10 Worst Main Characters We’re Supposed to Sympathize With But They’re Unlikeable

The worst main characters are those who highlight the entire show or movie but are so insufferable, obnoxious, or detestable that you wonder how they lasted so long. We received surprising answers when we asked viewers which characters they found problematic. 

1. Jerry from Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry 2021 Warner Bros. Pictures
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

 As a child who grew up rooting for Jerry for being able to outsmart the cat, it is no surprise that Jerry is considered one of the worst characters on television. The older episodes especially ring true for this. Tom was often not actively trying to harm Jerry, and if he crossed a line, he would immediately be apologetic and let Jerry save himself.

On the flip side, though, Jerry would use that to his advantage and trick Tom into dangerous situations. A user explains after Jerry turns invisible through invisible ink, he has no problem hitting Spike the dog with a golf club and framing Tom for it. 

2. Emily from Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris Netflix
Image Credit: Netflix

Emily is your typical Mary Sue character portrayed and often very hard to relate to. It is no wonder that many people dislike her with passion. Throughout the show, she causes many issues in her personal or work life and hardly suffers any repercussions for her actions. One user says that she does not care for people and uses them for her benefit and has no self-awareness of the pain she causes.

Throughout the series, she has had many instances where she could be truthful and explain her situation, but almost every time, her instinct is to lie and hide. One watcher mentioned that whenever she is in a corner, she would tell the truth about the situation but always play the ‘woe is me’ victim. 

3. Velma from Velma 

Velma 2023 HBO Max
Image Credit: HBO Max

As someone who grew up watching Scooby-Doo, I was excited to watch Velma. Only to be disappointed and displeased with the injustice done to Velma’s character. If you remember how Velma was in the original Scooby-Doo, you would remember her as the smartest and one of the kindest characters, and she also made nerdy look cool. This show has given Velma the most insufferable qualities.

One viewer claimed that in the series, she was egocentric, lacked empathy, and had no intention of growing. The character would frequently force her views on others, expecting everyone to agree and claiming she is their savior. Another agrees that the character is self-obsessed, does not own up to her mistakes, and manipulates people around her. Jinkies!

4. Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory

As someone who watches The Big Bang Theory as a comfort show, Sheldon Cooper is one of the most infuriating characters in the show. Throughout the show, he is a bully, and if he does not get his way, he throws a tantrum and weaponizes his incompetence to do specific tasks to get people to do things for him.

In season 10, episode 16, Sheldon informs Amy that he earned his driver’s license but tells no one. He wants to feel important when someone, mostly Leonard or Amy, drives him around for appointments and other places.

5. Severus Snape from Harry Potter

Harry Potter
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Snape is one of the worst recurring characters in the Harry Potter franchise. Snape was just a terrible person with no real depth to his character. When Lily sacrifices herself to save her child, Snape blames Harry and abuses and bullies him for seven years. At the end of the series, the readers and viewers see him still loving Lily.

One commenter pointed out that “Always” was not romantic, especially since he was rejected at sixteen. If Snape truly loved Lily, he would not have abused her only orphaned child for seven years and instead protected him. 

6. Claire from Outlander

Clair Outlander Sony Pictures
Image Credit: Sony Pictures

Claire does not attempt to be discreet as someone who can travel back to the past. A fan commented how careless, irresponsible, and thoughtless she is. The character goes on to ruin other people’s lives to achieve her own goals. She is stubborn and does not waver in her beliefs, but she repeatedly makes countless enemies due to her lack of tact, putting herself and her family in danger. 

7. Rory from Gilmore Girls

Rory from Gilmore Girls Warner Bros. Television
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Television

Gilmore Girls is a fan favorite, but many viewers agree that Rory is challenging to relate to. One fan pointed out her whole character was in shambles when she realized she was not made for her career. Instead of self-reflecting and figuring out why she wanted to be in that career, Rory destroys a boat, leaves college, and lives with her grandparents for a while.

If that doesn’t scream privilege, I don’t know what does. Rory’s character falls short of any development as a protagonist.

8. Sierra Burgess from Sierra Burgess Is A Loser 

Sierra Burgess is a Loser Netflix
Image Credit: Netflix

The idea of the movie seemed fun until it wasn’t. One viewer thought the movie would be a great bonding experience with their child but had to pause and talk about consent because Sierra and her friend tricked the male lead into kissing Sierra instead of her friend. Another viewer believed that Sierra should not have been forgiven for all the horrible things she did. 

9. J.D from Scrubs 

JD from Scrubs ABC Studios

Scrubs is hilarious, and the characters are quirky, as most sitcom characters are. One fan claims J.D. was a flawed character. The character does not treat anyone respectfully and will give them a hard time if they don’t listen to him. His treatment of women was not any better. He is shown as a talented doctor but avoids patients and gets distracted by other antics. Throughout the series, he is horrible and wants someone to compliment him.

10. Homer from The Simpsons 

the simpsons 20th Television
Image Credit: 20th Television.

As much as I find Homer entertaining with his lack of mindfulness, as a character, he is a thoughtless fool who repeatedly puts his family and friends in danger. One watcher claims he is a horrible father, a terrible husband, and a drunk. He often forgets Lisa’s hobbies; he is physically abusive to Bart and lies and manipulates his wife. As the seasons progress, any attempt at self-awareness goes to waste, and we are left with the one-dimensional character.

This thread inspired this post.

10 Amazing TV Shows No One Talks About Enough

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Hidden gems often go unnoticed in a crowded landscape of popular TV shows dominating the airwaves. With their captivating stories and stellar performances, these amazing series somehow slip through the cracks of mainstream conversations. From dark comedies to gripping dramas and mind-bending sci-fi thrillers, these TV shows offer a refreshing alternative for viewers seeking something off the beaten path.

10 TV Shows That Never Declined in Quality

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Television has given us countless shows that have left a lasting impact on our cultural landscape. While many series experience highs and lows throughout their runs, a select few manage to maintain an unwavering level of quality from start to finish. These exceptional TV shows captivate viewers and consistently deliver compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and thought-provoking narratives.

10 TV Shows People Wish Didn’t Get Canceled

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The world of television is full of captivating stories, unforgettable characters, and immersive worlds. However, sometimes, our favorite TV shows are taken away, leaving us yearning for more. Whether due to low ratings, budget constraints, or network decisions, canceling beloved shows can be a tough blow for fans.

10 Unsettling Movies People Say They Will Never Watch Again

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“A Serbian Film” is a Serbian horror film that follows a retired star who agrees to participate in an “art film” only to find himself in a disturbing and violent situation. The movie is known for its extreme violence and graphic depiction of child abuse. The movie has been banned in several countries and is considered one of the most controversial movies ever.

10 Movie Villains That Were Surprisingly Easy to Like

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When we think of movie villains, we often envision nefarious characters who evoke fear, disgust, and a sense of moral repulsion. Yet, there are instances when these antagonists become likable than people thought. These are the villains who manage to make us feel an inexplicable connection, sympathy, or even admiration. Their complexities, humanizing qualities, and remarkable performances leave us torn between rooting for the hero and secretly rooting for them.

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