Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Unlikable Protagonists that I Actually Love

 

Welcome to another Top 5 Wednesday! For information regarding topics and such, I am including a link to the Goodreads Group right here. This week’s topic is our top 5 unlikable protagonists we like. Let’s go!

5. Catcher in the Rye

Holden Caulfield is a jerk. I didn’t realize it when I read the book in high school, but my goodness, he is such a pretentious, entitled, guy. He is not empathetic toward people around him (at all). Yet, I will always cherish this guy because he taps into this angry and misunderstood part of a person’s life.

4. Wuthering Heights

Cathy and Heathcliff have a lot of issues. When I read this book in college, I was one of the very few people who loved it. The push and pull of an intense relationship felt so familiar to the mood swings I had. What is strange is that I didn’t have the words to describe these events in my life, but I saw Heathcliff with his inability to process loss of his love–I just felt less alone.

But, in a way, the story still reminds me that obsessing over lost relationships can turn a person into a cruel individual. I live by that awareness.

 

3. Othello

I mean, Othello is the first person of color I have encountered in a classic (aside from Heathcliff). But, I did not really like Othello as much as I loved Iago. Some people dislike him because he is sneaky. Incidentally, this is exactly why I like him. Clever dude.

The ultimate Slytherin. OG status.

Back to Othello, though. I love his passion, his gullible nature, his insecurities. It all feels so close and dear to me.

2. The Great Gatsby

Look, I’ll be honest. When I read this book in high school, I just disliked everyone. But, in college and even now…I sympathize. All of it clicks for me. Even Daisy is someone I understand and can relate to. American Dream and trying to prove oneself is

1. Romeo and Juliet

Hold on while I sigh wearily. People give these character such a hard time. And, like, dude, weren’t you ever fourteen? Fourteen and emotional, with cultural expectations to marry pressing down on you. It’s just an honest portrayal of love and hate, and tragedy.

UGH. I feel so many things.

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