Audience Quote by Jody Hill
“I have always liked kind of outsider characters. In the movies I grew up liking, you had more complicated characters. I don't mean that in a way that makes us better or anything. I just seem to like characters who don't really fit into. You always hear that from the studio: "You have to be able to root for them, they have to be likeable, and the audience has to be able to see themselves in the characters." I feel that's not necessarily true. As long as the character has some type of goal or outlook on the world, or perspective, you can follow that story.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast with The Ringer, 2018
Appreciation for complex, non‑conforming characters who can be compelling without being likable.
In simple terms: Complex outsiders can be engaging if they have clear goals or perspectives.
Key Takeaway
Embrace nuanced characters beyond likability.
Themes
character development
authenticity
audience perception
storytelling
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- film analysis
- creative writing
- media criticism
Key Concepts
anti‑hero archetype
psychology of empathy
narrative focus
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a non‑likable character relatable?
- How do goals shape audience connection?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may still reject unlikable protagonists despite depth.
![“I think real humans are so complicated, and often [characters] are written more one-dimensional without maybe even the writer knowing it. I've felt numerous moments in my life where my most confident moment and my most insecure moment were exactly the same time. There's nothing funny or…” quote by Kristen Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a8/kristen-bell-4427_character_i-think-real-humans-are-so-complicated-a_1948219.jpg)
