Are We Too Concerned That Characters Be ‘Likable’?

[Kirsten]

I ran across this question in a recent New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/boo...

What do you think? I remember a couple years back I read a thriller where the main character had no redeeming characteristics, yet the book ( ) was quite enjoyable.

How about you? Have you had experience similar to mine? Or do you put a book down if you dislike a character?

[Kelli]

I think it's essential that there are varied characters in novels. There are some villains that I love to hate. There are some protagonists that I can say the same about. If a novel is filled with flat characters that never develop, then yeah I'll put the book down. But that's more an issue of a poor author than the characters themselves. I think it's totally okay to have characters (even all/only characters) with no redeeming value. It usually makes for more of an intellectual/philosophical read though. I tend to like works best when I can relate to at least one of the characters. Since I think I have redeeming qualities, I wouldn't be able to in a work like the one you cited above.

[Laura]

I think as long as the author does a good job giving the reader reasons for characters current actions or thoughts any character can be "relate-able." For example, in J.K. Rowling's "Casual Vacancy" there is hardly a character you will like, but throughout the story you get to know the characters and understand their pasts and personalities and your opinion changes throughout the book. (For any movie goers I feel the same about "Place Beyond the Pines.") However, not all negative characters are understood. As humans, we've had a range of emotions and thoughts, but may have never acted on them. I think that it is there, at the root of an action, we can connect with a character even if their deeds are deplorable.

[Diana]

I've noticed in my own reading that if I don't care about any of the characters I don't enjoy the book as much. Like is not the same as care about. There are characters that are interesting or funny or just well developed that may not be all that likable. There are others that can be very likable but almost to good to seem real or are just plain boring. These are hard to care about and become annoying before the book ends. I'll take well rounded characters with major personal flaws over one dimensional good guys any time.

[Terri]

One of my biggest issues in a book I read recently was the hero was too perfect, so I do get that. He was not believable. But still I would rather that than those times when I want the hero to get hurt or killed in the story because I dislike them so much. :)

[Beth]

A book / story can be good even if there are no characters who have redeeming characteristics. I recently read The Dinner and found that none or the characters were likable, even a little. Yet the story was compelling enough for me to keep reading! I kept hoping that one of them would redeem him / herself. But that did not happen and I was somewhat disappointed by the end. But still it was a good read.

[Emily]

I understand not liking the character but still enjoying the book. That's the way I feel about the Pretty Little Liars series, none of the girls are remotely tolerable but I still read the series for the plot twists and mystery. But I definitely enjoy books more when I love the character and can root for them.

[Chelsea]

Emily, I completely agree with your comment about Pretty Little Liars. I never liked any of the girls, but I still read the series.