Writing a novel with a morally ambiguous or "bad" protagonist can be a challenging but intriguing task. Making readers root for such a character involves creating a complex and compelling narrative that encourages empathy and understanding, even for flawed individuals. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Give the protagonist redeeming qualities: While your protagonist may be a "bad" person, they should have some positive attributes or motivations that readers can relate to or admire. Show moments of vulnerability, kindness, or empathy to humanize them.
Establish a compelling backstory: Offer insights into the protagonist's past and experiences that shaped their current behavior. This can help readers understand why they act the way they do, even if they don't condone their actions.
Internal conflict and growth: Allow your protagonist to grapple with their flaws and inner demons. Show them struggling to change or overcome their negative traits, demonstrating a willingness to grow and evolve.
Relatable goals: Ensure that the protagonist's goals, while potentially questionable, are understandable and relatable on some level. Readers should see the reasons behind their actions, even if they don't agree with their methods.
Complex relationships: Develop the protagonist's relationships with other characters, showcasing how their actions impact those around them. This can create emotional depth and conflicts that add layers to the story.
Show consequences: Illustrate the consequences of the protagonist's actions, both on themselves and others. This helps readers see the real-world ramifications of their behavior and can invoke sympathy or understanding.
Engaging writing style: Craft a captivating narrative that keeps readers invested in the story. Strong prose, engaging dialogue, and vivid descriptions can help maintain their interest despite the protagonist's flaws.
Use humor or wit: Incorporate humor or witty dialogue to lighten the mood and make the protagonist more endearing, even in their darker moments.
Include external challenges: Introduce external challenges or adversaries that are even worse than the protagonist. This can make readers root for them as the "lesser evil" in the story.
Create a dynamic supporting cast: Develop well-rounded and interesting supporting characters who interact with the protagonist in meaningful ways. These relationships can help shape the protagonist's development and evoke different emotions from readers.
Remember that not all readers will root for a bad protagonist, and that's okay. The goal is to create a multi-dimensional character and a thought-provoking narrative that generates discussion and engages readers on an emotional level. Strive to challenge preconceptions, explore the complexities of human nature, and ultimately create a memorable and compelling story.