I think one of the more interesting challenges of writing is when you have a main character who's a jerk. It's actually a good character from an "arcing" perspective because we get to see a real dick turn into a nice person by the end of the film. I think the audience enjoys seeing that transformation. However, another screenwriting "rule" is that you have to make your protagonist likable. Because if he/she's not likable, then the audience won't care about him/her. Hmmm, catch-22. How then do you create an a-hole character that you like?
There are certain tricks that people have suggested to me, like giving them one saving grace. For instance, if your character is a classic a-hole movie executive, have them have a soft spot for one person in the world (like their grandma). But what if you want your a-hole to truly be an a-hole? Who doesn't like anyone? I think their transformation will be more rewarding in the end - because they'll truly have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Anyone else run into this problem? Thoughts?
There are certain tricks that people have suggested to me, like giving them one saving grace. For instance, if your character is a classic a-hole movie executive, have them have a soft spot for one person in the world (like their grandma). But what if you want your a-hole to truly be an a-hole? Who doesn't like anyone? I think their transformation will be more rewarding in the end - because they'll truly have gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Anyone else run into this problem? Thoughts?
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