I'm currently having an argument with someone about sympathetic characters. She believes her villain does not need to be sympathetic with the reader. This villain is the POV character, so we do predominately see through his eyes. The character basically thinks he's amazing, shamelessly criticizes others, and acts vain and high and mighty... pretty much the entire time. It's extremely grating to read, yet she loves this character. She said others have not liked the character, and wanted to know why.
I've been trying to explain she should look deep in his character and find what makes him a whole, round character, and what features about him would be sympathetic to the reader (his fears, insecurities, positive points, etc.). But she refuses to do this and wants to keep him as someone who always thinks himself amazing, is vain, critical, etc. Her argument is that my suggestions are "not what he would do" and that she doesn't want to change his character.
I'm having a lot of difficulty putting into words why characters (even villains) should be sympathetic to the reader. Could any of you guys help?
I've been trying to explain she should look deep in his character and find what makes him a whole, round character, and what features about him would be sympathetic to the reader (his fears, insecurities, positive points, etc.). But she refuses to do this and wants to keep him as someone who always thinks himself amazing, is vain, critical, etc. Her argument is that my suggestions are "not what he would do" and that she doesn't want to change his character.
I'm having a lot of difficulty putting into words why characters (even villains) should be sympathetic to the reader. Could any of you guys help?
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