I need to go read that entry. As someone who tends to prefer likable characters, I have to admit that there's a vast gulf between 'likable' and 'dislikable'. I get either bored or angry with characters I actively dislike. Either of those emotions will cause me to put down the book. Just reading the subject of the post you reference makes me wonder if the difference for me *is* understandability rather than likability.
This is interesting, and timely. I was working on some character sketches on Saturday and discovering that the character I *thought* was my primary, isn't, nor is he the 'nice guy' I'd envisioned. He is, however, understandable. I know *why* he's a cold egotistical jerk and I know what it's going to cost him when that stops serving him.
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winterfish
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Date: 2007-01-08 04:24 pm (UTC)Off to read it.
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Date: 2007-01-08 04:56 pm (UTC)This is interesting, and timely. I was working on some character sketches on Saturday and discovering that the character I *thought* was my primary, isn't, nor is he the 'nice guy' I'd envisioned. He is, however, understandable. I know *why* he's a cold egotistical jerk and I know what it's going to cost him when that stops serving him.
Now, to sell it to the reader. ;-)