Writing.Com General Discussion

Making a character likable isn't the only way to make them interesting to a reader. People love to follow the stories of active characters too, the ones that make stuff happen and doesn't just react to stuff happening to them. Characters who a competent in some areas at least also tend to be more interesting.

Take Batman for example, very competent at beating up guys and doesn't just sit around on his ass waiting for them, but the only way he could ever be described as a nice person is if you compare him to the villains (comparison is a great way of making a character seem more likable by the way).

Relatable characters also attract readers. One of the great things about Harry Potter is that aside from all the magic and strangeness most kids can but kids can put themselves in Harry's place to some degree.

Of course, if the character you're describing is a protagonist, then she probably need some redeeming qualities, some degree of likability. But that doesn't mean she has to be a saint. You need conflict too.

Great question by the way.