Inspired by an overheard conversation (and a thousand notes), Liz and Sarah ask listeners to weigh in on what makes a character “likable.” Then they discuss how to deal with the fact that everything—from a home remodel to a series sale—takes longer than you think it will. In their new segment, You’re The Boss, Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that doing the podcast has improved their pitching ability. How can we all develop skills that transfer to other elements of our careers? Then Sarah has a Power Hour hit and Liz shares a slacking-at-home bomb. This week’s Hollywood Hack? The Scriptnotes podcast!
LINKS:
“Happier Hour”: An Evening with Gretchen and Elizabeth
Scriptnotes
Succession
Jess Lewis
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RE: Likable characters, having a likable protagonist is key to whether I continue watching a show. Once I hate everyone on a show I generally stop watching no matter how good the writing is. I thought it was really interesting that on The Fix the main character was modeled after Marsha Clark, who, I believe unfairly, didn’t score high in likability during the O.J. trial. Just out of curiosity, do you think Maya was likable?
I think what is likable in characters is just the same as in real life, so how that quality is defined varies from person to person. For me it is definitely someone who attempts to do the “right thing,” fails (because they are human and complex) and keeps trying. Someone who isn’t completely selfish. Someone who allows an occasional peek into their character’s vulnerabilities. A character who is either totally relatable (stars without their makeup) or aspirational (stars on the red carpet).