Frenemies; No Need to Like, but Ought to Learn

Self-published author C. Joybell C. asserts that:

 “There is some kind of a sweet innocence in being human- in not having to be just happy or just sad- in the nature of being able to be both broken and whole, at the same time”. 

In other words, flaws and successes characterize people, as opposed to just successes. Many protagonist-centered fiction stories today tend to highlight the bright side in all; and, as eager readers, we root for our favorite champions to save the day.

Typically, our chosen heroes and heroines are clearly fighting for good. Their perfect actions and decisions rarely have evil outcomes, inspiring bookworms to make the ‘right’ choices. While I do consider it important to feature role models in fiction stories to inspire and lead, I also find it crucial to highlight gray characters—those who don’t achieve or choose the correct cause on the first go, but somehow make an impact on readers and the characters around them.

You know who I’m talking about. Our Snapes, Adelinas, Victors, and Elis, who hatch plans with mixed intentions that result in a range of outcomes for themselves and the other characters. Readers, including myself, cannot classify these characters as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ as easily as many of our beloved protagonists and antagonists. Instead, they force us to think and ponder their actions, thoughts, and feelings—the qualities that make them human.

Bibliophiles loyal to their favorite series can spend hours upon hours arguing these qualities to describe a character as their most liked or disliked. For instance, Severus Snape, a character in J. K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series, is a figure constantly debated; in fact, his personality and actions recently came under question when many bookworms asked Rowling why she chose to name Harry’s children after the potions master. Snape, like other gray characters, is not one easily molded into a good or bad character. His actions, including bullying and saving the day, contradict each other. Readers of the series will realize my implications specific to Snape (trying to avoid spoilers here), but on a larger scale, characters possessing traits flawed and noble are often the most human and genuine.

We humans are a diverse, versatile group, and cannot be defined by a single set of words. Thus, of course, gray characters are also diverse, and appear in different shapes and sizes. When I think of gray characters, though, here are a few traits that come to mind:

• Gray characters are not always initially identifiable. Often, they may seem one-note until later actions reveal their true characteristics. For example, I perceived Victor in V. E. Schwab’s Vicious as an ‘ideal’ protagonist until I realized his actions were not consistently ‘good’ or justifiable.

• Gray characters make plenty of mistakes. Later, these mistakes drive their decisions, either for better or for worse. I feel like this is a given, but it is important to recognize that it is these mistakes that make them lessons. Consider that Eli, also from Schwab’s Vicious, seems the obvious and evil antagonist, but it is his beliefs and early mistake to deny others’ beliefs that shape his villainous attitude.

• Gray characters can be unlikeable. At times, it can be easy to dislike these personalities, whose flaws pale in comparison to the noble protagonist’s. For instance, Adelina in Marie Lu’s The Young Elites is not a character I can say I “liked”, although I found her interesting.

As I write, readers worldwide debate how redeemable, loveable, and hate-worthy characters like Snape are. 

(Personally, I agree with Rowling; we cannot classify Snape as specifically good or bad, and that is what makes him human.) 

But I digress. 

Frankly, I think it is healthy for such debate to ensue. These gray characters, just as they themselves did in their stories, are making fans consider the differences between right and wrong, and weigh those choices with their consequences. The characters, through their mistakes, teach us good and bad. Hopefully, these lessons will help us readers choose the greater, nobler, correct option when choices present themselves.

I feel that it is just as important for books to feature gray characters as it is to showcase the great heroes and heroines. (I believe it is possible for a character to be both the protagonist and a gray character, though.) Even though it is crucial for readers to experience adventures and trials and tribulations alongside a trusty partner who will surely make the right decisions, I think it is equally crucial to include characters who, just like us, struggle to make realistic decisions in our daily lives. We need characters who, like us, must consider both sides of a conflict to make an informed decision, and characters who, like us, don’t always make the right choice the first time around, but are receptive and can learn from their mistakes.

How do you feel about gray characters?