S35E6 - The Problem with Annoying Main Characters

When we talk about main characters being annoying, we aren't referring to their personality traits which may be annoying in a real person. For readers, an annoying main character is often one who is unrealistic. Whether that's because the author has created a Mary Sue/Gary Stu, or because they keep waving the magical wand of "because the author said so." Characters don't have to be perfect (actually, perfection often causes this problem more often than not), but they do need to be compelling.

In this episode, Leigh and Ley talk about what works and what doesn't work when crafting a main character, and how to avoid making one that will turn readers away from your story.

First aired September 19, 2022.