By KEVIN KAUMANS, Assistant Editor
Why do we like certain protagonists and hate others? Is it because of how attractive they look? Is it because of their backstory? Or is it because of the genre they’re a part of? and why are some protagonists hated by their fandom?
Let’s start off with “Star Wars,” for example. Remember when the new movies came out and everyone hated Rey, calling her a “Mary Sue” due to her ability to use the force with little to no training as well as finding her annoying. Then some of the fans countered: “Well what about Anakin? Isn’t he a Mary Sue? Yet everyone loves him.” But here’s the thing: Yes, Anakin was a lot more powerful than most force users, but he still trained and had flaws.
Rey got everything handed to her and was loved by all the good guys instantly, and didn’t have to give up anything. Anakin lost his mother, his friends, and even the love of his life, who was one of the main reasons he went to the dark side: To find a way to stop her from dying from childbirth. He failed his mission as the chosen one despite trying his best, while Rey succeeds in restoring peace to the galaxy with little to no inner-character conflict.
Overall, one of the easiest ways to make a protagonist unlikable is to make them an all-powerful, unstoppable demigod who is loved by all and never wrong. No one wants to read a book, watch a movie or tv series or play a video game about a character who wins every fight they’re in, succeeds with almost no adversity, is extremely powerful without really explaining why and is morally perfect. Why would they? There’s nothing at stake, nothing that puts the protagonist in danger of failing. What’s preventing them from achieving everything they want right away?
Another thing that can make a protagonist disdained by the audience is their personality. Now, can you have a protagonist that’s a jerk? Of course, you can. One of my favorite television shows is “House MD”, and the main character of that series is a middle-age doctor who constantly makes fun of his coworkers and friends while partaking in objectively immoral activities, and he’s one of my favorite characters of all time. And you know what that is? Because 1) he’s charming with his insults, and 2) he does good things that show he’s a good person.
If you’re currently working on a book as you’re reading this, I encourage you to reread and make sure your character comes across as likable. If they’re supposed to be a jerk but have little to no charm or are overly mean, none of your readers will find them funny. There’s nothing wrong with having a protagonist that’s morally grey either. Again, as long as they are sympathetic or likable, your reader will have no problem relating to them in some way or shape.
My name is Kevin A. Kaumans, and I want to thank you for tuning into this week’s column.
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