Poll

It depends on the nature of the story. For example, what if the main character is a jerk? Should they get a happy ending with no complications?

Brandon wrote: "It depends on the nature of the story. For example, what if the main character is a jerk? Should they get a happy ending with no complications?"

Excellent questions. I was thinking "happy ending" from the viewpoint of the reader but the question could mean for the protagonist.

Your questions immediately reminded me of the movie Weird Science, where the 'jerk' got such an appropriate judgement that surely the audience left cheering.

I've never seen that movie, but I would say sometimes the audience wants to see the character have that "major downfall." Of course, they would have done something to deserve it throughout the course of the text or whatnot.

Brandon wrote: "I've never seen that movie, but I would say sometimes the audience wants to see the character have that "major downfall." Of course, they would have done something to deserve it throughout the cour..."

Totally agree. I wonder if there's some kind of formula a lot of story makers use to fulfilll the most expectations.