Robert N EmersonTop Ten Most Irritating Main Characters
January 31st 2007 02:11
This is a concept that is a frequent occurrence in television shows. Writers will set a character up as the hero, a leader, loved by all.
That is, except for the audience.
I've mentioned before that I tend to have an aversion to main characters. Personally, I seldom respond to the above approach because I don't like being told who to empathise with, or bludgeoned with the message that I am supposed to like this person.
However, a bigger problem lies in the fact that these central characters are often extremely annoying. Below is a list of the ten most irritating characters as I see them.
10. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Before anyone lynches me, I am going to justify my choice of Buffy. The character did have some really great moments. But far, far too often she fell into arrogance about her own abilities, and her speeches about the slayer always being alone became tiresome. Had Buffy actually been without the Scooby Gang, I would have stopped watching.
9. Sydney Bristow (Alias)
Sydney falls into a similar category to Buffy; it was fun to watch her kick butt, but failures with her characterisation were jarring. It was like Sydney had two modes of operation. In some instances, she was practically a Mary Sue, whose amazing abilities bordered on the ridiculous. Other times, she was an absolutely terrible spy, whose mistakes were almost unfathomable. These two extremes detracted from an otherwise interesting character.
8. Ben Hawkins (Carnivale)
Ben was the perfect recipe for a really complex character - a supernatural power, a mysterious past, and a mountain of issues and baggage. What I can't understand is how someone with the ability to heal and raise the dead could be so profoundly uninteresting, annoying and dense. Something is wrong when I want the evil guy to triumph.
7. Frasier Crane (Frasier)
For a smart man, Frasier's stupidity was truly baffling. Traits that would have been sufficient as simple idiosyncrasies often went too far, delving almost into the realm of insanity. The other characters had their quirks, but were redeemable because they were still likeable. Frasier's egomania and arrogance, however, was not.
6. Peter Griffin (Family Guy)
It is obvious that Peter Griffin is Family Guy's answer to Homer Simpson - as said on the Simpsons, plagarisimo. While both characters are unbelievably idiotic, Peter lacks something. There is no underlying sense of goodness in him as there is with Homer. The consequence of this is that it makes the character extremely hard to warm to, and is probably the reason that I, and many others, simply watch the show for Brian and Stewie.
5. Clark Kent (Smallville)
DuskDevi will attest that my dislike of the Superman character stems from his Deus Ex Machina ways. However, that is not the reason that I find Clark irritating. I think it is the fact that he seems to be incapable of any facial expression other than pensive or constipated. The character comes across as weak and whiny, and the only time he has even one iota of the sexiness of Lex Luthor is when he’s under the influence of red kryptonite.
4. Susan Mayer (Desperate Housewives)
For some reason Susan is positioned as the leader of the housewives on Wisteria Lane. In reality, she is the most annoying and least funny of any of them. Her Season 2 hysterical crying scene in the wedding dress was one of the most painful things I have ever witnessed on TV. We can only hope she looks to Mary Alice for inspiration.
3. Jake Green (Jericho)
Jake is a great example of the infallible hero. Many writers seem to think that the audience wants to see a perfect character always save the day - in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Jake's amazing wealth of knowledge and abilities, with no apparent explanation, makes the character seem completely false, and prevents the audience from connecting with him in any meaningful way. It's bad writing, and it's bad characterisation.
2. Jack Shepherd (Lost)
The Lost writers certainly decided to drop the anvils with Jack. His last name is Shepherd, we get it - he’s going to lead the flock. It’s just a shame that the character is so annoying that it is unbelievable that anyone would actually listen to a thing he says.
Hopefully he will lead Kate out into the jungle where the polar bear will devour them.
1. Marissa Cooper (The OC)
The only thing worse than an irritating main character is one that wasn't even the main character in the first place. The OC was meant to revolve around Ryan, yet the show increasingly became the Marissa hour. The writers were constantly telling us to feel for her character, that poor Marissa had this terrible hard life. In reality, most of her problems were all her own doing, and she was stuck in a cycle of self destruction. Most of us couldn't wait to see that cycle come to an end.
Do you agree with the list? Which main characters do you find annoying? Since these are from fairly recent shows, are there any older ones that have this phenomenon?
*Images courtesy of WIkipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary
That is, except for the audience.
I've mentioned before that I tend to have an aversion to main characters. Personally, I seldom respond to the above approach because I don't like being told who to empathise with, or bludgeoned with the message that I am supposed to like this person.
However, a bigger problem lies in the fact that these central characters are often extremely annoying. Below is a list of the ten most irritating characters as I see them.
10. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Before anyone lynches me, I am going to justify my choice of Buffy. The character did have some really great moments. But far, far too often she fell into arrogance about her own abilities, and her speeches about the slayer always being alone became tiresome. Had Buffy actually been without the Scooby Gang, I would have stopped watching.
9. Sydney Bristow (Alias)
Sydney falls into a similar category to Buffy; it was fun to watch her kick butt, but failures with her characterisation were jarring. It was like Sydney had two modes of operation. In some instances, she was practically a Mary Sue, whose amazing abilities bordered on the ridiculous. Other times, she was an absolutely terrible spy, whose mistakes were almost unfathomable. These two extremes detracted from an otherwise interesting character.
8. Ben Hawkins (Carnivale)
Ben was the perfect recipe for a really complex character - a supernatural power, a mysterious past, and a mountain of issues and baggage. What I can't understand is how someone with the ability to heal and raise the dead could be so profoundly uninteresting, annoying and dense. Something is wrong when I want the evil guy to triumph.
7. Frasier Crane (Frasier)
For a smart man, Frasier's stupidity was truly baffling. Traits that would have been sufficient as simple idiosyncrasies often went too far, delving almost into the realm of insanity. The other characters had their quirks, but were redeemable because they were still likeable. Frasier's egomania and arrogance, however, was not.
6. Peter Griffin (Family Guy)
It is obvious that Peter Griffin is Family Guy's answer to Homer Simpson - as said on the Simpsons, plagarisimo. While both characters are unbelievably idiotic, Peter lacks something. There is no underlying sense of goodness in him as there is with Homer. The consequence of this is that it makes the character extremely hard to warm to, and is probably the reason that I, and many others, simply watch the show for Brian and Stewie.
5. Clark Kent (Smallville)
DuskDevi will attest that my dislike of the Superman character stems from his Deus Ex Machina ways. However, that is not the reason that I find Clark irritating. I think it is the fact that he seems to be incapable of any facial expression other than pensive or constipated. The character comes across as weak and whiny, and the only time he has even one iota of the sexiness of Lex Luthor is when he’s under the influence of red kryptonite.
4. Susan Mayer (Desperate Housewives)
For some reason Susan is positioned as the leader of the housewives on Wisteria Lane. In reality, she is the most annoying and least funny of any of them. Her Season 2 hysterical crying scene in the wedding dress was one of the most painful things I have ever witnessed on TV. We can only hope she looks to Mary Alice for inspiration.
3. Jake Green (Jericho)
Jake*
Jake is a great example of the infallible hero. Many writers seem to think that the audience wants to see a perfect character always save the day - in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Jake's amazing wealth of knowledge and abilities, with no apparent explanation, makes the character seem completely false, and prevents the audience from connecting with him in any meaningful way. It's bad writing, and it's bad characterisation.
2. Jack Shepherd (Lost)
Jack*
The Lost writers certainly decided to drop the anvils with Jack. His last name is Shepherd, we get it - he’s going to lead the flock. It’s just a shame that the character is so annoying that it is unbelievable that anyone would actually listen to a thing he says.
Hopefully he will lead Kate out into the jungle where the polar bear will devour them.
1. Marissa Cooper (The OC)
Marissa*
The only thing worse than an irritating main character is one that wasn't even the main character in the first place. The OC was meant to revolve around Ryan, yet the show increasingly became the Marissa hour. The writers were constantly telling us to feel for her character, that poor Marissa had this terrible hard life. In reality, most of her problems were all her own doing, and she was stuck in a cycle of self destruction. Most of us couldn't wait to see that cycle come to an end.
Do you agree with the list? Which main characters do you find annoying? Since these are from fairly recent shows, are there any older ones that have this phenomenon?
*Images courtesy of WIkipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary
| 151 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Nathan P. Mahney
NerdBlog
The Comic Nerd
I can't agree on Frasier - the whole point of the show is that he's a radio-psychiatrist who is at least as messed up as his callers. And for all his faults he really is a genuinely good guy.
I agree with pretty much all of your assessments regarding Peter Griffin, yet I find that he's my favourite character on the show. I enjoy his near-complete lack of redeeming qualities - for me, characters don't have to be likeable to be likeable, if you get me. Homer has grown a bit predictable - sometimes I'm not sure what Peter Griffin will say or do next.
As for Smallville, I really like Superman as a character, but I'm not a huge fan of this version. It's an adequate portrayal, I guess.
.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I agree with all the ones you listed, Buffy almost drove me to TV genocide...(Except Ben Hawkins, though I always go for the bad guy anyway)
I will add a few of my own.
Seinfeld- Jerry is the least interesting and most unamusing character on the show..
Lois and Clark- Both Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher played there parts as repulsive empty vessels, with no sembalance to the comic book we knew and loved.
Raymond- All I need to say is I cant imagine anyone liking him, let alone loving. Come to think of it teh whole show is about repulsive characters, just like Friends.
Jack Bauer- a dull fan of vigilante justic who ends up in the same situation every season and seems to solve it with less and less imagination each time.
Gotta go, may come back later and continue the list
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
...that whole Lone Slayer thing did get annoying.
"Get over it already...You're the Slayer not The Player."
Yes to Susan Mayer (actually yes to any Teri Hatchet -not a typo- character)...have only watched about 2 episodes of this show but grrrrr....
My only beef with the Sydney character is how she could kick any man's ass in 2 seconds flat but when fighting with a woman, she would get her ass kicked.
Even when the woman was not as highly trained as Sydney...reverse chauvanism.
Frasier, yes, but that was the whole point of him.
I loved Niles. Total whacko. Daphne Moon irritated me...total lunar-tic...
Agree with all of JD's choices.
Have never watched OC nor 'Carnivale'.
....and yes, I can attest to Ninabelle's dislike of Superman's God complex.
I haven't watched a full episode of 'Smallville'. The characters annoy me.
Ninabelle...you've got a whole 'bad boy' thing going on... Spike, Lex...please don't say Sawyer...
The only thing that annoys me about the Good Shep is his 'thing' for Kate. And his tattoos.
My #1 choice-
Meredith Grey: a medical Silly MacBeal
(MacDreamy: Mack trucked...)
Will come back when I think of more...
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I totally agree with all of your assessments!
My first reaction to Buffy was "no, no", but then remembered that she was very whiny and I only really liked her when she interacted with Spike!
I also agree with JohnDoe's suggestions.
Also, Dusk - Meredith is very irritating. I love Grey's anatomy.....except for her.
I'd also add Angel to the list. On his own show, I liked all the other characters, but god he was so depressing!
One of my most hated characters of all time: ALLY MCBEAL. Indepenent woman my arse!! Grrrr, I couldn't stand her.
My little mind is racing trying to think of others. I'll return when I can think of more.
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
He is my pet hate. Here we have a character that is meant to be tough and macho, instead we get him babbling along with his jargen based war on terror speak. Close your eyes and you would tyhink you were at a nerd convention. Also that annoying girl with the miserable face in the same show. Please Jack, kill her the your self because you are killing me.
Clark Kent
If you think he is annoying Smallville then you haven't seen Superman Returns. Sensitive New Age Super Guy. Bring on the Cryptonite and finish him off.
Sydney
Yes she may look good but it aint worth it. Suffer from the same jargon and serious expressions as Jack Bauer (Jack Bore-ya)
THe rest I have to agree with your selection.
Comment by Nina
I think the Homer of yesteryear was more likeable and interesting than the Homer of today. I do think the best part of Peter's character is his unpredictability, it does add an element of random humour.
Comment by Nina
With Carnivale, it was hard not to root for Brother Justin - Clancy Brown is an absolutely awesome actor.
Comment by Nina
As for Teri Hatcher, it seems she has a knack for playing extremely unlikeable characters...
I know too what you mean about Sydney, but I thought the fight between her and faux-Francis was pretty cool. What I didn't like was that when Sydney was acting as the worst spy ever, it was usually through some stereotypically 'femine' act that she stuffed up, like showing compassion to the wrong people.
Josh Holloway is quite an attractive guy, but like Jack, Sawyer's 'thing' for Kate is irritating.
I agree with Meredith Grey. I don't even watch Grey's Anatomy, but even the ads with her in them annoy me...
Comment by Nina
I had completely forgotten about Ally McBeal. God how I hated that character, and I hated that she became a symbol of a supposedly strong woman. I love the Futurama take off of her, Single Female Lawyer.
Comment by Nina
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Sue Ellen Ewing (Dallas). This alcoholic cry baby drove me nuts. Even as an 8- 10 year I could see she was insufferable. I'm not quite sure what the point of her character was.
Modern soaps - Brooke Logan Forrester (The Bold and the Beautiful) - sex maniac cry baby. She also drives me nuts.
One day I was complaining about her character to a friend of mine who in her wisdom replied with "She's not that bad. The writers just made her that way."
What??? Get your head around that one folks.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Nina
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Dr Smith
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
but because I can't ... what about that other weasley-weasle in Land of the Giants, "can't remember his name though?
Lilla
Comment by Nina
Lilla: I can't say I've ever watched Land of the Giants, but if your looking for the name of a character perhaps the imdb page will help?
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Captain Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager was another one that really bugged me. Same with Ally McBeal... probably something to do with all three of these characters being presumptuous, lecturing so-and-sos...
Comment by Claire S
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Nathan P. Mahney
NerdBlog
The Comic Nerd
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
Buffy Summers was indeed a flawed character, and I can even see how some of these flaws could get under the skin (my favorite was how she kept straying off her job description, forgetting the "S" in "Slayer").
Peter Griffin was supposed to be dumber and a worse father than Homer Simpson. For me, the complete lack of any redeeming features helps give the character an almost surreal likeability.
Clark Kent on Smallville does whine. A lot. It's hard to see how he can grow up at all- let alone into any sort of hero. BTW, if you'd like a look at a Superman who makes mistakes and must own up to them, may I suggest Mark Waid's Kingdom Come?
Jack Sheppard comes across as a very reluctant leader- though once the survivors accept him as such he takes the role seriously- possibly too seriously.
Capt. Janeway did tend to lecture and moralize a lot- but to be fair, so did every other Star Trek CO. My main problem was that she was a psychotic incompetent. She always decided whether to break or follow the Prime Directive by whichever choice would most endanger her crew.
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Looks like he is about to cry all the time.
Yep he bugs me.
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
Looks like he is about to cry all the time.
Yep he bugs me.
Scott Bakula played Capt. Jonathan "Punching-bag" Archer, who never met a species who couldn't beat him up and take him prisoner.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Now why hasnt anyone mention my most hated character ever on television? Fran Drescher as The Nanny, so nail scrapingly repulsive Im sure I dont need to tell you why.
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
the call on Buffy was accurate. The supporting actors gave flavour to an otherwise dull cut of meat. Especially Spike, he had some great lines.
"What are you doing?" Spike starts to answer. Buffy cuts him off "In five words or less." Spike, counting the words off his fingers, "Out, for, a, walk. Bitch." Priceless.
At the moment, me and my youngest brother are arguing over which character of House is the bigger weasel, Chase or Wilson.
JZ
Comment by Joe Blogg
Joe Blogg's Blog
manchesterunited
collingwoodfootballclub
Comment by KarenC
Genghis Gal
Love Buffy.
Love Angel.
Love Sydney Bristow - although, yes - uber irritating at times. Somehow Jennifer Garner always reminds me of a character from the Dark Crystal. Anyway, I digress, still love the show and her in general.
Love Peter Griffin.
Love Jack Bauer and his over the top patriotism - it's really American, hand on the heart, gung-ho, neo conservatism at it's best. Hate it in reality, but am somehow transfixed on the small screen.
Love Frasier, although I agree that Niles was a better character.
Am ambivalent about Ben from Carnivale - I was wonderfully creeped out by Clancy Brown's Reverend (although not quite as awe inspiring a performance as the Kurgan from Highlander, who is my all time favourite bad guy), and I also really dug Jonesy.
Can't stand Susan Meyer from DH. I completely lost any interest in the show after about the second episode of the second series. Boring. All of them.
Haven't seen the others you mentioned, Nina.
On the other hand, HATE Fran Drescher. Just writing her name has me cringing. JohnDoe, I think I'm going to have nightmares now.
But my all time least favourite character ever is ... Goren from Criminal Intent. Self-righteous, smug, overbearing smartarse. And whoever the chick is that is his sidekick just comes across as stupid, overpowered by his enormous intellect and uncanny insight into the criminal mind. Blah, blah. So tedious.
Comment by Nina
Comment by Nina
Comment by Nina
Comment by Nina
As for Chase and Wilson, that's a tough call. Add to that the irritating Cameron, and you have a triumvirate of annoying characters.
Comment by Nina
Comment by Nina
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
Heh. Archer vs. a potted plant should be a fair fight... and I could definitely see Janeway vs. Prozac.
Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I think it is because I have watched the third season of House that me and Ethan argue over this.
Cameron's character changes. Dramatically.
JZ
Comment by Nina
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
Chase I can see, but Wilson? It seems to me that just trying to be a friend to a character like House is like a gerbil doing calculus- even if he forgets to carry the two, just thet fact that he's doing it at all is pretty amazing.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Anonymous
You really are quite stupid, aren't you? What makes you think that the writers are trying to create a perfect character in Jake Green? Is that what you saw? Good grief! They have made his faults quite plain to viewers. And many fans of JERICHO are well aware of those faults.