For me, the unlikely character who has given me the most thrills is the one that I least expected, the one who always blends in the background, who always is a caring husband/wife, a loving father /mother, who is one's closest friend. Such character always gives me goosebumps!
The first unlikeable character I ever encountered that made a lasting impression on me was Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith. He is a shapeshifter, adapting himself easily to any situation and drawing people into his con. Ripley is charming yet absolutely merciless, insidious and unpredictable and that makes the character compelling. The thrill is smoldering danger unchecked.
What a great question! I don’t know that he’s *entirely* unlikable, but Joe Goldberg from You by Caroline Kepnes is one of the most thrilling “villains” I can think of. There are people with whom I don’t click or I feel have done something wrong to me… we all have experienced that and move on at some point. However, Joe taking it to the degree of serial murder AND to feel vindicated by that is fascinating. I studied Criminology in college, so I’ve always been interested in the kinds of serial killers.
For me, the unlikely character who has given me the most thrills is the one that I least expected, the one who always blends in the background, who always is a caring husband/wife, a loving father /mother, who is one's closest friend. Such character always gives me goosebumps!
The first unlikeable character I ever encountered that made a lasting impression on me was Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith. He is a shapeshifter, adapting himself easily to any situation and drawing people into his con. Ripley is charming yet absolutely merciless, insidious and unpredictable and that makes the character compelling. The thrill is smoldering danger unchecked.
Good question. The first that comes to mind is Lucas from Never Coming Home by Hannah Mary McKinnon. Interested to see what everyone else says.
What a great question! I don’t know that he’s *entirely* unlikable, but Joe Goldberg from You by Caroline Kepnes is one of the most thrilling “villains” I can think of. There are people with whom I don’t click or I feel have done something wrong to me… we all have experienced that and move on at some point. However, Joe taking it to the degree of serial murder AND to feel vindicated by that is fascinating. I studied Criminology in college, so I’ve always been interested in the kinds of serial killers.