tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6967308592064240861.post3181849607276733365..comments2023-10-25T03:32:06.815-07:00Comments on brian's blog: Diary of a Writer: understanding characterBrian Yanskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16338795130182877245noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6967308592064240861.post-25944990624519851342012-03-08T05:17:11.471-08:002012-03-08T05:17:11.471-08:00Thanks, Michael.
In two words, Hell no.
We read,...Thanks, Michael. <br /> In two words, Hell no.<br />We read, at least in part, to experience the life of a character, so I think we need to empathize with the main character and understand him. Even this isn't always true though. There are exceptions. If a terrible character is interesting we might just want to read about him or her for that reason. I'm thinking of someone like Hannibal Lector or Iago.<br /><br />But lots of characters have serious flaws. Most.<br />Your character sounds like someone we'd empathize with.Brian Yanskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16338795130182877245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6967308592064240861.post-61581157037911921312012-03-08T00:00:53.154-08:002012-03-08T00:00:53.154-08:00I have a novel for which I've hired an editor ...I have a novel for which I've hired an editor and coach to try and get it in a publishable state. She says that she doesn't like my main character because he doesn't care about anyone else. She said that he's an alcoholic sociopath. (good to know, since I patterned him largely on myself. I should probably look into that)<br /><br />Do you think a character needs to show a love of all mankind to be likable? Is it enough for him to love his wife and his dogs, and to have friends, and to witty and humorous? Well-liked by others? <br /><br />(great blog, by the way)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06055622554886316064noreply@blogger.com