Hello all you amazing readers out there! Let's get some opinions!
What do you think makes a protagonist (of any kind of novel) cliché? What can be done to avoid this status quo that is the cliché main character? What makes a protagonist unique? Maybe give some examples of cliché and unique protagonists.
Mind you, I'm looking for peoples opinions on this matter, not suggestions. Thanks a lot, and I can't wait to read what you all have to say on this matter.
ηιηαттα ♫♪
Favorite Answer
First of all, what is 'cliché'? Well, according to the dictionary, it is 'an overused expression or idea'. So a clichéd character would be one that is very commonly used in that genre. If it was romance then your cliché character might be the popular girl/guy falling for an unpopular guy/girl. If it was fantasy then your cliché character might be an all-powerful, limitless magician. If it was a thriller or mystery then your cliché character might be a brilliant, faultless detective or spy.
Another take on a clichéd character might be that they're unrealistic. They have no legitimate flaws and are far too perfect -- your classic Mary Sue/Gary Stu. If your protagonist is untrickable, unbeatable or unmatchable then s/he is probably a cliché character.
What can be done to avoid creating a cliché character? Give them flaws -- not just flimsy physical flaws, but real personality flaws, formed throughout their lives as a result of their experiences. Make them authentic and relatable. Make them realistic.
As for unique tendencies... Well, the most unique characters I've ever read about are the ones that are most life-like. All humans are different and unique so if you make your character like a genuine, living, breathing human then you make them unique.
That's my opinion, at least. Good question!
Person of Little Interest
A cliche protagonist wakes up in the morning to start off a novel, they introduce themselves with "Hi, my name is..." and they complain about their lives even though there's really nothing to complain about. For example: "I sat down on the black leather couch and propped my feet up on the handblown glass coffee table and Alfred, my butler, turned the big screen TV on for me and started to flip through channels at my discretion. I sighed. Nothing to watch. Life sucks."
That's a bit of a drastic example, but I've actually read some books like that. A cliche protagonist is most likely a Mary Sue (or Gary Stu). They get the girl (or boy) in the end and everything turns out all right for them.
Anonymous
depends what genre.
romantics are probably the most common to use cliche's though.
which that would be the nerdy person that has a great, strong personality. but is always unnoticed.
that's probably the biggest.