Why do main characters always suck?
May 02, 2023 4:09 am
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Dear reader,
Why does the main character always suck? Okay, maybe SUCK is a bit harsh, but you know what I'm talking about, right?
The main character never seems to be the one I remember, or the one I get really attached to. Main characters often feel hollow, or immature, or just plain annoying...
This is not to say a lame protagonist makes a lame book. On the contrary, some of my absolute favorite books have had unlikeable or unmemorable main characters. Heck, even in my own books I tend to enjoy my side characters over my main protagonists.
So, why is that?
I heard an interesting theory about this once, and I'd like to hear your opinion on it. The theory goes that the main character of a story has a fundamentally different purpose than all the others. They aren't there to be interesting or entertaining or funny...
...they're there to be your EYES.
When we read books, we often insert ourselves straight into the protagonist. We can't help it. We imagine ourselves in their shoes. We fill their heads with our own desires, philosophies, and biases. So, if the author makes a point of view character that's too unique or specific, that leaves no room for the reader to insert themselves.
But what do you think? Does this theory hold up to scrutiny? Could there be other reasons why main characters often feel blander than the rest? Are there any protagonists you've read that totally buck this trend?
Shoot me an email. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Happy reading and happy spring! Feels like it's finally arrived,
Ben Schwarting
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