I adore character-driven novels, so it was really hard to limit this post to ten titles! Here’s what I came up with, in no particular order:
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker – I adore seeing character-driven fantasy novels.
Crossed Wires by Rosy Thornton – All of Thornton’s novels are character-driven (and fantastic), but this is my favorite of them.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov – Humbert Humbert might not be a likable character, but he’s still the impetus for this novel…
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – I debated which of Rowell’s novels to choose, but in the end, decided this is the one I wanted to feature.
The Awakening by Kate Chopin – One of the best character-studies I’ve ever read.
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti – Another author who excels in character, though I think this one is the best of many of hers I’ve read.
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist – Character-driven dystopia. Not something you see very often. This one is fantastic.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath – Slide into darkness with the narrator, and claw your way back out again. Brilliantly executed.
The Untelling by Tayari Jones – Again, all of Jones’ novels are character driven, so it was hard to pick just one. The character in this one was so rich.
The Leftovers by Tom Perotta – And again. I could have chosen any, but as this one follows the psychological developments of many characters in reaction to an event, I chose it as the most character-driven.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
The Zen Leaf 
Great choices! I think I discovered The Awakening when you reviewed it on our blog a few years ago, and ended up loving it. I’ll make a note to check out The Golem and Jinni. It sounds like something I would like.
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I’m not sure it’s my review you’re thinking of – the last time I reviewed The Awakening, it was on 5-Squared in 2008, and I’ve since lost the review. However, I’m glad you ended up loving it! The Golem and the Jinni is fantastic!
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I read the first chapter of The Golem and the Jinni and then got sidetracked. I really should go back to it one of these days; it sounds like a book I would enjoy!
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It’s definitely a slow read, but in a good way. I read it at the perfect time, when I was looking to read something long and languorous. 🙂
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The Awakening is a great, great choice for this. I didn’t respond to the book as positively as others have, but it was definitely an in-depth character profile.
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I think it’s one of those books that you have to be the right person and read it at the right time.
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I was meaning to read Helene Wecker’s book already, but if it’s character driven, that’s even more up my street. Wooo.
My TTT.
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Awesome!
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I’d never thought of it, but you’re right, a character-driven dystopia is very rare. I’ll have to learn more about this one.
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It’s probably my very favorite dystopia ever.
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