Why Forced Sympathy Fails to Create Relatable Characters

When stories attempt to force sympathy for a character, it often backfires, leaving audiences feeling detached rather than connected. The attempt to elicit pity or compassion for a character without fully developing their backstory or motivations can feel inauthentic. For example, characters who are simply shown as “victims” without the depth of a personal journey or emotional arc can seem one-dimensional, leaving viewers struggling to relate. Forced sympathy can also be alienating when it feels like the narrative is trying too hard to manipulate the audience’s emotions, rather than allowing the character to earn their sympathy through their actions and growth.

Relatable characters come from vulnerability, complexity, and authenticity. A character who faces real struggles, makes mistakes, and shows growth over time is far more likely to resonate with the audience. For instance, characters like Fleabag’s titular protagonist or The Perks of Being a Wallflower’s Charlie aren’t depicted as purely “good” or “bad” but as multi-dimensional individuals with flaws and strengths. By showing the internal and external battles a character faces, rather than trying to garner sympathy through forced circumstances, audiences are more likely to genuinely empathize with them. It’s not about making the audience feel sorry for a character; it’s about letting them see that character’s humanity, flaws, and capacity for growth.