When you say "I like this character" it's assumed to be about the person they portray. What if you just really just appreciate the character? For example maybe you really enjoyed watching them or you feel their personality or experience captures something very important. I know there's the expression "love to hate" a character which works for ones who you just appreciate how terrible they are. Another option is to point out something more specific; that you like the writing or the acting. Is there a more general term?

Also feel free to share if there's a tv character you like even though you don't find them likeable.

Comments

milkyginger t1_j9z9n5k wrote on February 25, 2023 at 5:42 PM

#1,999,512

Sally on Barry is an example of this. The character is great. She's well written and well acted, but she's a terrible person in a realistic way. I really appreciate and enjoy the character but I don't think I like her.

fyodor_mikhailovich t1_j9zdf0b wrote on February 25, 2023 at 6:07 PM

#2,000,160

“like the depiction”

ogrezilla t1_j9zf6gf wrote on February 25, 2023 at 6:18 PM

#2,000,487

I feel like "enjoy" works for this doesn't it? I enjoy watching this character.

tylergetsmeajob t1_j9zfblk wrote on February 25, 2023 at 6:19 PM

#2,000,512

There are likeable characters and there are well-written characters.

FreyrFreyja t1_j9zj30c wrote on February 25, 2023 at 6:44 PM

#2,001,153

Likeable characters don't have to be likeable people.

AhhsoleCnut t1_j9zkm8f wrote on February 25, 2023 at 6:54 PM

#2,001,423

>When you say "I like this character" it's assumed to be about the person they portray.

That's a big assumption. Maybe stop making it.

Then again, maybe it's me who's the weirdo, but I never mean it like that (or assume other people to).

LightThatIgnitesAll t1_j9zmtc7 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:08 PM

#2,001,816

>appreciate

Isn't this it?

sauronthegr8 t1_j9zpaaf wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:25 PM

#2,002,209

Replying to milkyginger (#1,999,512)

Arguably she didn't start out that way, though. It was through being around Barry that her more ruthless side came out. When we first meet her she's a funny, awkward struggling actress with a pretty average moral compass.

SageOfTheWise t1_j9zrfbp wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:39 PM

#2,002,564

I mean, "I like this character" still works, not sure why you're making that initial assumption. But if you prefer you could always go with "I find the character compelling" or something.

theyusedthelamppost t1_j9zrnrl wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:41 PM

#2,002,599

Idk but if it gets a name, we should just call it a Homelander.

Homelander is the worst person and the most entertaining character.

amaluna t1_j9zu2x0 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:57 PM

#2,003,008

The initial assumption is off imo. Whether a character is a good person or likeable is so secondary to whether or not character is good it's unreasonable to assume that's what they're saying.

Southern-Rutabaga-82 t1_ja05hkh wrote on February 25, 2023 at 9:15 PM

#2,004,976

No, when I like the character, I like the character. That doesn't mean I think they are a nice person. I like to watch them, they are fun. The best characters are usually not good people. It's fiction. I wouldn't be friends with people like that but I have a good time watching them on TV.

A character I like is complex, feels real, has interesting dynamics with other characters, and is driving the plot.

Southern-Rutabaga-82 t1_ja05sn0 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 9:17 PM

#2,005,031

Replying to theyusedthelamppost (#2,002,599)

Every single character on this show is a terrible person - and it's great!

cronedog t1_ja0d81n wrote on February 25, 2023 at 10:10 PM

#2,006,267

Replying to AhhsoleCnut (#2,001,423)

I'm with you. I hope all times I talked about liking villains or horror monsters didn't give people around me the impression that I'm a psycho.

cronedog t1_ja0dco4 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 10:11 PM

#2,006,285

>When you say "I like this character" it's assumed to be about the person they portray.

I'm starting to think this is a you thing.

CapnSmite t1_ja0hl5t wrote on February 25, 2023 at 10:41 PM

#2,007,002

"Being entertained."

bloodyturtle t1_ja0mrk9 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 11:20 PM

#2,007,893

what an impressively banal thing to overthink

cynic74 t1_ja0o2gd wrote on February 25, 2023 at 11:29 PM

#2,008,094

An anti-hero? Maybe a cowboy who doesn’t want to get involved but ultimately does, maybe a Clint Eastwood character?

quaranTV t1_ja0uk2v wrote on February 26, 2023 at 12:19 AM

#2,009,320

Replying to theyusedthelamppost (#2,002,599)

Yeah I usually refer to these type of favorite characters as the most interesting or most complex. Homelander is a great example. Definitely my favorite character to watch on The Boys.