What is the difference between when you can empathize with a character and when you can't empathize with or are not interested in a character?
From a creator's point of view, it is extremely important to make the characters feel ``likeable'' or ``empathetic'' in a story. On the other hand, if you make people feel like they can't empathize with the characters or aren't interested in them, even if they enjoyed the story to some extent, they'll end up being judged as uninteresting or not their favorite work. You may. Author Jake Lamar, who is also a creative writing lecturer at
The Four Corners of Subjectivity ‹ CrimeReads
https://crimerreads.com/the-four-corners-of-subjectivity/
In order to create an attractive character, it is important not only to consider elements such as ``cool'' and ``cute,'' but also ``can people empathize with it'' and ``can people take an interest in it.'' Psychologist and novelist R.J. Jacobs points out that sometimes characters in stories choose immoral acts even if they are not evil people, and that there are ways to prevent such characters from being seen as ``unforgivable.'' points out that it is necessary.
A psychologist writer explains the conditions under which readers can tolerate characters taking bad measures to achieve their goals - GIGAZINE
Based on his experience, Mr. Lamar summarizes the tendencies of ``reader reactions'' that make characters attractive as ``4 types of reader subjectivity.''
The first thing Mr. Lamar mentions as ``reader subjectivity'' is the aspect of ``likeability.'' As a political consultant once said, ``Voters like people they can enjoy going out for a beer with.'' A relatable character is more appealing than a well-honed character. They may feel that they can relate to the character or that they are interested in the character.
The second point of ``reader subjectivity'' is whether the character resembles the reader himself in terms of ``social identity.'' It is easy for readers to empathize with characters who share some aspects of their social and cultural backgrounds, but it is difficult for readers to empathize with characters who are socially and culturally distant.
The third point is whether there are other connections between the reader and the character, such as the psychological state of being lonely and sad, or the experience of having just been dumped by a lover. Even if a character does not have a relatable or likable character or is not similar to one's own social or cultural background, if the character has the same experiences and emotions, one may feel a strong sense of empathy.
The fourth pattern of ``reader subjectivity'' is ``a perspective that cares about the characters.'' In other words, some readers objectively care about what happens to the characters in the story, regardless of whether they can empathize with them or not. 'Ideally, the reader is engrossed in the story by following the story's protagonist and seeing his or her fate, without worrying about the protagonist's flaws or vices,' Lamar said. says.
Mr. Lamar cites ``antihero'' stories as an example where ``reader subjectivity'' is easily influenced. If the main character is a spy or a gangster, rather than a so-called 'hero' who defeats evil, but chooses illegal or immoral acts, you may not be able to enjoy the story because you feel 'I can't like you because he's doing something bad.' . What we should pay attention to in this case is the ``subjectivity of the reader''; whether the reader has a certain humanity and likability, or whether the reader can empathize with the society and culture in which he or she was born and raised, even if his or her current position is special, or whether the reader can feel the reader's earnest feelings. Even characters who are difficult to empathize with can be deeply interested in you if you can understand their characters and their experiences.
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in Note, Posted by log1e_dh