People who can laugh, especially at themselves, and bring lightness to conversations tend to be very appealing.

Integrity:Honesty and a strong moral principle attract respect and admiration. Individuals who stand by their values and are truthful are seen as trustworthy and reliable—even when we don’t agree with them.

Kindness:Acts of kindness, gentleness with those who need help, are a real clue to character. Kind individuals are often well-liked because they make others feel seen, valued, and respected.

Confidence:Confidence, not to be confused with arrogance, draws people in. Confident individuals are comfortable in their own skin, which makes others feel comfortable around them as well.

A Genuine Interest in Others:When people are genuinely interested in their fellow humans, it shows. People who listen actively, paying attention to others’ thoughts and feelings, are incredibly likable. This trait makes people feel heard and important.

Optimism:A positive outlook on life is contagious. Optimistic people, who see the best in situations and others, tend to uplift those around them, making them highly likable.

Reliability:Being dependable and consistent in one’s actions and behaviors builds trust. People are drawn to those they can count on.

Open-mindedness:The willingness to consider different ideas and perspectives without immediate judgment is a highly attractive trait. It shows a level of respect and curiosity for others’ experiences and views.

Passion:Individuals who are passionate about their interests or beliefs are often very engaging. Their enthusiasm can be infectious, making them interesting and likable, even when we find their passion for a particular subject baffling.

Resilience:The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude is admirable. Resilient people inspire those around them with their strength and perseverance.

Generosity:Sharing time, resources, or knowledge without expecting anything in return is a trait that naturally draws people. Generous individuals are often appreciated and admired for their willingness to help others.

Courage:We admire those who stand up for what they believe in or are the first to take action in a crisis. We admire those who aren’t afraid to try new things or challenge themselves to go farther and do more.

These traits, among others, contribute significantly to a person’s likability, which means incorporating a few of these qualities into your characters can make them more relatable and endearing to readers, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative.

This is not to say that your characters have to embodyeveryquality we admire in others. How tedious would that be? Beware of turning your protagonist into a Mary Sue or Gary Stu.