How to Make Readers Dislike Your Characters

1
How to Make Readers Dislike Your Characters
What are the characters?
Creating compelling characters is a cornerstone
of captivating storytelling. However, not all
characters are meant to be adored. In fact, some
of the most memorable characters are those that
evoke strong feelings of dislike or even disdain
from readers. But how can writers effectively
craft characters that readers love to hate? In
this blog post, we'll explore the art of making
readers dislike your characters and examine the
techniques authors can employ to achieve this
goal. Lack of Redeeming Qualities
A simple way to make readers not like a character
is by taking away anything good about them.
Characters who lack empathy, kindness, or any
positive attributes tend to alienate readers and
make it challenging for them to connect on any
level. Whether it's selfishness, cruelty, or
indifference, highlighting these negative traits
without offering glimpses of goodness can
effectively turn readers against a
character. Inconsistencies in Behavior
Consistency is key when it comes to character
development. Readers expect characters to behave
in ways that align with their established
personalities and motivations. Introducing
inconsistencies in behavior can confuse readers
and diminish their investment in the character.
Whether it's sudden shifts in attitude or actions
that contradict previous behavior, inconsistency
can erode trust and make characters seem
unconvincing. Overuse of Negative Traits
While flaws and imperfections are essential for
creating well-rounded characters, overemphasizing
negative traits can backfire. Characters who are
relentlessly mean-spirited, deceitful, or
cowardly can become one-dimensional and tiresome.
It's crucial for authors to strike a balance
between flaws and redeeming qualities to prevent
characters from becoming caricatures of villainy.
When characters are constantly shown as mean,
dishonest, or scared, readers might lose interest
because they seem too predictable and boring.
Writers should remember to give their characters
2
some good qualities too, to make them more
believable and interesting. This balance helps
keep the story engaging and the characters
relatable. Lack of Growth or Development Dynamic
characters undergo significant growth and change
over the course of a story. However, stagnant
characters who fail to evolve or learn from their
experiences can frustrate readers. Without a
sense of progression or development, characters
may feel static and uninteresting, leading
readers to disengage from their journey.
Characters who stay the same throughout the story
can make readers lose interest because there's
nothing new or exciting about them. It's like
they're stuck in one place, and it's boring to
watch. When characters don't learn from what
happens to them, it's like they're not growing up
or changing, and that can be frustrating for
readers who want to see them evolve. A good story
needs characters who go through ups and downs and
come out different on the other side. Unrelatable
Actions or Motivations
Readers are more likely to dislike characters
whose actions and motivations feel disconnected
from their own experiences and values. Characters
who make decisions that seem irrational or
arbitrary can strain readers' suspension of
disbelief and create a sense of detachment. To
avoid this, authors should strive to make
characters' choices and motivations relatable and
understandable. Lack of Empathy or Relatability
Empathy is essential for fostering connections
between readers and characters. Characters who
lack empathy or fail to elicit sympathy from
readers may struggle to hold their interest.
Whether it's due to callousness, arrogance, or an
inability to connect with others, characters who
are emotionally distant can feel alienating to
readers. Excessive Unlikeable Traits
While flawed characters can be compelling,
inundating readers with unlikeable traits can be
overwhelming. Characters who embody every
negative quality imaginable may strain readers'
credulity and make it difficult for them to
engage with the story. It's essential for authors
to temper unlikeable traits with moments of
vulnerability or humanity to prevent characters
from becoming unrelatable. Poorly Written
Dialogue or Interactions
Dialogue plays a crucial role in character
development and can offer insights into a
character's personality, beliefs, and
motivations. However, poorly written dialogue or
interactions can undermine readers' perception of
a character. Characters who engage in stilted or
unrealistic conversations may come across as
artificial or unconvincing, diminishing their
impact on the reader.
3
Underestimating Readers' Intelligence
Readers are smart and notice the small details
and hints in how characters are shown.
Underestimating their intelligence by
spoon-feeding information or telegraphing a
character's intentions can lead to resentment and
frustration. Authors should trust readers to
interpret characters' motivations and emotions
without resorting to heavy-handed exposition or
explanation. Ignoring Consequences of Actions
Actions have consequences, and characters must
face the fallout of their decisions. Ignoring or
downplaying the repercussions of a character's
actions can feel contrived and unsatisfying to
readers. Ignoring how the other characters feel
or letting the main character off the hook
without consequences can make the story seem less
believable. Forcing Unlikeability for the Sake of
Plot
While conflict is essential for driving a
narrative forward, forcing characters to behave
unlikeably solely to advance the plot can feel
artificial. Characters' actions should stem from
their personalities and motivations rather than
serving as mere plot devices. When characters act
in a way that doesn't feel real or natural,
readers might find it hard to believe and lose
interest in the story. Failing to Evoke Sympathy
or Understanding Even if a character is really
unlikable, readers might still feel sorry for
them or understand why they act the way they do,
if the story shows the right reasons. If authors
don't dig into characters' weaknesses or explain
why they do things, readers might not care about
them. But if authors make unlikable characters
seem more human and explain why they act the way
they do, readers can feel closer to them.
Conclusion Crafting unlikeable characters is a
delicate balancing act
Crafting unlikeable characters is a delicate
balancing act that requires careful attention to
detail and nuance. By avoiding common pitfalls
such as inconsistency, excessive unlikeability,
and poor character development, authors can
create characters that resonate with readers on a
profound level. Whether it's through relatable
motivations, authentic dialogue, or meaningful
growth, the key to making
4
readers dislike your characters lies in
understanding what makes them tick and crafting
them with depth and complexity.