: Re: Characterisation: What lines can an antihero cross while retaining reader sympathy? Now, to clarify ahead of time; I'm quite aware that compelling doesn't necessary equal sympathetic and vice versa.

@Debbie451

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This is a very interesting question that due to the severity of his wrongs I would suggest going to a principle seen in much of Al Pacino's acting and of course in the main character Alex from Clockwork Orange. Also potentially consider Portrait of Dorian Grey.

Reader's ability to forgive a character often comes from understanding the circumstances of why a character is doing something evil, even if they don't feel it is justified, and something happening to that character that forces them out of their state. When a character like Alex is brainwashed, or Dorian Grey is forced to confront his use of people in a young love he had, it causes the reader to feel bad for the villain even though he/she had it coming. Sympathizing with a villain is what makes us human. If we felt no empathy for a villain who is experiencing genuine pain, we'd be a lot like them, because any wrong doing could be justified if you can find the wrong in others.

Taking away choice in a situation is a fantastic way to gain your readers sympathy. When your villain is corner and the threat to their safety or life is high, it is soul crushing. There is an innate desire to watch the villain go down, but on equal stronger footing to the hero so that there is a sense of justice and achievement in the take down. When the villain is cornered and weak, it becomes a cheap justice, and a lot of character changing can happen in the moment to redeem the character, or immobilize the character indefinitely.

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