Let’s face it, when we write our main characters, we want to like them and we want our readers to like them too. So it can be a real challenge to write protagonists who are, on the face of it, unlikeable people. Here’s we explore some of the challenges of writing unlikeable characters.
Readers have to like the main character
Surely, in order to write an engaging and compelling story, readers have to like the main character.
Well, no!
A main character who challenges readers, who makes them think about their own lives and their own decisions, can be just as compelling as someone we like.
Of course, you need to be careful and ensure that you keep the reader on your side. The challenge is to write a well developed, unlikeable character who can move the story forward and has a believable arc that readers want to invest in.
No one is perfect
Nobody can claim to be completely likeable. (Well, they could claim that, but it wouldn’t be true, thus making them unlikeable!)
All your characters need some flaws and shortcomings in order to be well developed, believable characters.
But an unlikeable character needs a fundamental flaw that creates unlikeable behaviours and sets up conflict within the story.
People are wonderfully complex creatures. Just like your likeable characters may have some negative traits, your unlikeable characters may have some positive traits too. This creates a wonderful character that readers will be intrigued by.
What could be unlikeable?
There are many, many traits that could be unlikeable in a character. These could include:
- Narcissistic characters, full of their own self-importance and lacking any empathy;
- Sadistic characters, who take pleasure in others’ suffering;
- Jealous characters, who are consumed by envy;
- Selfish characters, who are only concerned with their own needs;
- Cowardly characters, who cannot accept responsibility or have fears that prevent them from doing the right thing;
- Lying characters, who manipulate those around them for their own gain.
Why are they unlikable?
Understanding where the unlikeable aspects of character’s personality come from is essential for the reader. It is what allows the reader to invest in the unlikeable character and keep reading the story.
This is what sets them apart from pure villains; a justifiable and understandable set of circumstances challenges the reader to keep reading the story.
It’s not about excusing their actions, which may be horrific, but about understanding how a set of past circumstances have impacted the character. This could be explained through things such as:
- Childhood difficulties, perhaps with parents;
- Traumatic experiences;
- Work and career difficulties;
- Financial pressures;
- Feelings of isolation, being an outside.
Showing unlikeable characters
As a writer, your job is to show the unlikeable aspects of the character, not simple to tell the reader. This is always the challenge with writing, but more so with unlikeable characters.
Actions are key. What does your unlikeable character do? Do they lie, cheat, steal, betray others? Show how those harmful actions impact the other characters in your story.
Think about the words they say. Dialogue plays an essential role in portraying character, so what does your unlikeable character say, and how do they say it, that will show their nature?
Because you are writing a story, you are able to dive into characters’ heads. What do they say to themselves? Does this betray their true intentions and their motivations? Is this at odds with their outward behaviours? You could show the reader the contrast between their internal and external voices.
Also, think about the characters around your unlikeable character. How do they respond to their actions? Are they afraid? Do they avoid them? Use these secondary characters to show the impact your unlikeable protagonist has.
Whose head are we in?
This is a good moment to discuss point of view when writing unlikeable characters. By using first person, or a very close third person perspective, you are able to dive inside the head of the unlikeable character. Outside of this, it can be difficult to reveal the true intentions of the character or show the reader their own point of view.
It’s also important to remember that readers expect the truth from the writer, even if the character is lying!
Is it all bad?
As I said above, people are wonderfully complex. Just as your likeable characters should have some flaws, your unlikeable protagonist should have some redeeming features.
That spark of humanity, that possibility of redemption, is one of the ways you can keep the reader reading.
Maybe they have an extraordinary talent. Perhaps they show some kindness to particular people or animals. Or maybe they even begin to question their own actions. These sorts of contradictions can help the reader feel that the character is complex and, again, gives them a reason to continue investing their time in the character.
Character arcs for unlikeable characters
It’s easy to think that every unlikeable character has one character arc. That, by the end of the story, the unlikeable character has to be redeemed and is then liked by the other characters. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Characters could also:
- Stay where they are, facing the conequences of their actions;
- End tragically as a result of their unlikeable traits;
- Survive and keep going, despite all the story throws at them, showing their resilience and determination.
Of course, you could choose to use the redemptive story arc, showing how they grow, change and overcome their flaws.
Writing unlikable characters is a great way of giving your story a twist, giving the reader something to think about. People who act differently, who are seen as outsiders, can provide a great way into a story full of conflict and tension. Why not experiment with your next story?
Nick (he/him) is an experienced, professional editor and proofreader, specialising in LGBTQ+ writing. Use this form to get in touch right now!
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