About The Worst Thing in Fiction

Post 1714:

Maybe the worst thing in fiction is a character that the audience is supposed to like but doesn’t. This can happen for a few reasons. Maybe the author is unlikable and therefore has no idea how to create a likable character. This is both a little sad and a little pathetic.

Or, maybe the writer’s pretty good and it’s an honest miscalculation. Nobody bats a thousand. It’s not easy knowing what is going to connect with readers. The things people find cool can be fragile and baffling.

It’s like high school. Or middle school. Any school. You try to fit in and come off right to the other kids. Sometimes people take you in. Sometimes they think you’re a loser with no redeeming value. Same person, totally different reactions.

I’ve always had a theory about making friends. Don’t be afraid to show people your flaws. If you act like everything’s perfect, it’s annoying and uninteresting. I think the same can be said for writing characters. They need issues. Doesn’t mean they have to be blubbering and whiny about it. Just human. One thing the world will never have enough of is humanity. That means the good and the bad. Don’t screw up. Also, when you do, don’t worry about it. The worst thing in fiction isn’t the worst thing in life.

Cheers and see you after.