Unlikeable Heroes: When a Character Isnt Supposed to Be Likeable
Unlikeable Heroes: When a Character Isn't Supposed to Be Likeable
Many beloved films and television series feature characters who are meant to be likeable heroes. However, there are instances where these characters fail to live up to their intended role and instead become frustrating, unlikeable figures. This article explores some of these characters in various media, highlighting why their actions and traits make them difficult to empathize with despite their initial characterizations.
Unlikable Heroes in Major Movie Franchises
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the rest of the film industry are rife with such characters. Here are a few examples where heroism and likability clash:
Iron Man (MCU) - While Tony Stark (Iron Man) is an flawed protagonist, his tendency to lash out and risk the lives of others can make him unlikeable. His selfish and egotistical tendencies often overshadow his heroic actions. Sisudatu Raya, The Last Dragon - Despite having noble intentions to defeat an evil dragon, Raya's impatience and recklessness can make her seem more annoying than heroic. Her inability to form meaningful relationships due to her impulsiveness hampers the audience's ability to connect with her. Aquaman - The protagonists from 'Aquaman' sometimes prioritize romance over their duties, which can be irritating when they risk the world for petty matters. Hot-headed Heroes - Characters like D'Artagnan from 'The 3 Musketeers' (2011) and other similar figures tend to make dangerous and imprudent decisions purely for the sake of romance, which often backfire. Their excessive risk-taking and rash decision-making are major points of frustration for viewers. Supernatural’s Castiel and Jack - Both these characters are originally from the hit TV series 'Supernatural'. Castiel, despite his supposed 'lovable cluelessness', is deeply inept and often in the way. Meanwhile, Jack, the son of the devil, brings nothing but chaos and negativity to the storyline. Suicide Squad (DC) - ' Wonder Woman WW84' featured a number of heroes who mistreat intelligent aliens more harshly than humans, particularly in moments of bloodshed. Such treatment undermines the otherwise heroic characterizations of these figures. Deadpool - Deadpool's off-the-wall humor and irreverent attitude often come across as disrespectful and lacking in character development, making him a polarizing figure. Portrayal of Marty in Four Weddings and a Funeral - Despite Hugh Grant's charm, his character's actions, such as cheating and publicly humiliating his fiancée at the altar, make Marty extremely unlikeable. Venom - While Venom's Samuel Rideo earns forgiveness for his actions, there are instances where he shows a disturbing lack of empathy and respect for human lives. Unfortunate Children in Horror Films - Characters like Coraline and their like often make poor decisions, and their poor choices are often a reflection of the director's inability to write compelling adult characters.The Problem with Unlikable Heroes
Identifying why a character is unlikeable is crucial for understanding their role in the narrative. Unlikable heroes can disrupt the flow of a story if their actions are not resolved or explained adequately. This imbalance can lead to a diminished audience engagement and a lack of emotional investment in the plot. For instance, characters like D'Artagnan and Jack often prioritize romance over essential duties, which can create unrealistic and frustrating storylines.
Conclusion
Characters like these serve as a reminder that not all heroes are likeable, and this is often intentional or a result of the story's requirements. However, when a character's unlikable traits overshadow their heroic actions, it can detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. It’s important for creators to ensure that even notorious characters are given depth and motivation, helping to shift the perception of the audience to a more nuanced view.