McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
How likeable does a main character have to be.
Slife:
Likeable enough to keep the reader interested. Anything past that is gravy.
Machaut:
The main character doesn't have to be at all likeable. It's far more difficult to write in the voice of a villain, or an unsympathetic character, but it can be done, and done well. A good example is The Still by David Feintuch.
terioncalling:
So long as he/she is interesting, I'd probably read it. Doesn't have to be likeable.
I was about to point at Hannibal Lecter as an example of interesting character but not really likeable with all the killing...but he's not the main character in Red Dragon, Silence, or Hannibal. Though I'm gonna guess he is in Hannibal Rising...anyone know?
Abstruse:
...except Hannibal IS likable. That's what makes him so dangerous. He's a suave, sophisticated, eloquently spoken, handsome man who looks at you like you're a goose that's about to become pate. That's how he gets away with so much that he gets away with. People start to trust him instinctively (and through his own manipulation).
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
terioncalling:
Ah, true enough. ;D So my example is of the good. Woot.
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