tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post4851086080856605302..comments2024-01-17T04:33:08.243-08:00Comments on My Friend Amy: How Important are Likeable Characters?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515314638093018928noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-78905916551194552432009-09-07T14:29:52.990-07:002009-09-07T14:29:52.990-07:00That a character be likeable should be the least f...That a character be likeable should be the least f the reader's concerns. That they be interesting should be the demand.Stewarthttp://www.booklit.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-81974333217099494022009-09-02T23:04:10.716-07:002009-09-02T23:04:10.716-07:00This is a difficult question. I don't think I...This is a difficult question. I don't think I need to like characters, but I do need to sympathize with their actions. For example, in LA Confidential, none of the main characters are likable. At all. But I still became really attached to them and interested in their stories because I understood them. <br /><br />One book I absolutely hated because of the main character was Red Badge of Courage. I hated that guy, and I didn't care what happened to him. I guess in that case I understood why he did what he did, but I didn't sympathize with it. Which makes no sense.Heidenkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09494625457587427781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-60671271355912301632009-09-01T13:55:58.555-07:002009-09-01T13:55:58.555-07:00I think it's all about how well a book is writ...I think it's all about how well a book is written. If the book can support an unlikable character, I'm in. If it's an unlikable character paired with a mediocre plot and sub-par writing, well, I'm out.<br /><br />I think The Reader is the first book that comes to mind when I think of an unlikable character in an amazing book. I struggled with this book, because I didn't like HER, but I felt such frustration with her that I couldn't help but become invested in the story. Does that make sense?Alison (Alison's Book Marks)http://www.alisons-bookmarks.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-88254308420302551972009-08-31T10:03:36.241-07:002009-08-31T10:03:36.241-07:00I love books with likeable characters - the kind o...I love books with likeable characters - the kind of people that I would love to have as friends. That being said, I don't read books just to fall in love with the characters in them. There are other elements that I look for in a book when deciding whether or not I enjoyed a book. For example, even though I hated Bella, I really enjoyed reading Twilight - the story was captivating. Furthermore, I think that some characters are meant to be hated or disliked. Can't think of an example off the top of my head with this one, but my point is that you can't like every character that you come across, which is why I try not to judge a book solely on the likeability of the characters. Usually, if it's a good story that's well written, I like it - I mean, getting those two right is hard enough, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-47220937033275367752009-08-30T20:04:27.910-07:002009-08-30T20:04:27.910-07:00Now I ave to know what book it is!
It depends on t...Now I ave to know what book it is!<br />It depends on the story whether I need to like the characters or not. I don't have to totally love them, but I guess believable is good. If I dislike the story or the characters are too stupid or something, then I probably won't finish the book. but if there are mean characters and they are part of a good story, then I'm all for it.Jenny Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04077659644092707107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-65408123772981455092009-08-30T15:42:58.565-07:002009-08-30T15:42:58.565-07:00I don't think it matters if I like the charact...I don't think it matters if I like the character or not. If they are a consistent and well written character and are acting in a way consistent with the story, my opinion isn't really important. If they are intentionally unlikeable, I hope I will catch that. If they are acting in a way I would find repugnant in real life, I hope to learn why, or to see things the way they do in order to understand.Melwykhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04885378201188978664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-21580953803695999872009-08-30T06:35:54.781-07:002009-08-30T06:35:54.781-07:00Characters are super important. No matter how good...Characters are super important. No matter how good the book is - if I'm not drawn to the characters and how they interact I won't love the book.Tales of Whimsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10938494589922620170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-63579476239497599612009-08-29T17:56:31.878-07:002009-08-29T17:56:31.878-07:00I think liking and connecting to a main character ...I think liking and connecting to a main character is extremely important. The last book I reviewed, Hungry Woman in Paris, was not given the best review simply because I could not stand the main character. <br /><br />I also have an award for you <a href="http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/zombie-chicken/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-67295425734738113632009-08-29T16:41:00.424-07:002009-08-29T16:41:00.424-07:00Good question. I didn't like Bella in the Twi...Good question. I didn't like Bella in the Twilight series, but still loved the series as a whole. I don't have to like the main character, but if I don't like ANY of the characters, well then that's different. <br /><br />Not feeling connected to the characters is worse for me. Reading a book without feeling anything is horrible to me.Shondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-38049859542908879042009-08-29T12:52:58.651-07:002009-08-29T12:52:58.651-07:00Often I don't like the characters but still li...Often I don't like the characters but still like the book. But sometimes not liking the characters does make me not like the book. However, I think of the example of Wuthering Heights. Many people hate this book because of the whiny immature characters. Yet, I love it despite them.Sueyhttp://www.sueysbooks.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-89536838733996489562009-08-29T08:51:18.739-07:002009-08-29T08:51:18.739-07:00Likeable characters are paramount! This is the re...Likeable characters are paramount! This is the reason CSI: Vegas is a good show and CSI: Miami sucks beyond belief. They are the same show...just different characters.Letters on Pageshttp://www.lettersonpages.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-39607937949392890122009-08-29T07:52:08.684-07:002009-08-29T07:52:08.684-07:00I agree that the characters have to be believable-...I agree that the characters have to be believable--and that may mean that you like them or dislike them, but you have to care what happens to them.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05554217416500328610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-39810897656785767032009-08-28T23:36:41.698-07:002009-08-28T23:36:41.698-07:00I can't dislike ALL the characters, but I'...I can't dislike ALL the characters, but I'm okay with disliking most of them. I read for book group a couple months ago The Book of Eve (haven't had book group yet so haven't blogged it yet). I wasn't particularly fond of any of the characters, but it's still pretty memorable. Also, I really didn't like the narrator of The Gargoyle, but it was still my favorite book of 2008.Jenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07832420356107544084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-12806176400896017472009-08-28T20:31:24.251-07:002009-08-28T20:31:24.251-07:00Also...now I have to know what book you were readi...Also...now I have to know what book you were reading!!! I will be looking for the review. :)Jenn M.http://www.jennifermorrill.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-88899056966797999862009-08-28T20:29:47.237-07:002009-08-28T20:29:47.237-07:00Good question! I think that sometimes it is nice ...Good question! I think that sometimes it is nice to like a main character, however, I agree with what you and others have said. It is fine to have an unlikeable character so long as you understand or it is believable.<br /><br />Someone brought up Wuthering Heights...great example. Very unlikeable characters, but a great book! And someone else brought up Robin Hobb...I have 3 Robin Hobb books sitting on my bookshelf right now given to me by a friend to read. Haven't read any of them yet, but we will see!<br /><br />Thanks for the great conversation.Jenn M.http://www.jennifermorrill.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-87195382488808837462009-08-28T19:04:36.151-07:002009-08-28T19:04:36.151-07:00I can't imagine sticking with a book if I didn...I can't imagine sticking with a book if I didn't like any of the characters or at least certain things about them, particularly the protagonist. It also depends on whether the character experiences a change or redemption at some point in the story. Just because I don't like a character at the beginning of a story doesn't mean I will feel the same way at the end. The Kite Runner is a prime example.Shaunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13576523079112503893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-26628069688636039252009-08-28T17:59:12.655-07:002009-08-28T17:59:12.655-07:00My first reaction was to say that yes, I need to l...My first reaction was to say that yes, I need to like the characters ... but then I thought of Wuthering Heights. Those people are not likable AT ALL yet I love that book. :)Heather J. @ TLC Book Tourshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10474181812740579350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-32567146245916673122009-08-28T16:42:33.365-07:002009-08-28T16:42:33.365-07:00I don't have to like the main characters, but ...I don't have to like the main characters, but if the book is written from inside one character's head, and it's a repugnant perspective, sometimes I have to stop reading or end up not liking it. Usually, it only happens when the narrator is very anti-women.Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06703372903532502944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-83712681990428303752009-08-28T16:42:04.318-07:002009-08-28T16:42:04.318-07:00Great post, and such a wonderful question posed.
...Great post, and such a wonderful question posed.<br /><br />Personally, I love it when I find I don't like a character. If an author can make such a stand-out character, and I'm still reading the book, then she/he is definitely doing something right. Before you think I'm crazy, let me explain myself by first giving three examples of this:<br /><br />Catherine & Heathcliff, from Wuthering Heights. Let's be truthful, Catherine was a brat, and Heathcliff, a jerk. But that is what made them so memorable, and their story lasting.<br /><br />Scarlett O'Hara, from Gone With the Wind. I disliked Scarlett. I disagreed with just about every thing she did, and every word she said. But couldn't stop reading, and my heart broke along with her's in the end. <br /><br />These characters behaved in the exact opposite ways I wanted them to. The things they did weren't predictable, or sometimes even socially acceptable. I like this; when I am surprised and caught off guard by a character. It makes me want to know more about him/her, creating a need to know what happens next. <br /><br />There have been characters, though, that I haven't liked and I couldn't stand to read any more of. This is usually because their actions weren't consistent with what they have been doing or saying for the entire book. There's nothing I hate more than an off-beat character sticking her tongue out at someone just for the heck of it. I want consistency. <br /><br />I guess what I'm trying to say is that when done right, these types of characters are my favorites!Penelopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01839588124708882856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-21675329893179256282009-08-28T16:39:00.144-07:002009-08-28T16:39:00.144-07:00For me characters matter a lot. If they are unlik...For me characters matter a lot. If they are unlikeable for a purpose in the story then I can deal with it. Or if there are supporting characters that I can relate to then that also helps. If the story is weak and I don't like the characters then it's a deal breaker.Debbie's World of Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09892876966477693699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-62707404836015807612009-08-28T16:31:11.122-07:002009-08-28T16:31:11.122-07:00Good question! I think that the book has to be re...Good question! I think that the book has to be really good if I don't like the characters.<br /><br />If it's a great book, I don't really care, but if it's mediocre, AND I don't like the characters, then I find myself with no reason to continue.<br /><br />Can't wait to read the review.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03789250398792504412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-11902927290561986102009-08-28T16:25:52.376-07:002009-08-28T16:25:52.376-07:00I think there is something to be said about loving...I think there is something to be said about loving to hate a character. Not every character is likable....in fact in many cases the author *wants* the reader to dislike them. There are any number of characters in literature that I wasn't personally fond of but they served a grand purpose in the story and as long as their motivations fit and provided progression I think disliking them is entirely acceptable.Michellehttp://www.galleysmith.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-71794003916658589982009-08-28T16:19:53.505-07:002009-08-28T16:19:53.505-07:00No, I don't think that we need to like a chara...No, I don't think that we need to like a character. I read a lot of books where I hate some of the characters! I think that I must be invested in their own story enough to care about how their character will act. Story and character need to go hand in hand.Natasha @ Maw Bookshttp://blog.mawbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-67266657175185033012009-08-28T14:26:36.615-07:002009-08-28T14:26:36.615-07:00I don't necessarily have to like them, but I n...I don't necessarily have to like them, but I need to be able to feel for them. If I can't appreciate what they're going through, I can't appreciate the book.Memoryhttp://xicanti.livejournal.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-5226879543400293482009-08-28T13:40:59.956-07:002009-08-28T13:40:59.956-07:00Great question! I generally require a character I ...Great question! I generally require a character I can like. That doesn't necessarily mean I have to think they're a very great person. Most of my favorite characters are hopelessly flawed and occasionally do absolutely reprehensible things. However, like you said, I believe them. They are real to me. And they grow. I think it's their changeable quality that is almost as important as how much I "like" them. If they're evolving and learning then I'm behind them. If they're static and still the same at the end as in the beginning, then that bugs me. Same for flat, one dimensional characters. They don't hold me for a second. <br /><br />And I definitely agree with you on actively disliking a character. If they're the main protagonist then that makes it pretty hard for me to enjoy the book. This happened to me not too long ago and it was impossible to enjoy because I hated the MC so.Angiegirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00353676756221692186noreply@blogger.com