The Unlikable Protagonist: Why Audiences Sometimes Root for the “Bad” Choice in Rom-Coms
Julia Roberts is a cinematic sweetheart, a reliable presence that helped solidify her status as a major star. But even the most beloved actors take on roles that challenge audience expectations. Roberts’ portrayal of Julianne in the 1997 film My Best Friend’s Wedding is a prime example – a character deliberately designed to be, well, a little awful, and one audiences initially loved to hate.
The Appeal of the Flawed Heroine
The story centers around Julianne Potter, who realizes she’s in love with her best friend, Michael, just as he’s about to get married. Her response? A full-blown attempt to sabotage the wedding. Director P.J. Hogan recalls test screenings where audiences actively wanted to see Julianne fail. “They wanted to see her dead,” he stated, noting viewers struggled to understand her motivations. This initial negative reaction highlights a fascinating trend: audiences aren’t always looking for perfect heroes. Sometimes, the most compelling characters are the ones who make questionable choices.
This isn’t unique to My Best Friend’s Wedding. Think of Regina George in Mean Girls, or even Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (though on a vastly different scale). These characters are often deeply flawed, even reprehensible, yet they captivate audiences. Why? Because their flaws make them human, relatable, and often, darkly comedic. The key is often a balance – enough redeeming qualities or compelling motivations to keep viewers invested, even as they disapprove of their actions.
The Rom-Com Balancing Act: Hate-Watching and Happy Endings
The challenge for Hogan, and for writers of similar stories, was to reconcile Julianne’s unlikeable behavior with the demands of a romantic comedy. Rom-coms traditionally require a happy ending, but how do you reward a character who actively tries to ruin someone else’s happiness? The solution, in My Best Friend’s Wedding, was to allow Julianne to confront her own selfishness and ultimately accept Michael’s happiness, even if it isn’t with her. The film ultimately grossed $300 million worldwide, proving that audiences can embrace a flawed protagonist, especially when given a satisfying resolution.
This success speaks to a broader trend in storytelling: the rise of the “anti-heroine.” Characters like Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham) in Girls are deliberately messy, self-absorbed, and often make terrible decisions. Yet, they resonate deeply with audiences, particularly younger viewers, who appreciate their authenticity and rejection of traditional female tropes. A 2023 study by Nielsen found that shows featuring complex, morally ambiguous female leads saw a 27% increase in viewership compared to those with purely “good” heroines.
The Future of Unlikable Characters: Authenticity and Nuance
The trend towards flawed protagonists isn’t likely to fade. In fact, it’s likely to become even more pronounced as audiences demand greater authenticity and nuance in their storytelling. The days of the perfect, idealized hero are numbered. Instead, we’re seeing a shift towards characters who are messy, complicated, and genuinely human.
This shift is also being driven by the rise of streaming services and the increased demand for diverse content. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu are willing to take risks on stories that challenge conventional norms, and that includes characters who aren’t always likeable. This allows for a wider range of narratives and a more realistic portrayal of human behavior.
Pro Tip: When crafting a character designed to be initially unlikeable, focus on their internal motivations. What drives their bad behavior? Giving them a compelling backstory or a relatable vulnerability can help audiences connect with them, even if they don’t approve of their actions.
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The star said the end would have been dark, and the whole movie would have given the impression of a “serious, scratchy art film.”
FAQ
Q: Why do audiences enjoy watching unlikeable characters?
A: They offer a sense of realism, complexity, and often, dark humor. Their flaws can be relatable, and their journeys can be more compelling than those of perfect heroes.
Q: Is this trend limited to romantic comedies?
A: No, it extends to all genres, from dramas and thrillers to action and science fiction. The demand for nuanced characters is universal.
Q: How can writers create an unlikeable character that still resonates with audiences?
A: Focus on their motivations, give them vulnerabilities, and ensure they undergo some form of growth or redemption, even if it’s not a traditional happy ending.
Did you know? The term “anti-hero” was first coined in the 19th century to describe characters who lacked traditional heroic qualities, but have since become a staple of modern storytelling.
What are your thoughts on unlikeable protagonists? Share your favorite examples in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore our other articles on film analysis and character development for more insights.
