Weird, but Helpful rejection?

Okay so I just got an interesting rejection from an agent that I've come to respect for rejecting me. I know it's weird, but also true. See in the past I've queried this agent and I've always found her to be pretty nice.

Once before I queried her and she gave me a long explanation as to why she was passing and it was very insightful when she broke it down and explained everything. By the end of her email I couldn't help, but agree with a few of the things she'd said.

This time I queried her and I have no clue what she means. In the rejection email, she stated that my premise was interesting. The writing was well done, but the protagonist wasn't "harsh enough."

The content of the manuscript is pretty dark so I guess she meant that my MC was too happy? I have no clue. Anyway, I'm always grateful when an agent takes the time out to explain why they're passing, but I'm truly curious about this one.

What do you guys think? And would you change your protagonist's personality based on an agent's comments?

WillSauger said:

I wouldn't know, haven't read it. But if your story is dark, and the MC isn't dark enough to reflect the mood, then there is a disconnect there.

It would be like writing a humor book and not having the MC as one of the funniest characters.

Maybe what you believe your characters are doing and what the reader sees what they are doing is different? I had a case of this not so long ago.

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Thanks! That could be the case. I didn't want my MC to come off as whining or as a total pessimist so I guess I tried too hard to make her a positive person.