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[Margo]

Beyond that, though, I don't really buy the "empty vessel" idea...

Perhaps you'd explain some things to me, because I don't 'get' or like Bella. How would you describe her as a person independent of her relationship with Edward? Her likes, hates, goals, dreams, fears, hobbies, best friends?

[Guardian]

Bella is a typical, low detailed 2D teenage character, but the imagination of the readers is giving the missing 1D and making Bella to a not really complex 3D character. At least this is my opinion. I believe this is why the "Empty Shell" is fit perfectly and also the reason why the teenage girl readers liked her. The 2D was a base and the missing piece was added with the personality of the readers.

[Nicole R]

Nicole R wrote:
Beyond that, though, I don't really buy the "empty vessel" idea...

Perhaps you'd explain some things to me, because I don't 'get' or like Bella. How would you describe her as a person independent of her relationship with Edward? Her likes, hates, goals, dreams, fears, hobbies, best friends?

I’m getting more at what lmjackson talked about – it’s alarming to think writers would go around creating “empty shells” as a way to entice readers.

To answer your question, though it’s been a while since I dove into any of the Twilight books: Bella doesn’t like Forks, she prefers the south with its warmth and heat; she looks after both of her parents like a parent herself and doesn’t want to hurt them in any way; she likes cooking (or at least she does it often), she’s clumsy (though this one is kind of a cop-out and overused in the books), and she loves her crummy old truck. The best friend thing would be Jacob, but I'm not touching that one. :)

You raise a really interesting point! How much do we ever know about characters outside of the story’s main focus – and how much do we care? In Harry Potter, for example, we don’t know that much about his life and dreams outside of and separate from Hogwarts. But that’s never stopped me from loving it. Very eenteresting…

[lmjackson]

Beyond that, though, I don't really buy the "empty vessel" idea...

Perhaps you'd explain some things to me, because I don't 'get' or like Bella. How would you describe her as a person independent of her relationship with Edward? Her likes, hates, goals, dreams, fears, hobbies, best friends?

Just for fun, but more just being facetious

Bella

Likes: Edward
Hates: Forks (UNTIL she meets Edward and his family), "normal" aspects of human life (aging, eating, sleeping, weakness)
Goals: To become a vampire and live with Edward forever
Fears: Edward decides he doesn't want her, someone in her family being harmed because of her association with vampires
Hobbies: Cooking? Though I think she only does this to give Charlie something decent to eat lol
Best Friends: Edward and his family (Alice specifically), Jacob

Why is Bella considered the main character? As far as I can see the entire book revolves around one person and that's certainly not her :P