This week: Should the Reader "Like" the Character Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Short Stories Newsletter by Dawn
Taking a look at how important it might be for readers to like a character while also remembering that you can't please everyone. |
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One of the great things about writing stories on this site, whether it's for contests or just at random, is the chance to receive feedback. I even join a writing challenge where a review is also required when entering something for the week, which means the item that I write is guaranteed one review in return. Most of the time, when I get a review on any story, whether it's romance, teenagers or fantasy, the feedback tends to stay on the positive side and they want more about the characters. Well, the more is also because the story is a scene and not finished because I'm a novel writer, not short story but that's a different topic. Every now and then, I will get a reader who has a different reaction. They don't like the main character.
Now, it's not necessary to change things just over a single review. While you can take comments into consideration, you have to remember there are a variety of readers out there and they all will have different reactions to the same item. What one reader likes, another won't care for at all. Plus, you have to take into consideration the type of character, the role in the story and the genre.
Let's take into consideration the question: is it important for a reader to like the character?
To make things easy, one could say it probably is helpful if the reader likes the characters or has some interest in them in order for them to want to read the story. However, maybe the word like isn't the best one to use. It helps for a reader to care about the main character or have a reason to be interested in what is going to happen in the story. Something has to make them want to read.
That may be the better question. What about the character or story will make a reader interested and want to keep reading?
Still, we can consider whether someone is liked or not. In fact, there are some terrible characters that are sort of liked. Villains can develop a cult following for example. There are tons of merchandise and different items at places like Hot Topic for horror movies that show the bad guy. Even side characters can get a fan following. It doesn't have to be just the main point of view character or a villain.
However, in certain genres, it will help if the reader likes the character. Consider romance as an example. If the main character or the love interest is someone that the reader doesn't like, it could make it a problem and less likely that the reader will finish the story. They have to want the characters to find happiness and love. If they are seen as unlikeable, then there is less of a chance they will care or want to see that happen. Other genres may not have that issue. Horror could be done from the "bad guy" point of view. Mystery might work though it still may be a challenge if the main character isn't someone the reader wants to read about or see things from their point of view. It will vary depending on the story and the reader.
Do you even like the character? It's something to consider. You have to think about how the character exists and how they are written in the moment. It may just be a matter of rewording things so it comes off better, or it may be the actual character. Take a look at the story. Maybe ask for more reviews to see if anyone else notices the issue and do the best you can in order to write the story you want.
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How important is it for the reader to like your character?
Last month, I wrote for this newsletter about the concept of checking out the competition when entering contests on the site. Here is a comment sent over that topic:
Comment by GhostMoonWriter  :
I'm new here, but I've been an active member at a website for screenwriters for eighteen years. Over there, reading and commenting on other writers' work is considered crucial for the writers learning to master the craft. Sometimes, feedback can be harsh and not what we would like to hear, but oftentimes, we can also learn the most from that criticism.
That website runs comps for short scripts every few months, and those who enter are expected to read all the other entries unless there is a lot, and then you're only required to read at least ten.
I started out there not even having the English language mastered, but thanks to the people there reading and commenting on my work, I do okay now, even having some short scripts produced. So yes, read and review your fellow writers' work. :)
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Short Stories: January 08, 2025 Issue [#12925]
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