Listen "The Art of Writing Unlikeable Characters, featuring Ben Purkert"
Episode Synopsis
This week's guest Ben Purkert, author of the newly released novel, The Men Can’t Be Saved, gives us some insight into the art of writing complex characters, including the downright unlikeable ones. Atrocious acts and bad behavior are at the center of storytelling, and when constructed well, supposedly unlikeable characters are often more gripping and memorable than likable ones. We’re titillated and drawn forth by a character’s conflict, bad behavior, and perhaps even downfall. A good author challenges their readers to be interested in their unlikeable characters—even through their flaws.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Memoir Nation
Regina Brooks on the Business of Memoir
13/10/2025
Kwame Alexander on Saying Yes!
06/10/2025
Melissa Febos on Solitude as Creative Fuel
29/09/2025
Elizabeth Crane on Point of View in Memoir
22/09/2025
Roxane Gay on Memoir as Manifesto
15/09/2025