Yeah, it's really a mark of a good character if you disagree with part of them. If you can relate to a character and like ALL of their traits, that probably means the character is a Mary Sue. It's also unique how the reader can really relate to a lot of characters in Shiki (except maybe Atsushi), so they're more attached to them. Similarly, it's also easier to write characters that you can relate to, especially if you're writing from their POV; I wonder if Ono could relate to other characters too? This is a thought I have often: what does she think about her characters? Who's her favorite? Least favorite? Ughhh, why can't the woman give more interviews lol.

Seeing a relationship go south is really sad; I think Seishin and Toshio drifting apart is the saddest thing in Shiki for me. Second place would most likely be Kanami's mom coming back to her? It's also frustrating reading about the two confronting their differences and not being able to deal with them. I believe that communication is the key to a good friendship, but despite all their late night bedroom talks, Seishin and Toshio have never really had that, have they? People say that it's easier to be friends with someone you have a lot in common with, but it's also good if you're very different. With the right communication, the two people can learn more about each other and see things from a point of view they never knew existed. I wish that Toshio could see how suffocating life in Sotoba is (like Seishin), and that Seishin could feel how good it is to be involved in the community (like Toshio).