I remember a tutor, a long time ago, used the example of Jack Nicholson in As Good as it Gets to prove his point that a protagonist does not have to be likeable. It’s a good example because if I ran into Melvin Udall in my daily life, I would change course immediately. Despite his excellent points, to date all of my protagonists are likeable, or at the very least, sympathetic.
However, today I’m taking the metaphorical plunge. I have started writing a thriller with just such a protagonist—a two-faced woman so full of scorn and vindictiveness I would never let her into my life. At this point, I’m not sure she has any redeeming qualities. But I think I can get away with it because she’s interesting and witty. And she has a very particular point of view (which you may recall I wrote about in an earlier post).
As much as I love taking my own advice (!) I have also gone back to see how other authors endear unlikeable characters to the reader. So far I have reviewed, Dorian Gray, Humbert Humbert, Scarlet O’Hara and Joe Goldberg. My next stop is Tom Ripley (I’m told he’s charming). So far I have found that these characters have interesting viewpoints and human longings and foibles that make them, if not likeable, relatable or fascinating.
Have you written an unlikeable protagonist? How did it go?