I don't know if this is something that is just getting overblown on reddit and other places and I'm not on tiktok so I don't see what is said there. However, it seems that there is a growing share of folks who are opposed to reading books where the main characters are flawed, much less if the main character is a genuinely bad person. Is this true? Is this a growing trend? Why is that?
In my view, I read a ton of books in a variety of genres. Many of the best books I've read include a flawed main character and it's difficult for me to imagine a compelling story crafted without real, flawed characters.
Furthermore, I notice that some folks are opposed if the main character is a legit bad person, as if they feel that the main character in a book should be some sort of role model or provide a good example. I notice this sometimes in people's discussion about movies and tv too, as if portrayal of immoral or unethical behavior (or just behavior that is out of touch with present day norms) constitutes endorsement of said behavior.
What do you think? Is this something you've observed?
by ellmilmumrus
5 Comments
People are going to read, and not read, books for reasons that you do, and do not, approve or or understand.
I’ve seen the opposite. Most people i know hate Mary Sue or Gary Stu characters.
We had a wave of moral resignificance after the Mee Too movement (and similar one), so it reflects in the choice of reading by the general public.
You say this but regarding TV, Breaking Bad is pretty universally loved and respected by critics and there can be no doubt that by the end, Walter has turned in to a very bad person.
It was at it’s worse when you had shitheads hating on Skyler for “holding Walt back” even when objectively she was doing the right thing.
I’ve seen this take more often, mostly among younger readers with a more black and white view of the world. I prefer my flawed characters, but I’m happy people are reading regardless.