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I just finished a novel with a truly despicable main character, and I’m left feeling conflicted because I couldn’t put the book down. The narrative was compelling, but I’m unsettled by how much I was drawn into the perspective of someone so morally bankrupt. Has anyone else felt this odd sense of being captivated by a villainous protagonist?

Totally. I kept turning pages even though the main character was clearly messed up. The voice was vivid enough that I found myself rooting for their momentum more than their morals.

I tried to pause after big reveals, then started a tiny notebook to log when I felt pulled in and when I cringed at what was happening. It didn’t stop the pull, but it helped me notice it.

Part of me suspects the author used a slick hook to make that close point of view feel relatable. I wandered into thoughts about people who justify bad choices, then had to snap back to the page and keep reading anyway.

Do you think the problem is the way the book asks you to identify with the character, or is there a bigger issue at play?

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