Writers! Stop Worrying About Whether Your MC is “likeable.” Follow These 5 Simple Rules Instead…

Have you ever abandoned reading a novel because you just don’t care about the main character? You’re not alone! Most readers want a likeable protagonist, but that doesn’t mean that your MC always has to be a good person. They can do bad things and still be likeable. But, how? It’s really pretty simple, and most likely, you’ve been writing your main characters this way without realizing it.

First, she must want something that’s specific and easy to understand.

Perhaps your MC (let’s call her Jane) wants to get a promotion at work. But the goal must be meaningful on a deeper level. Maybe Jane is a single mom, and that promotion is the only way she can afford to make a better life for her young son. Her goal should be urgent and compelling enough that readers feel invested in its outcome.

Second, her goal should be driven by an emotional wound or insecurity.

Could be that grew up poor and neglected. Then, her desire for the promotion becomes not just a symbol of security and respect, but also reassurance that she’ll give her son more than her parents were able to give her. Or, Jane might have a deep-seated fear of failure and longs to prove herself both professionally and as a mother. This makes her ambition more than superficial; it becomes personal and relatable.

Third, add in some external and internal conflicts.

For example, Jane could have a creepy boss who’s harassing her, rival coworkers scheming against her, or systemic obstacles like nepotism, classism, or sexism. Meanwhile, Jane’s dealing with self-doubt, mom guilt over working too many hours, or moral dilemmas that make her doubt her own methods. Perhaps Jane is tempted to cut corners or cheat somehow to get her promotion. The more obstacles you introduce, the more your character will be tested, and the more your readers will become emotionally invested in her journey.

Fourth, connect the short-term goal to something more long term.

Jane’s promotion is not just about career success but a step towards the broader dream of security for her and her son. Her short-term victory becomes a crucial part of her profound long-term dream.

Fifth, your character should have a crisis of faith or be tempted to abandon her values in exchange for an easier solution.

Maybe Jane considers sabotaging a co-worker or lying on her application to get ahead. It’s a pivotal moment where she must choose between the easy, morally questionable shortcut and the difficult but honest path. But then, when she sticks to her guns, we’ll admire her all the more.

In the climax, your character’s struggle should pay off, not necessarily in a traditional sense but in terms of growth and self-awareness. Perhaps Jane chooses integrity over shortcuts and endures the consequences. Maybe she loses the promotion but gains self-respect and a clearer understanding of what truly matters. This will make us like Jane; even though she’s flawed, she’s also authentic and grows from her experiences.

A few more thoughts…

Throughout the novel, show your character’s human side. Highlight her vulnerabilities, mistakes, and her motivations. That way, even if Jane makes morally questionable choices, the reader understands her and roots for her genuine desire for a better life. Show moments of kindness, humor, or vulnerability. If readers see her internal struggles and sympathize with her deepest fears and hopes, they will find her likable—even if she’s not always perfect.

Just remember, your character’s growth, honesty, and vulnerability are what will ultimately endear her to readers. Focus on her internal journey and make her motivations authentic. Then, you’ll create a protagonist who is complex, relatable, and compelling—someone readers will root for, even when they stumble or falter.