I almost skipped this week’s T5W topic. It’s not like I don’t have characters I don’t like, but most often if that’s the case the book ends up on the DNF or forget-it-ever-existed pile. So instead of a list of five characters, I decided to go with some of the character traits that really bug me.
I was trying to put these in some proper order, but the truth is each of these traits annoys me as much as the others.
5
Stupidity and all-knowingness at the same time
You think it’s impossible to be both? There are plenty of characters out there who are written like they know it all and yet do the dumbest things sometimes. Maybe it’s partially the naivety, but most of the time it’s simple lack of thinking.
Oh, I do know sometimes you might just be too tired or you might have to make a rush decision because you’re life is hanging on an edge. In these situations, you might do something stupid, but when a character does the most idiotic things while not under pressure there’s nothing that will make me like or respect him/her.
4
The ugly duckling
Yea, right… because each of these heroines had never looked into a mirror and compared herself to other girls and when suddenly some idiot comes at her and tells her she’s pretty she’s all over him because she never realized that… maybe I should’ve put this one together with the previous point.
I don’t think I need to add examples here… take ANY young-adult book with a female heroine.
3
Indecision
Whether it’s about choosing one of many love interests or some other important life choice it’s just so annoying when a main (or other) character can’t make up their mind. I know life’s not always simple and sometimes you can’t simply choose one thing. It’s OK if out hero hesitates, thinks about consequences, etc, but if the process goes on throughout the whole story it’s just too much!
2
Constant whining
How I hate these whiny “heroines” that go through story complaining about their “tough” lives, their miserable future and the people around them. I’ve got two examples for you here: Leena from “Beautiful Creatures” (her constant “oh, no I’ll go dark” whining) and even more annoying Twylla from “Sin Eater’s Daughter”. If I’d ever met these two I’d go berserk…
[Yes, I realize I’m whining myself right now. Deal with it! At least you won’t have to read a whole book about me :P]
1
OMG you’ve got to save me because I’m soo helpless
Well… I don’t think an explanation is needed here. I won’t hide that I prefer strong heroines and it really gets on my nerves when some chick is just waiting to be saved even though she could do it herself gazillion times…
That’s all from me now. Let me know what characters you disliked or what traits you find annoying.
agreed with all
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Haha, I love this!! I must say I share your peeves in characters! BUT, sometimes a character can be so ”complex” that even if they are whiny or self-centered or indecisive, I won’t mind it b/c they have many other qualities, also, and no one is perfect. But yeah, those things you mentioned can be SO annoying.
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Ahh all of these drive me literally nuts!!! You’d hate the Testing series for number 5- cos she’s the epitome of someone that’s supposed to be smart/all knowing but constantly does stupid things
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I haven’t read that and I don’t think I will now 😛
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yeah don’t bother
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Completely agree!
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I just hate beautiful but helpless heroines. Give me feisty or kick-ass any day!
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yes please 😀
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OMG all of these goes along with Clary from TMI so well. Tris from Divergent as well.
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I wouldn’t say all, but some indeed fit.
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I love your spin on this week’s topic! These things annoy me as well!!!
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I’m glad you liked it and agree on the points 😀
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I agree! I also do not like whiny characters or the helpless female character. It has to have a strong heroine or I will quit reading or get seriously ticked at her.
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after all it’s better to imagine yourself as one of the strong heroines than the weaklings 😛
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I have a hard time finishing a book when the female characters are whiny and helpless. Just..UGH!! Being stupid and all-knowing at the same time…have you met my brother-in-law? XD But yes, I agree with all 5 things as well!
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I’ve only finished the two books mentioned because they were on audio… plus the second one was read pretty well. Other than that.. NO MORE!
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I still have The Sin Eater’s Daughter audiobook from Sync waiting to be listened to, but I heard it’s a giant snoozefest eh?
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yup… that’s where I got it from too
it’s annoying
and a bit boring
ale so annoying
and did I mention annoying?
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I AGREE 100% ON ALL OF THAT!! Especially the one they think they’re ugly, but they’re not really! I mean, come on! Then the only time they think they’re beautiful is when a handsome guy tell them they are???! I mean, seriously.
Great post by the way! I liked how your answers were by characteristics and not by characters.
https://myinfinitereadinglist.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/top-5-wednesday-most-unlikable-characters/
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Thank you 😀
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I agree with all these character tropes! Especially when a character waits to be saved, or when she’s been capable of looking after herself for ages and then suddenly she is in mortal peril and needs the guy to save her and/or the day
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yup, typical old-time Disney princess mode
luckily they’ve upgraded their girls a bit 😀
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Great post- agree with all of the above! 🙂
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😀 good to know I’m not alone
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