How to Create a Character That Pleases and Upsets

In the realm of storytelling, whether you are writing a novel, crafting a screenplay, or developing a game, creating a character that resonates with the audience is paramount. A well-crafted character should be engaging and relatable, with a mix of qualities that make them both beloved and disliked. This balance is crucial for maintaining a compelling narrative and holding the audience's attention.

Understanding the Duality of Characterization

The process of balancing likable and unlikable qualities is not simply about making your character either loved or hated. Instead, it involves weaving these qualities together to create a multifaceted character that can captivate and frustrate the audience in equal measure. The key to achieving this lies in understanding that people are complex entities who can appreciate and resent different aspects of a character, regardless of your intent.

The Importance of Depth

One of the best ways to create a character that is both likable and unlikable is through depth. This depth comes from a well-rounded backstory and nuanced personality traits. The character should be multi-dimensional, with strengths and weaknesses, heroes and villains within the same person. When a character

Characterizing Through Conflicting Roles

A compelling antagonist or villain is not one who is purely evil. Rather, they should have a moral complexity that makes them both detestable and relatable. Think of characters like Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series. These characters are despised for their actions towards others, yet they also evoke a sense of admiration for their complex nature and eventual redemption.

For example, consider a character like Severus Snape. On one hand, he was a bully who abused his position of power and harbored a deep-seated hatred for those who he perceived as inferior. On the other hand, he was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, risking his life to protect Harry Potter. This duality makes him a character that can make the audience simultaneously hate and empathize with him.

Constructing a Multi-Dimensional Antagonist

Let us delve into a fictional example. Imagine a character who was a decorated Allied soldier in World War II, earning multiple medals for distinguished service while bravely liberating a concentration camp. Yet, this same character could be returning home to a life filled with dark secrets and personal demons, verbally spewing racist and sexist slurs while abusing his family. This character would embody the perfect blend of admirable deeds and reprehensible behavior, making them both lovable and despised.

Creating a Sense of Sympathy

Even the most despicable characters can have sympathetic backstories. This juxtaposition can add a layer of complexity to the character. For instance, in a story, a character could be a horrific racist or sexist abuser, yet they might also be fighting for the “good guys.” The audience may hate the character for their outward actions, but they can still empathize with the pain and regret in their eyes.

It is essential to remember that personal responsibility is always a critical factor. While the character's actions can be morally reprehensible, their backstory and motivations can provide insight into why they behave the way they do. Even characters that are entirely evil can have moments of redemption, where their flaws become apparent, making the audience question their actions and making the character more complex.

Using Backstory to Create Emotion

To create a character that is both likable and unlikable, it is crucial to use their backstory to evoke a range of emotions. For example, a character who is a fierce advocate for justice can also have a history of violence and cruelty, making their journey to redemption all the more poignant.

Conclusion

Creating a character that is both likable and unlikable is a vital skill for any storyteller. By balancing a character's actions, motivations, and backstory, you can create a character that is relatable and complex, engaging the audience in a way that keeps them captivated throughout your story. Remember, the key to a compelling character is not just their positive or negative qualities, but the way these qualities interact with each other to create a nuanced and dynamic persona.