Creating authentic and relatable characters is key to engaging young adult (YA) readers. In Amber Armitage And The Aztec Trials by Ashlee Vitz, the protagonist, Amber Armitage, embodies traits that make her both compelling and believable, capturing the attention of readers through her journey of self-discovery and adventure. By exploring Amber’s character development, we can extract valuable lessons for crafting authentic YA protagonists that connect deeply with readers.
1. Grounding Characters in Real Emotions
One of the most significant factors in Amber’s relatability is her emotional authenticity. Amber faces complex emotions throughout the story—fear, determination, uncertainty, and courage. These emotions are not static; they evolve in response to her experiences, from her initial hesitation about the trials to the courage she musters as she faces each challenge.
To create an authentic YA character, it’s important to allow their emotions to change and grow in response to their circumstances. YA readers appreciate characters who feel real—who are vulnerable, experience moments of doubt, and must confront their insecurities before they can achieve their goals. Amber’s emotional journey is one that readers can identify with, whether they are facing external challenges or their own personal battles.
2. Balancing Strength with Vulnerability
Amber’s journey through the Aztec trials requires her to be strong, but she is also allowed moments of vulnerability. She worries about whether she is capable of overcoming the obstacles before her, and these insecurities make her more human. Rather than portraying Amber as a flawless hero, Ashlee Vitz allows her to be imperfect, which ultimately makes her triumphs more powerful.
Authentic YA characters are those who are not afraid to acknowledge their weaknesses. Vulnerability adds depth to characters and creates a sense of empathy between them and the readers. When writing YA fiction, striking a balance between a character’s strength and vulnerability is essential for making them realistic and relatable.
3. Showing Growth Through Challenges
Amber’s character undergoes substantial growth as she faces the trials ahead of her. Each trial is not merely a physical obstacle but a test of her values, wit, and emotional resilience. The challenges she encounters force her to step outside of her comfort zone, adapt to new circumstances, and trust herself in ways she hasn’t before.
Growth is a key element of authentic YA fiction. Teen readers are in a formative stage of their lives, and they want to see characters who are also growing and evolving. Amber’s journey demonstrates the importance of facing challenges head-on, and how doing so shapes her into a more mature and confident version of herself. When writing a YA protagonist, it’s crucial to create situations that encourage meaningful growth and transformation.
Amber Armitage stands out as an authentic and relatable character because of her emotional depth, vulnerability, personal growth, and realistic relationships. Her journey in Amber Armitage And The Aztec Trials is not just about facing external challenges; it’s also about navigating her own fears, flaws, and aspirations. For writers aiming to craft memorable YA characters, Amber serves as an excellent example of how to create protagonists that resonate with readers.
By grounding characters in real emotions, balancing strength with vulnerability, showing growth through challenges, and giving them relatable motivations and meaningful relationships, authors can create protagonists that young readers not only relate to but also aspire to be. Authentic characters like Amber help readers see their own struggles and triumphs reflected in fiction, making their reading experience deeply personal and impactful.
