Main character not likable.

[RoperTrace]

I'm almost 19,000 words into part 2 of a story I published here and came to the conclusion that my MC isn't very likable. I'm starting to think that may be a theme on a lot or most of my 20 stories published so far. It's not a romance story, more of a coming-of-age theme, with a light incest/taboo theme. So should I just make him a full-on man whore, or try to humanize him somewhat. It's been several months since I wrote part one, but I did it as a stand-alone story back then in case part 2 never happened.

A lot of my stories are in the BDSM and non-consent categories. I avoid the loving wives and romantic themes since my personal experience in those areas is fairly shallow, or let's just say hard to remember how that works. This particular part 2 would be tagged as coming of age(if that's a category), lesbian, exhibitionism, masturbation, hetero sex, and incest categories so far.
Maybe I just need to finish this part, and not beat myself up on whether readers will like the MC or not. I've only ever written one story(IIRC) where one of the MC's was a villain. This MC isn't a villain, maybe just not very likable.

Perhaps I'm just overthinking this?

 

[KeithD]

Shallow readers tend to demand likable characters, but this isn't a requirement for having a good story. If you care a lot about having shallow readers, it's a factor you should consider, though.

 

[shutterpsb]

As has been said, a likable main character isn't required. A solid story plot with some sort of character arc is more important. I'm guessing you're over thinking the whole thing. Get it written. If it's the story you wanted to tell, mission accomplished.

 

[SimonDoom]

Perhaps I'm just overthinking this?[/SIZE]

Maybe. Only you know. It's definitely possible to write a great story with an unlikeable main character. It depends on the story. If the character's unlikeability is a crucial part of moving the story forward, I'd say stick with it.

If readers object, then you can take a different approach with the next story.

That's what I like about this place. You can take risks, and if they don't pan out you just write differently the next time.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Forget likeable. Are they interesting? Is he a bastard you can't help rooting for, or a villain you love to hate, or just an unpleasant guy whose mindset is fascinating to read about?

And are they a plausible character? Some stories aren't aiming for realism of course, but do their actions make sense in the context of the story?

There's certainly excellent stories out there with unpleasant main characters - there's an author who writes about a nasty corrupt cop fucking his way through a town of young women desperate to avoid driving offenses etc, can't remember his name, but they're very good.

 

[RoperTrace]

Shallow readers tend to demand likable characters, but this isn't a requirement for having a good story. If you care a lot about having shallow readers, it's a factor you should consider, though.

Actually, i don't care about shallow readers at all. It's just kind of a personal thing with me and this character I've created.

As has been said, a likable main character isn't required. A solid story plot with some sort of character arc is more important. I'm guessing you're over thinking the whole thing. Get it written. If it's the story you wanted to tell, mission accomplished.

You're probably correct. And I'm somewhat mystified about becoming self-critical after all these years.

Maybe. Only you know. It's definitely possible to write a great story with an unlikeable main character. It depends on the story. If the character's unlikeability is a crucial part of moving the story forward, I'd say stick with it.

If readers object, then you can take a different approach with the next story.

That's what I like about this place. You can take risks, and if they don't pan out you just write differently the next time.

I would like to write about a nasty MC sometime in the near future. Might be cathartic. In this instance, unlikeability wasn't a crucial part of moving the story forward. Then again, it's already taken a few detours, so maybe that's telling me where it should go.

Forget likeable. Are they interesting? Is he a bastard you can't help rooting for, or a villain you love to hate, or just an unpleasant guy whose mindset is fascinating to read about?

And are they a plausible character? Some stories aren't aiming for realism of course, but do their actions make sense in the context of the story?

There's certainly excellent stories out there with unpleasant main characters - there's an author who writes about a nasty corrupt cop fucking his way through a town of young women desperate to avoid driving offenses etc, can't remember his name, but they're very good.

To me, they are interesting, perhaps without a good set of morals, but I'm trying to convey what that time was like. I've covered a couple of stories involving cops and have gotten hate mail because of it, even though I mentioned at the beginning that I have a lot of respect for good cops.

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

 

[KeithD]

Actually, i don't care about shallow readers at all. It's just kind of a personal thing with me and this character I've created.

Well, to be truthful, it's not a personal thing for you if you posted for help on a discussion board.

 

[RetroFan]

Forget likeable. Are they interesting? Is he a bastard you can't help rooting for, or a villain you love to hate, or just an unpleasant guy whose mindset is fascinating to read about?

And are they a plausible character? Some stories aren't aiming for realism of course, but do their actions make sense in the context of the story?

There's certainly excellent stories out there with unpleasant main characters - there's an author who writes about a nasty corrupt cop fucking his way through a town of young women desperate to avoid driving offenses etc, can't remember his name, but they're very good.

You sum it up well. I like writing stories with unlikeable lead characters, I find it an interesting challenge. There's lots of successful fictional works in various media with unlikeable or unsympathetic main characters. Sitcoms like Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm are good examples.

 

[lovecraft68]

I like to write characters who on the surface are unlikable, then try to win the readers over by showing why they are the way they are, Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but its a cool trick when you can pull it off. Regardless of whether or not I succeed what's important is the character comes out the way you wanted them. Just like not every reader will like every story, not every character has to be a fan fav. As long as you wrote it to the best of your ability is what matters

 

[Lifestyle66]

Main characters don't need to be likeable.

Consider movies such as "The Godfather" about Mafia killers, or the Netflix series "House of Cards" in which Kevin Spacy played an evil politician who shove a girl in front of an oncoming metro train (among other things.)

 

[RoperTrace]

Well, to be truthful, it's not a personal thing for you if you posted for help on a discussion board.

No, that's exactly what I mean. If I'm not liking the character that I created, then it's personal. I didn't give you the background and ask if you the reader(s) liked the MC. I'm starting to find him unlikeable. I'll give him a few days to transform, or not.

 

[TheRedChamber]

No, that's exactly what I mean. If I'm not liking the character that I created, then it's personal. I didn't give you the background and ask if you the reader(s) liked the MC. I'm starting to find him unlikeable. I'll give him a few days to transform, or not.

While a lot of people are saying that a main character doesn't need to be likable (true), if you intented your main character to be likable and it's not coming through in your writing then that's a problem and worth thinking about and trying to nail down exactly what the problem is, as likeable obviously comes in many flavours. A lot of the books on writing suggest getting to know your characters by interviewing them - you can ask questions like...

What decisions does he make? Are these only for his own benefit or does he act on behalf of others?
What issues do other characters in the story have? How does he react to these? (He doesn't necessarily need to be saving drowning kittens twice a chapter but basic concern for others might make him more likable)
What does he want from life apart from just sex? How is he trying to achieve this goal?
Who are his friends and family? What is his relationship with them like? Why do his friends like him?
What are his quirks? What does his friends or girlfriend make fun of him for?
What's the worst thing he'd ever done prior to the story starting?
What has he done to deserve the sex he is getting in the story? (If the audience is thinking 'lucky bastard' maybe he should be as well.)
Does he ever crack a joke? What makes him laugh?
What emotional reaction does he have to the events of the story? Are these the 'normal' reactions you'd expect from the situation? How does he express these emotions? (either by actions,speech or through the narration of his thoughts)

I had a similar issue when writing one of my stories (Barbie Ferrari) where the main character in the initial draft was coming across as a little flat and uninteresting and it was unbelievable that he was getting the attention of the female character. In the story he was a young gas station clerk who was rather disinterestedly studying a on-line degree in computer science during his shift. I wanted the character to be fresh out of high school and trying to figure out his life, but this wasn't really anything that could be worked into the story that much - the character just put down his book whenever the girl came in and occassionally mentioned his progress through study. I ended up changing the character to wanting to study visual design at college and had him draw the girl. This involved rewriting nearly all of the scenes and introducing some new ones so that his observations of the female character was through the lense of an artist and a subject (with horny teenager often raising it's head as well), this also gave her more of a reason to like him and make the relationship more understandable. I'd originally considered making him an artist too cliche when planning, but reading through the draft, I felt that the risk of cliche was better than the risk of just having a boring character.

If you're 19,000 words in and it's already part two, there might not be much you can do unless you are willing to make substantial changes, or it may be that a couple of jokes and changing the way he talks to be nicer to others might do the trick. Obviously it's impossible to tell without looking at your story. (And as others have said, there might not be a problem at all.)

 

[KeithD]

No, that's exactly what I mean. If I'm not liking the character that I created, then it's personal. I didn't give you the background and ask if you the reader(s) liked the MC. I'm starting to find him unlikeable. I'll give him a few days to transform, or not.

Or you could change your expectations for the character. Maybe the character thinks he knows what makes for the better story than what you planned. Characters redo my expectations of them frequently in stories.

 

[RoperTrace]

While a lot of people are saying that a main character doesn't need to be likable (true), if you intented your main character to be likable and it's not coming through in your writing then that's a problem and worth thinking about and trying to nail down exactly what the problem is, as likeable obviously comes in many flavours. A lot of the books on writing suggest getting to know your characters by interviewing them - you can ask questions like...

What decisions does he make? Are these only for his own benefit or does he act on behalf of others?
What issues do other characters in the story have? How does he react to these? (He doesn't necessarily need to be saving drowning kittens twice a chapter but basic concern for others might make him more likable)
What does he want from life apart from just sex? How is he trying to achieve this goal?
Who are his friends and family? What is his relationship with them like? Why do his friends like him?
What are his quirks? What does his friends or girlfriend make fun of him for?
What's the worst thing he'd ever done prior to the story starting?
What has he done to deserve the sex he is getting in the story? (If the audience is thinking 'lucky bastard' maybe he should be as well.)
Does he ever crack a joke? What makes him laugh?
What emotional reaction does he have to the events of the story? Are these the 'normal' reactions you'd expect from the situation? How does he express these emotions? (either by actions,speech or through the narration of his thoughts)

I had a similar issue when writing one of my stories (Barbie Ferrari) where the main character in the initial draft was coming across as a little flat and uninteresting and it was unbelievable that he was getting the attention of the female character. In the story he was a young gas station clerk who was rather disinterestedly studying a on-line degree in computer science during his shift. I wanted the character to be fresh out of high school and trying to figure out his life, but this wasn't really anything that could be worked into the story that much - the character just put down his book whenever the girl came in and occassionally mentioned his progress through study. I ended up changing the character to wanting to study visual design at college and had him draw the girl. This involved rewriting nearly all of the scenes and introducing some new ones so that his observations of the female character was through the lense of an artist and a subject (with horny teenager often raising it's head as well), this also gave her more of a reason to like him and make the relationship more understandable. I'd originally considered making him an artist too cliche when planning, but reading through the draft, I felt that the risk of cliche was better than the risk of just having a boring character.

If you're 19,000 words in and it's already part two, there might not be much you can do unless you are willing to make substantial changes, or it may be that a couple of jokes and changing the way he talks to be nicer to others might do the trick. Obviously it's impossible to tell without looking at your story. (And as others have said, there might not be a problem at all.)

Okay, you gave me a lot to think about with those series of questions. Thank you.

Or you could change your expectations for the character. Maybe the character thinks he knows what makes for the better story than what you planned. Characters redo my expectations of them frequently in stories.

More great advice, and I never really thought of your second statement. Thanks again.

 

[GrushaVashnadze]

Here's a story I wrote where perhaps none of the main characters are "likable": The Cursed Cunt
But that's kinda the point. As one of the "unlikable" characters in the story says, "We are like fleas on the backside of an elephant," i.e. lost, fallen, and at the mercy of forces beyond our ken - which often brings out the worst in people.

Lest I put you off, readers find this story "likable": it has been short-listed for "Best Erotic Story by a New Author" as well as "Best Erotic Horror Story" on the Clitorides Awards. Please have a shufti!

 

[SimonDoom]

Here's an idea. Rather than completely rewrite the character, insert a scene where the character does something good. This is the idea behind the screenplay book "Save The Cat." The idea is that if early in the movie the MC "saves a cat" then the audience will see the MC as good, even if the MC can be a dick at times. You might try something like that and see how it feels.

 

[RoperTrace]

Thanks to everyone participating. Using some of the ideas from everyone, here's how I'm going to resolve the issue. A mentor of the main character who appeared in the first part is going to lay some tough love on him, and his moral compass is turned back on, and he redeems himself. I haven't written that part yet, but just knowing it's coming up helps me going forward with the story.

In the future when I attempt more of a villainous MC, I can choose to forego any redemption or make it some kind of comeback theme. The comments on this thread have given me a spark again. It would be great if real-life problems could be solved like this.

 

[JakBird]

I'm almost 19,000 words into part 2 of a story I published here and came to the conclusion that my MC isn't very likable. I'm starting to think that may be a theme on a lot or most of my 20 stories published so far. It's not a romance story, more of a coming-of-age theme, with a light incest/taboo theme. So should I just make him a full-on man whore, or try to humanize him somewhat. It's been several months since I wrote part one, but I did it as a stand-alone story back then in case part 2 never happened.

A lot of my stories are in the BDSM and non-consent categories. I avoid the loving wives and romantic themes since my personal experience in those areas is fairly shallow, or let's just say hard to remember how that works. This particular part 2 would be tagged as coming of age(if that's a category), lesbian, exhibitionism, masturbation, hetero sex, and incest categories so far.
Maybe I just need to finish this part, and not beat myself up on whether readers will like the MC or not. I've only ever written one story(IIRC) where one of the MC's was a villain. This MC isn't a villain, maybe just not very likable.

Perhaps I'm just overthinking this?

I suggest you write it as you see it and ignore the audience. I recently finished a series of stories where the primary character turns out to be a psychopathic monster who lives to prey upon her unsuspecting victims, leaving them as little more than emotional train wrecks. After the first story I figured the comments would be filled with outrage.

Quite the opposite happened. Yes, there was revulsion, but with it came a certain fascination and pleas to continue with more stories starring the predator in hiding, a young lady who might rival Dr. Mengele when it comes to the psychological. Sure , the reader may hate your character, but if it's a good story and the personality fits, it doesn't matter.

 

[njlauren]

Just speaking for myself but I think write the character as you see them rather than caring about likeability. For me personally I have a problem with stories where I don't like any of the characters, but I am ok w a bastard as MC as long as there is someone I can I'd with.

 

[TadOverdon]

I don't care that much whether my protagonists are likeable, to tell the truth. At least, not in conventional terms. It's important that sooner or later, they're enjoying the hell out of what they're doing.

See: Hannibal Lecter.

 

[Emilymcplugger]

Main characters don't need to be likeable.

Consider movies such as "The Godfather" about Mafia killers, or the Netflix series "House of Cards" in which Kevin Spacy played an evil politician who shove a girl in front of an oncoming metro train (among other things.)

Also, best of the lot and missing from the list

AMERICAN PSYCHO.

 

[MsNatalie99]

Or you could change your expectations for the character. Maybe the character thinks he knows what makes for the better story than what you planned. Characters redo my expectations of them frequently in stories.

I agree, I don't think a character needs to be likable to be a good character. I'd recently seen fences with Denzel Washington, and I hated his character. But the story was good, and I felt invested in knowing the outcome. I think it's more important that your character be relatable, then likable.

Something I always saw as a sign of good writing was if the author made me care about a character I didn't like. If I read a book about a racist homophobic guy who just got out of prison for a hate crime, and I spend the entire time reading the book hoping he gets his life together and sees the error in his ways, then the author did their job.

 

[Emilymcplugger]

I agree, I don't think a character needs to be likable to be a good character. I'd recently seen fences with Denzel Washington, and I hated his character. But the story was good, and I felt invested in knowing the outcome. I think it's more important that your character be relatable, then likable.

Something I always saw as a sign of good writing was if the author made me care about a character I didn't like. If I read a book about a racist homophobic guy who just got out of prison for a hate crime, and I spend the entire time reading the book hoping he gets his life together and sees the error in his ways, then the author did their job.

The Shawshank Redemption is from the view of Red, a man who murdered people for insurance money.

 

[MsNatalie99]

The Shawshank Redemption is from the view of Red, a man who murdered people for insurance money.

True. Although, I dismissed Red's crimes in the movie. It's hard to be mad at Morgan Freeman.

 

[shakna]

If I find myself starting to dislike a main character, and find that getting in the way of my writing, then I pivot. The story is your own, the way you've planned out an arc can change on a dime if that's what you want. (By pivot I don't necessarily mean a rewrite - change the future without the past, that's fine.)

In some of my past pivots, that's been to just switch focus to one of the side characters. Maybe going back a bit and fleshing them out first. Sometimes it's been cathartic to straight-up murder the character I no longer like, rather than just shove them into the background.

But the story is your own. If there's something that isn't working for you... There's always the freedom to reinvent it.