Rumaan Alam discusses the tendency of readers to reject novels with unlikable characters, especially women, asserting that such reactions reveal the author's skill in crafting complex personalities. He praises narratives that feature flawed female characters, suggesting that their unflattering portrayals enhance literature by reflecting the nuanced realities of women's experiences. Alam's analysis includes looking at works like Trollope's "The Eustace Diamonds," where characters navigate societal constraints of their time, leading to choices that might seem irrational yet enrich the story's complexity.
Alam emphasizes that unlikable characters, particularly women, can evoke strong reactions from readers, illustrating the author's craft in creating complex, flawed personalities that challenge traditional character norms.
He argues that the portrayal of unlikeable female characters allows for richer, more compelling storytelling, as it reflects real human complexity and the societal limitations placed on women.
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