How to Write Unlikable Characters (That Readers Can’t Stop Thinking About)

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Some characters charm you. Others? Not so much. And yet, you still keep reading.

Unlikable characters often leave the strongest impression on readers and viewers. They lie, cheat, yell, and mess up in the worst ways. But they do it in a way that grabs your attention.

They’re valuable tools in drawing parallels and evoking emotion. However, writing them without breaking your story takes skill and purpose.

Why Bother Writing Unlikable Characters?

Not every character needs to be nice. If they’re not nice, they’re also not necessarily villains. Unlikable characters serve many purposes in storytelling:

  • They create conflict. Conflict drives stories forward, and difficult characters are conflict machines.
  • They reflect real life. People aren’t all good or all bad, and your characters shouldn’t be either.
  • They challenge readers. Unlikable characters force readers to question their own values and assumptions.
  • They allow for character growth. A character who starts out unlikable has room for a powerful redemption arc. They also force those around them to change.

Good stories need friction and tension. Unlikable characters push the plot harder and into interesting directions. They may be hard to root for—but they’re impossible to ignore.

Examples of Unlikable Characters

Here are a few characters that plenty of readers dislike:

Humbert Humbert

Lolita’s Humbert Humbert is a reprehensible man with deeply disturbing actions and views. And yet his manipulation and rationalization of abuse are so well written that readers can’t look away. Truly a character who hides his villainy behind flowery words.

Holden Caulfield

The Catcher in the Rye’s Holden Caulfield is whiny, judgmental, and constantly angry. Some readers relate to him; others find him annoying and self-absorbed. Despite all that, he captures a genuine image of teenage angst.

Dolores Umbridge

Harry Potter’s Dolores Umbridge is polite and colorful on the surface, but cruel beneath. This false facade and her abuse of power make her more hated than Voldemort to some.

Amy Dunne

Gone Girl’s Amy Dunne is a master manipulator. She orchestrates her husband’s downfall with uncomfortable ease. Her mind games make her fascinating, but deeply unsettling.

Shou Tucker

Fullmetal Alchemist’s Shou Tucker is first seen as a genius alchemist and gentle father. Later, it’s revealed he fused his wife with an animal to keep his status as a State Alchemist. Then he did the same to his daughter and their dog.

How to Write Unlikable Characters That Still Work

Here are a few tips on how you can write an unlikable character:

Give them depth.

An unlikable character shouldn’t exist simply to be disliked. A character who acts cruel for no reason feels flat and cartoonish. They need to have reasons for their actions.

Show the reason behind their flaws. Maybe it’s fear, trauma, or ambition. These don’t have to be noble reasons, but they must make sense.

Balance negativity with complexity.

Give your unlikable character small moments of humanity. Show cracks in the armor. Maybe they wrestle with guilt, doubt, or fear. Maybe they love someone but don’t know how to show it.

A character with inner conflict feels real, even if they treat others terribly. This gives the character layers. Readers will have to decide for themselves if the character’s behavior is justified or not.

Give them redeemable characteristics.

No one is pure evil. Even history’s worst people had moments of softness.

Your unlikable character should have at least one redeeming trait. Maybe they’re loyal to a friend, love animals, or stick to a personal code. It doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it adds depth.

The trait doesn’t even have to be “good.” It just has to spark interest. A sarcastic villain might be awful, but their sharp dialogue makes them entertaining. A cold-hearted character who never lies can still earn respect.

Show consequences.

Unlikable actions should have realistic consequences. Show how your character’s behavior affects others and themselves.

Does someone’s cowardice cost another’s life? Do coworkers resent someone for a promotion they didn’t earn? Do someone’s lies lead others to trouble?

Describe how others respond to this character. It’ll paint a more complete picture.

Give them a compelling backstory.

Why are they the way they are? Something must have shaped them. Maybe they were betrayed, abandoned, or raised in a harsh environment. Maybe they once tried to do good and paid a heavy price.

Their backstory doesn’t have to excuse their actions, but it should help explain them. When readers understand where the pain or bitterness comes from, they’re more likely to stay invested.

Make them act.

Your character needs to do things, not just sit around and sulk. Passive characters stall your story.

Whining and wallowing might fit their personality, but it can’t be all they do. Give them goals, even selfish ones. Let them make bold, questionable choices. Let them mess things up.

Action reveals character. The more they do, the more your readers learn whether they like them or not.

What Makes a Character Unlikable?

Some of the most unlikable characters hit a nerve because they reflect something real. Readers see parts of themselves in these characters, and it unsettles them.

Others are unlikable because readers cringe or feel genuine dislike for their behavior. Whatever the reason, something about them pushes readers away.

Their flaws tend to dominate their personality. They act in their own interest, even when it hurts others. They dodge responsibility, refuse to grow, or treat people as tools. Some make the same bad choices over and over.

But unlikable doesn’t mean poorly written. Otherwise, they’d be uninteresting. Done right, these characters can be some of the most compelling. You love to hate them, and that makes them unforgettable.

How do you write unlikeable characters? Share your thoughts below!

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