One of the things I love about genre fiction is the serialization of stories, locales and characters. Not so common in general fiction, but almost standard in mystery, science fiction/fantasy and romance/chick lit genres, is the continuing story of a character, or group of characters, from book to book.

I love getting to know these characters as they evolve with each book, like the unpeeling of the layers of an onion. Kind of like real life, too, if you think about it. It probably took years for you to truly know and understand your best friend or your partner, continuously learning more about her or him as your mutual experiences in life unfolded.

That’s the way I feel about some of my favorite fictional characters. I’ve lived with them through all kinds of circumstances (plots), and each book in the par-ticular series has revealed a deeper part of their backgrounds and psyches.

Three of my favorite characters are Dave Robicheaux – the Iberia, Louisiana sheriff’s detective created by James Lee Burke; John Rebus, the Edinburgh, Scotland detective inspector created by Ian Rankin; and, Alan Banks, the Eastvale, England detective chief inspector created by Peter Robinson.

I’ve read dozens of novels by these three authors and have learned a little more about each of the characters with each book. I’ve suffered with Robicheaux’s battles with alcohol, made tougher by his no-compromise approach to seeking justice. I’ve watched John Rebus evolve from maverick cop to retired curmudgeon. And, I’ve enjoyed Alan Bank’s love of music as he pursues the latest criminal.

But I’m not limited to these three. William Kent Krueger, Steve Hamilton, G.M. Ford and many, many others have created some wonderful characters and series.

And, of course I must mention the very funny and original Tracy Eaton series by Kris Neri, the third installment of which – REVENGE FOR OLD TIMES’ SAKE – has recently been published.

So, who are your favorite characters? Let me know.