Gone Girl Characters-Spoilers

Discuss the October 2014 book of the month, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
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Jennifer_Smith
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Re: Gone Girl Characters-Spoilers

Post by Jennifer_Smith »

The likability of the characters does not impact my enjoyment of a book, so long as the plot is solid. I hated Wuthering Heights because I detested the characters and the plot was boring. On the other hand, I loved The Girl on the Train despite disliking the characters because the plot was entertaining. I thought both Nick and Amy were obnoxious and snobbish and self-absorbed, but the plot was very well-constructed. I can understand how many readers would be turned off by characters they cannot relate to.
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
-Emily Dickinson
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Post by Barbara Larkin »

I don't always have to relate to the characters to enjoy the book, though it's admittedly difficult to do sometimes. As long as the plot offsets this, I don't see it being a problem. In this case I found both Nick and Amy to be absolutely detestable, but their motives and dynamic was intriguing to read about, and the plot was amazing as well.
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Rayah Raouf
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Post by Rayah Raouf »

I do think the author's intention is to make you hate the characters. I also believe that there are people like this around.
Memories are dangerous things. You turn them over and over, until you know every touch and corner, but still you'll find an edge to cut you.― Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns
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Post by Linda S 1 »

Their characters were too flawed for my liking. And for that reason, I did not like the story very much. They were unreliable and grim.
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Post by Loniya Chabili Mubanga »

Aside from the main characters, I disliked Nick's sister. I didn't find her character interesting or relevant.
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Ben Madeley
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Post by Ben Madeley »

I'm with you, I didn't particularly like Nick at all, I didn't think Amy was do bad but I certainly didn't warm to her too much either.
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