The Intricate Art of Unlikable Characters: Why We’re Drawn to Flawed Women on Screen
We often talk about “likable” characters, but what dose that even mean? And why are we so quick to dismiss female characters who don’t fit a neat, agreeable mold? The new series is sparking a conversation about this very issue, and itS a conversation creator Lena Konner is well-prepared to have.
She’s faced this before, notably with the groundbreaking show Girls. Konner understands that relatability doesn’t always equate to instant affection. A character can be frustrating, messy, even downright irritating, and still resonate deeply with an audience.
beyond “Likeable”: The Power of Relatability
Konner explains the key lies in recognizing yourself – or someone you know – within the character’s flaws. This is a intentional strategy in the writers’ room.
Foster, the show’s creator, frequently shares stories from her own life, including dynamics within her marriage. Interestingly, not everyone in the room immediately identifies with her perspective. Some see themselves in her spouse, highlighting the universality of human experience.
This approach aims to create characters that feel authentic, even if they aren’t always pleasant. As Konner puts it, even if a viewer doesn’t relate to a character, they might find themselves captivated by someone who reminds them of a person they strongly dislike.
The Long Shadow of Childhood Grievances
The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to tap into those surprisingly persistent emotional wounds. Consider the storyline involving Joanne, Noah, and a childhood nemesis.
Joanne accompanies Noah to a baby-naming ceremony hosted by an influencer she knew as a child. Beneath the surface of polite conversation lies a decades-old grudge: the influencer once maliciously cut the hair of Joanne’s beloved American Girl doll, Felicity.
This seemingly trivial incident speaks to a larger truth about the enduring power of childhood experiences. It’s a sentiment many viewers can understand. In fact, this particular plotline resonated with one viewer who confessed to harboring a similar resentment over a doll-related transgression from her own youth.
Confronting the Past – and Maybe Your Frenemy
Remarkably, the doll-haircutting incident wasn’t fiction.it actually happened to one of the show’s script supervisors. And, adding another layer of intrigue, the alleged perpetrator still denies the act.
This anecdote underscores the often-unresolved nature of these childhood conflicts.The viewer, who had never confronted her own “doll criminal,” received a gentle nudge from Konner: “I think it’s time, Esther.”
It’s a reminder that sometimes, acknowledging and addressing these lingering resentments – no matter how small they seem – can be surprisingly liberating.
Ultimately,the show isn’t about creating characters you have to love. It’s about presenting complex, flawed individuals and inviting you to explore your own reactions, biases, and perhaps, even your own unresolved childhood dramas. And that, in itself, is a powerful and compelling form of storytelling.