In a post on Lit Reactor, Richard Thomas wonders if there is an opposite of an unlikable protagonist and whether a grateful, compassionate, giving protagonist is more appealing to readers. “When rooting for a character, we want to see them as worthy of our time, our respect, our energy,” he says. “If you have a character that is compassionate, kind to others, grateful for what they have, and hopeful for the future, that’s a nice set of traits that’s pretty easy to like.”
While many of us like writing about cantankerous loners or antiheroic toughies, a likable protagonist also opens opportunities. “It creates a space of honesty, where we see what kind of person they are,” Thomas says. “We see that their actions match their heart, their exterior fits their emotions and character.” This can also may your protagonist more vulnerable. “They say nice guys finish last for a reason,” Thomas writes. “They can be taken advantage of by manipulative people. They can open themselves up to evil forces that might want to abuse somebody that seems like an easy victim.”
Honorable characters also can step up to be the hero. Audience love Rick Grimes, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, the ultimate likable heroes, people who are both compassionate and brave. Of course, writers should remember that vulnerability does not equal weakness. Compassion and kindness are a code, not a mistake. “It just adds layers of emotions, pause to their major decisions, and a concern for the consequences—whether it’s people going hungry, a villain escaping to protect the innocent, a student being expelled, or a loss of resources,” Thomas says. “They will weigh their decisions based on long-, medium-, and short-term goals. They will look at the cause and effect, and choose wisely.”
Of course, you can always subvert these moments, by allowing your likable characters to make mistakes or forcing them into making tough choices. Thomas suggests scenarios like “the death of one for the good of the many, what seems like a harsh ruling in the moment something that later turns out to be the right decision, a hired killer protecting an innocent, even if it means his own life.” A likable, reliable protagonist also shouldn’t limit the genre or tone of your novel. “A compassionate protagonist doesn’t mean a weak character or a flat ending—it can be bleak, or it can be hopeful,” Thomas says. “It all depends on what you do with that inner conflict, how you use love, and hope, to craft an original story.”
