Comments on: Why Protagonists Must Have Some Virtues https://www.thestorydepartment.com/why-protagonists-must-have-some-virtues/ Story. Screenplay. Sale. Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:05:00 +0000 hourly 1 By: Paul Clarke https://www.thestorydepartment.com/why-protagonists-must-have-some-virtues/#comment-1305 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:05:00 +0000 https://thestorydepartment.com/?p=21800#comment-1305 That’s why Mad Max is still the best Australian film (IMHO).

As apposed to say the latest aussie film: The Wedding Party – What are they thinking?

]]> By: Pras https://www.thestorydepartment.com/why-protagonists-must-have-some-virtues/#comment-1304 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:53:00 +0000 https://thestorydepartment.com/?p=21800#comment-1304 Taking a Stand =/= Praiseworthy Qualities!

The protag does not need virtues, so much as redeeming qualities.

An often quoted and good example is the thoroughly unlikable Melvin Udall of “As Good As It Gets” or Patrick Bateman of “American Psycho” or my personal favourite – Deckard in Blade Runner.

But yes, he has to stand for something, even the most despicable thing. But he can be as unlikable as necessary, as long as he is fascinating. It is not about likability at all, it is about the strength of what he stands for or the intensity of what he believes in.

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