Character Discussion Question
Does a character have to be likeable to make a good book?
One friend told me that she hated The Golden Compass because she thought Lyra was a sociopath who didn't give a crap about anyone else. (It's been a while since I read His Dark Materials, but I definitely do NOT remember getting that impression.)
Personally, I don't understand this. If a character is interesting, or otherwise functions well within the story, I don't feel the need to like them or agree with their actions. I can't think of any particular book examples, but the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion comes to mind. Each character ranges from irritating to despicable, but the show itself is one of my favorites. Death Note is also a good example of a good show featuring a protagonist that you hate.
I highly dislike the protagonist in my novel-in-progress. She acts selfishly and can be very mean and superficial. Her moral philosophy in life is also very different from mine. Still, she is interesting, and a lot of fun to write.
What are your thoughts? Obviously, no one likes a stereotypically perfect character, but are their any standards to which you hold your protagonists?
One friend told me that she hated The Golden Compass because she thought Lyra was a sociopath who didn't give a crap about anyone else. (It's been a while since I read His Dark Materials, but I definitely do NOT remember getting that impression.)
Personally, I don't understand this. If a character is interesting, or otherwise functions well within the story, I don't feel the need to like them or agree with their actions. I can't think of any particular book examples, but the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion comes to mind. Each character ranges from irritating to despicable, but the show itself is one of my favorites. Death Note is also a good example of a good show featuring a protagonist that you hate.
I highly dislike the protagonist in my novel-in-progress. She acts selfishly and can be very mean and superficial. Her moral philosophy in life is also very different from mine. Still, she is interesting, and a lot of fun to write.
What are your thoughts? Obviously, no one likes a stereotypically perfect character, but are their any standards to which you hold your protagonists?