First, what is an unlikable character?
There are probably a few similar definitions out there, but I’ve always thought of them as characters I wouldn’t want to be friends with or invite over for dinner.
Maybe they’re the “mean girl” stereotype, destructive, or self-destructive–whatever the case may be.
The bottom line is, they’re not someone the average person would choose to spend time with if they were to meet in real life.
I’ve seen a lot of talk about unlikable characters in my time as a writer, and it’s something I’ve thought a great deal about.
It’s come up in workshops, in rejection letters, and even in reviews of some quality books. Traditionally, it’s seen as a negative note; “This character is too unlikeable.”
I think there’s a flaw in this note. To me, it seems like it’s missing the true character issue.
I don’t believe characters always have to be “likable” but I do think readers need to either relate to the character or understand why the character acts the way they do.
To me, understanding a character is essential. Relating to them is nice, but I don’t necessarily need that in order to enjoy the story.
So, if you’re writing an unlikeable character, or if you’ve ever gotten a “too unlikeable” note, here are three tips to consider:
1) Make sure you understand the motivations of your unlikable character
If you’re writing a character who’s out of control just because that’s how they are, then they’re not going to come across as very believable.
In real life, everybody does stupid things and everybody makes bad decisions. But we always have our reasons.
The same should be true for your character. If your character can’t help but be destructive, there has to be some underlying issue.
It might be inherently psychological or it could be that something happened to make them that way. Either way, you as the writer have to understand why they behave the way they do.
Once you do understand your character’s motivations, make sure you share them with your reader fairly early. I’m not suggesting an info dump in the first chapter or anything like that, but if you want your reader to follow this character, it’s important to get them on the character’s side early.
I would say before the halfway point, your reader should have some understanding of your character’s motives.
2) Give them redeeming qualities
People are very rarely one-sided, so it can be difficult for a reader to understand a character who is.
If you have a character who is constantly making bad or selfish choices, give them another side to complement that.
Maybe their life and relationships are a hot mess but they’re an amazing parent. Maybe they do some immoral actions for the sake of someone worthy. Or maybe they have a big secret they’re carrying around that would in some way explain their actions.
There are a lot of directions you can take this.
If you’re having a hard time, consider what or who your character cares about and why. The “why” might point you in the direction of something redeeming. These traits will make your character more interesting and help to draw your readers in–whether they like them or not.
3) Have at least one character who does understand your unlikeable character
The company you keep says a lot about you, so if you surround your character with good people, or at least one good person, who understand your character, it will create curiosity in your reader.
They too will want to understand the character.
You can also use these people to help explain your character’s struggles. If there are other people in the character’s life who are rooting for them, it will be easier to transfer those emotions to the reader.
However, in order to pull this off believably, you need the elements above to be working as well. If your character has no redeeming qualities or believable motivations, then these understanding characters are going to look like doormats who unnecessarily put up with the unlikeable character.
No one will come across as understandable or relatable, which won’t help your story or your character.
I hope this helps you write your unlikable character!
Now it’s your turn: Have you ever been told you have an unlikable character? Have you ever read a book with an unlikeable character? If you have, did you understand the characters? Do you think this influenced out you thought of the character? Tell me about it in the comments!
Great advice! Thank you!
Interesting dilemma. I’m writing fan fiction (just for fun) about a character who was utterly LOATHED by his author, even though fans loved him.
If you could ask her, I’m SURE agatha christie would call Poirot an UNLIKEABLE character. As in, “I’d bet a million dollars if I had it!”
I write about Poirot based on the MASTERPIECE Mystery series, because I REFUSE to read a christie novel! However, if you’re at all familiar with Poirot, would you consider him an UNlikeable character? Thanks again for the advice..
Hey Joanna,
Thanks so much, I’m glad this is helpful! Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with series you’re writing about, so I’m not much help there. 🙂 Best of luck with this!
No worries. Thank you for the quick reply. I didn’t think I’d hear from you so soon.
Having read a few Poirot mysteries — although I aspire to read all of them at some point — I generally agree with your analysis. My theory is that the same thing that makes Sherlock Holmes and C. Auguste Dupin and so on interesting applies to Poirot. I would judge what makes them interesting is one, the fact they are just simply perceptive and their powers are obtainable, if one really wanted to put in the work, and two, the fascination. How can you not be awed when they do a dramatic reveal, or intrigued when they appear to know all but will not say anything? I might be a bit late, but I thought I could input with my canonical Holmes and Dupin cred, plus a background of reading assorted detective stories.
Sorry for how long this is, I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring.
No worries about the length or time. It’s all good.
I enjoy listening to the Sherlock Holmes audiobooks on youtube. His approach is somewhat different to Poirot’s, from a personal point of view. Holmes is more …cut and dry. Watson seems to provide the personal element. Poirot is more personable . At least visa vie David Suchet’s interpretation.
The notable exception to that view is the episode where Holmes comes back from the dead (The Empty House) . Holmes is guilt ridden over what he puts Watson through.
Remind me, in the next few weeks and I’ll send you a link to the stories I hope to make serious progress on, by the end of the year.
Hello there,
I was skimming your blog when I found this post that really drew my attention. I am currently writing on a story with some friends and we developed one not really unlikable but weird or even antisocial character.
When I started reading the first paragraph some doubts grabbed me: Will people understand this characters motivations? We tried to make clear why he is the way he is but sometimes I am not sure, ’cause I know the story and I know my character so for me his intentions are clear, ’cause I invented them. 😀
But by the time I read paragraph 3) my doubts got smaller, because we got him a best friend who knows him for many, many years and does understand him and his actions every time – even though he sometimes does not like the characters behaviour, too. Thus I suppose he will be understood by the readers at least a little bit. 🙂
So, what I wanted to say was, thank you for this post and the blog in general! I am definitively going to sign up for your newsletter!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad I could help! I hope you enjoy the newsletter!
I’m only going to say this: Snape. From book one, I was so curious about Snape, I rooted for him, was sure there must be more to him than what met the eye. Why? Because J.K Rowling was very smart and had Dumbledore vouch for him, and Dumbledore is the most credible character in the series. So while most people loathed Snape, he was my favourite character because he was utterly despicable, yes, but I knew there must be a reason for it. I’m currently working on a trilogy of novellas where the MCs are not very likeable (self destructive, homicidal, treacherous) but from book one the reader knows about two of those characters motivations and the reasons behind their behaviour. As for MC 3, the motivations and reasons for that character’s apparent lack of morals and heart, only comes to light on the final novella. If it works or not, I have no idea, but am intent on having it this way and see what the readers make of said character.
Yes, Snape is a great example! We didn’t totally understand him early in the series, but because of Dumbledore, we wanted to. Your unlikeable characters sound interesting! The fact that you do tell your reader about two characters might be enough to make them curious about the third the same way Dumbledore’s belief did for Snape. I think it’s a great model to follow! I hope it works out for you! Good luck with it!