J.K. ROWLING – Author of the writing world phenomenon Harry Potter series, created a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, and growth arcs. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are multidimensional, allowing readers to relate to their struggles, growth, and emotions.  External battles against dark forces and internal conflicts within characters keep the reader engaged.  Subtle hints and foreshadowing are given throughout the series.  Pacing varies, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, character-driven scenes.  We all know that world-building immerses readers in the wizarding world. Her descriptions of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and other settings create a vivid and captivating backdrop for the story. The limited third-person point-of-view offers insights into the thoughts and feelings of Harry and other key characters.  The tone and voice of the series evolve as the characters grow.  Amazingly, themes such as the battle between good and evil, the importance of love and sacrifice, the consequences of one’s choices, and the impacts of prejudice and discrimination are solid themes in her work regardless of her personal beliefs. There is rich symbolism from the significance of the Deathly Hallows to the various magical creatures and objects. All her characters possess a unique voice giving authenticity to the story. Readers feel a deep connection with the characters’ joys, fears, and sorrows, enhancing their engagement with the story.

STEPHEN KING– Master of the horror and supernatural genre, crafts complex characters who possess relatable fears, vulnerabilities, and strengths.  His work features a blend of external and internal conflicts.  Whether it’s supernatural horrors or personal demons, the variation in conflict keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.  He plants clues and foreshadowing throughout his narratives, building anticipation and engaging readers in deciphering the mysteries within the story.  King employs a rollercoaster approach to pacing, creating tension and release.  Using vivid descriptions and eerie and unsettling settings and atmosphere, his settings come to life and contribute to the overall sense of dread.  He uses various points of view allowing readers to see events through the eyes of different characters. The voice of his work is conversational and approachable, the tone varies between the gruesome and the introspective.  His themes include human nature, good vs. evil, addiction, and the darkness that resides within us.  Symbolism and striking imagery enhance the thematic and emotional depths of his stories. King’s dialogues are authentic and reveal his characters’ personalities, relationships, and internal conflicts.  His portrayal of human emotions is genuine.  Readers empathize with the characters’ fear, grief, and determination, intensifying the emotional impact.

J.R.R. TOLKIEN – Renowned author of “The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, developed characters from Frodo and Sam to Aragorn and Gollum as rich, distinct personalities, histories, and moral dilemmas.  From the battle against Sauron, and Frodo’s internal struggle with the Ring’s corrupting influence, the external and internal conflicts are clear.  He expertly employs subtext and foreshadowing to build a sense of destiny and fate throughout his works.  Hints and prophecies are interwoven into the narrative, creating a sense of epic destiny.  Intense action contrasted by quieter; reflective passages varies the pacing.  Tolkien’s world-building is legendary, with detailed and immersive descriptions of Middle-earth. His atmospheric prose brings to life the landscapes, cultures, and histories of the places he creates.  His point-of-view employs an omniscient narrative perspective, allowing readers to explore the thoughts and motivations of multiple characters.  His writing voice combines archaic and lyrical language, capturing the grandeur and depth of his fantasy world.  His work explores profound themes such as the corrupting influence of power, the struggle between good and evil, the importance of friendship and loyalty, and the concept of heroism.  The symbolism of the One Ring, the Shire, and the White Tree, add layers of meaning to his stories.  The dialogue conveys the characters’ personalities, cultures, and relationships authentically.  His stories are emotionally resonant as readers connect with the characters’ struggles, losses, and the emotional weight of their quests.  Tolkien also uses appendices, songs, and lore adding depth to his narratives.

GEORGE R.R. MARTIN – Author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the hit television series Game of Thrones, easily creates an expansive cast of characters, each with intricate backstories, motivations, and moral complexities.  There are a multitude of conflicts, both internal and external. From political power struggles to personal moral dilemmas, the diversity adds depth and complexity to his novels.  He subtly drops hints and foreshadowing throughout the series to build anticipation and engage readers in uncovering the mysteries and secrets within the narrative.  Martin is a master of balancing slower character-driven moments with intense, action-packed sequences.  Martin’s world-building is immersive and detailed, with atmospheric descriptions of Westeros and Essos. He brings to life the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of these fictional worlds.  His point-of-view is a unique multiple-perspective narrative, with each chapter seen through the eyes of different characters shifting between gritty realism, political intrigue, and moments of epic grandeur, creating a multifaceted narrative.  The corrupting nature of power, the consequences of choices, the brutality of politics, and the shades of morality are prominent themes explored in the series.  House sigils and prophecies enrich the narrative with vivid and impactful imagery.  His dialogue creates believable interactions expanding and clarifying relationships and story development.  Despite the epic scope and the inclusion of supernatural elements, Martin’s stories resonate emotionally with readers, connecting them with the characters’ desires, fears, and personal struggles.