“I’VE NEVER LIKED YOU!”

 

                          Why Some Characters Are Unlikable (But Don’t Ruin the Story)

 

We’ve all been there — watching a show or reading a book when a certain character walks into the scene and instantly triggers an eye roll. Maybe it’s their arrogance, their selfish decisions, or just the way they talk. You might even shout at the screen, “I’VE NEVER LIKED YOU!” And yet… You keep watching. You keep turning the pages.

 

That’s because unlikeable characters don’t always ruin a story. In fact, they can make it better.

 

The Purpose of an Unlikable Character

 

Unlikable characters exist for a reason. Sometimes they’re there to challenge the hero, add tension, or show us a darker side of the world. At other times, they represent flaws we’re uncomfortable confronting — in others or ourselves.

 

Think of characters like Vivica A. Fox’s character in “Kill Bill,” or Auntie Olenna from “The Wire,” or Lucien Ward in the “The Lies I Tell series by E. H. Shepherd. These characters aren’t universally loved, but they’re essential. They push the story forward, stir strong reactions, and force us to ask deeper questions.

 

They Make the World Feel Real

 

Let’s be honest — not everyone in real life is appealing, brave, or likable. Stories that feature only lovable characters can feel fake or overly polished. By contrast, a well-written, unlikeable character adds realism. They act out of jealousy, fear, pride, or stubbornness — just like real people do.

 

It’s easy to root for the hero. But when the villain is complex or the protagonist is flawed, we stay hooked. We want to know what makes them tick. We want to see if they’ll change, or crash out and burn.

 

They Add Depth and Conflict

 

Imagine a story where everyone gets along and agrees on everything. Boring, right?

 

Unlikable characters create friction. They force others to make tough choices or to grow in unexpected ways. That friction becomes fuel for plot twists, emotional beats, and turning points.

 

Even if you hate what a character does, you’re feeling something. And that emotional engagement is part of what makes stories unforgettable.

 

Sometimes, We’re Meant to Hate Them

 

Not every character is written to be admired. Some are written to be hated — and they wear it proudly. That one coworker in a story who always ruins the joke, the smug rival who keeps outshining the protagonist, or the bitter family member who can’t let go of the past. They make you want to yell, “I’VE NEVER LIKED YOU!” — and that’s the point.

 

Writers know you’ll hate them. They want you to. And the more you despise them, the more satisfying it is when they get what’s coming… or when they surprise you with a rare moment of humanity.

 

So… Can a Character Be Unlikable AND Well-Written?

 

Absolutely.

 

Being unlikable doesn’t mean a character is poorly written. It means they’re evoking a reaction. The real problem is when a character is flat, inconsistent, or unnecessary. That’s when the story suffers.

 

But a well-crafted character — even one you hate — can elevate a narrative. They challenge the audience. They drive the plot. They give heroes something to fight against, or reveal something about the world that likable characters never could.

 

Final Thoughts

 

So the next time you find yourself shouting “I’VE NEVER LIKED YOU!” at a fictional character, take a second to appreciate what they bring to the table. Love them or hate them, unlikeable characters serve a purpose. They might annoy you, frustrate you, or make you cringe — but they just might be the reason you can’t look away.

 

Because in the end, a good story doesn’t always need likable characters. It just needs real ones.