Do you have to like the main character?

Often on the thread people comment that the main character (MC) has to be likeable.

I totally disagree.

Clockwork Orange and American Psyco featured very disagreeable MCs. In fact, I wanted to beat the crap out of them.

I don't need to like an MC. In fact, I find unlikeable MCs far more interesting, fascinating and entertaining than their do-goody counterparts. Unikeable MCs do those deeds that lurk in our subconscious like murder, aggression, theft.

A goody-two-shoes character on the other hand can be boring, no matter how many damsels in distress or children they save.

In films, I thought Kevin Costner's do-goodey character in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was so boring. Apparently, Costner cut out scenes that showed Alan Rickman (The Sheriff of Nottingham) as he stole the show.

When I read a do-goody MC I secretly want to find out there's a skeleton in their closet, something saucy or evil like the timid old lady with a basement load of corpses. And that's another point. I don't mind a do-goodey MC turning out to be unlikeable. I don't feel cheated. Nothing wrong in finding out that person you so respected turned to be bad after all.

It happens in real life.

I wonder if the term likeable gets mixed up with interesting or fascinating. Either way, let me keep reading your unlikeable MCs or likeable MCs with skeletons in their closets.

Keep writing folks!

Hi Al

When I read a book I don't need to care about the character. I never cared about the two MCs I mentioned earlier.

I never noticed your post further down thread - sorry.

LJD - I know they're not arguing for Mary Sues, but they don't have to be likeable. A lot of times nasty MCs aren't likeable, but still make great reading.

I also like reading the MCs story, regardless of their likeability. In American Psycho the MC is just so horrible, yet fascinating.

I'm pretty easy to be honest. Show me a good story and I'll read it.

It's true, buzhidao. I think iikeable is subjective. I originally asked the question because I saw the comment appear in crits of other posters and the definition was definitely likeable as in a nice person, although others I think really meant 'identify with.'

I've read a few stories with bland characters but how they get from A to B in the story and the events surrounding them make the story really interesting.

Shreds of decency can take many forms, like being kind to a pet, while keeping grandma chopped up and locked in the fridge.

Empathy is okay if you find yourself hating or liking the same things as the MC, no matter how horrible they are.

A likeable character is definitely an easy option, but in some cases, less interesting.

I'll go with interesting, James. and yes, Caro, perfect can be boring.