Adding new character(s) when you are almost done?

The only experience I have with this is knowing beforehand that I wanted to introduce another character near the end (there were reasons) and then I loved that character so much that I doubled the length of the book to give her her own storyline.

ETA: The extra length was added on to the end. I didn't go back and add bits to what was already written.

It depends on how you handle it. If you want the character to be loved, then even if you introduce them close to the end, take some time to pour some love on that character. Add some extra scenes where the reader can really connect with your added characters so they don't seem like silly add ins at the end.

Hmm, tough question.

I think if you are adding them in just at the end then as a reader I would be annoyed, after all, it's one more person to remember and care about with only a little story left.

On the other hand if you are going back and workign them in that could be quite sucessfully done.