The Rise of the Unlikable Protagonist: A Trend Reshaping Children’s & Family Entertainment
The recent film “Fing!,” based on a David Walliams book, and its focus on a deliberately unpleasant child protagonist, isn’t an anomaly. It’s a signal of a growing trend in children’s and family entertainment: a move away from purely aspirational heroes towards more complex, flawed characters. This shift reflects broader cultural changes and a desire for narratives that resonate with the realities of childhood – and, increasingly, adulthood.
Why Are We Rooting for Brats? The Psychology Behind the Appeal
For decades, children’s media prioritized idealized role models. Think perfectly polite princesses or relentlessly optimistic adventurers. But audiences, particularly younger ones, are increasingly drawn to characters who feel *real*. This means acknowledging the less palatable aspects of human nature – selfishness, entitlement, even outright meanness. Psychologists suggest this stems from a desire for authenticity. Children experience a wide range of emotions, including negative ones, and seeing these reflected on screen can be validating. It also allows for more compelling character arcs, as the journey from unlikeable to relatable is often more engaging than maintaining a flawless facade.
Did you know? A 2023 study by Common Sense Media found that 68% of children aged 8-12 reported feeling frustrated by characters who were “too perfect.”
Beyond “Fing!”: Examples of the Trend in Action
“Fing!” isn’t operating in a vacuum. Consider the enduring popularity of characters like Matilda Wormwood in Roald Dahl’s books (and the subsequent film adaptations). Matilda is brilliant but also mischievous and, at times, quite rude. More recently, films like “Luca” (Pixar, 2021) feature characters with flaws and insecurities that drive the narrative. Even animated series like “The Owl House” (Disney, 2020-2023) showcase protagonists who make questionable choices and grapple with complex moral dilemmas. This trend extends to live-action as well, with shows like “Wednesday” (Netflix, 2022-) capitalizing on the appeal of a darkly humorous, initially aloof protagonist.
The British Influence: A Tradition of Darkly Comic Characters
As the review of “Fing!” notes, the film embodies a distinctly British style of humor. British children’s literature, in particular, has a long history of embracing flawed characters. Roald Dahl is the prime example, but authors like Jacqueline Wilson also frequently depict children facing difficult circumstances and exhibiting less-than-ideal behavior. This tradition likely stems from a cultural willingness to explore darker themes and a less prescriptive approach to moral storytelling. This contrasts with some American children’s media, which historically leaned towards more overtly didactic narratives.
The Impact of Streaming and Diverse Storytelling
The rise of streaming services has played a significant role in this trend. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max are willing to take more risks with their content, allowing for more nuanced and unconventional storytelling. This increased competition has also driven a demand for diverse narratives that reflect a wider range of experiences. Flawed protagonists often provide opportunities to explore complex social issues and challenge traditional stereotypes. For example, a character struggling with anger management might offer a platform to discuss emotional regulation and mental health.
The Future of Unlikable Protagonists: What’s Next?
Expect to see this trend continue, and potentially intensify. Here are a few key areas to watch:
- Increased Complexity: Protagonists will become even more morally ambiguous, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
- Focus on Internal Conflict: Stories will delve deeper into the internal struggles that drive characters’ negative behaviors.
- Greater Representation: We’ll see more diverse representation of flawed protagonists, reflecting a wider range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Interactive Storytelling: Emerging technologies like interactive narratives and video games will allow audiences to actively shape the protagonist’s journey and influence their moral choices.
Pro Tip: When developing a flawed protagonist, focus on their motivations. Even if their actions are reprehensible, understanding *why* they behave that way is crucial for creating a compelling and relatable character.
FAQ: Unlikable Protagonists in Children’s Media
- Q: Is it harmful to expose children to unlikeable characters?
- A: Not at all. It can be beneficial, as it teaches empathy, critical thinking, and the understanding that people are complex.
- Q: Will this trend lead to more negative role models?
- A: Not necessarily. The goal isn’t to glorify bad behavior, but to create characters who are realistic and relatable, even with their flaws.
- Q: What age group is most receptive to this type of storytelling?
- A: Older children and pre-teens (ages 8-12+) are generally more capable of understanding the nuances of flawed characters.
This shift towards embracing the imperfect is a positive development for children’s entertainment. By moving beyond simplistic narratives and embracing complexity, we can create stories that are more engaging, thought-provoking, and ultimately, more meaningful.
Want to learn more about trends in children’s media? Explore Common Sense Media’s research and resources.
