Have you read Jane Austen? Dorothy Sayers Lord Whimsey mysteries, Jeeves and Wooster novels by PG Woodhouse. Gloria Naylor who mostly wrote in the late 80s, early 90s wrote amazing characters--try Linden Hills and Mama Day. Sue Townsend Adrian Mole novels are all character. And, try The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz. His characters aren't always likable, but they're characters.