Grow Up: Unlikable Characters in Jenny LeClue: Detectivú

Grow Up: Unlikable Characters in Jenny LeClue: Detectivú

Grow Up is a series in which I evaluate whether games called young adult actually fit the definition and explore why that matters.

“Unlikable” is a word that comes up again and again when discussing characters. It’s a fraught idea to begin with—I love a deeply flawed character myself, while others prefer a character they can look up to—but especially so in fiction for younger consumers, such as young adult and middle grade. Is there room for selfish, mean, or otherwise unlikable characters in fiction for younger audiences, or should young protagonists serve as role models? (more…)