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Another way to explain it is that popular stories are a chain of buildups and payoffs for the reader. The core of it is that unlikeable characters get misfortune and likeable characters get fortune.

Amateur authors and stories based on real life events can break the mold. I think that's why both can be quite popular.



> The core of it is that unlikeable characters get misfortune and likeable characters get fortune.

I don't think that's really true, though. Tragedies are a very popular type of story.

Indeed - a big part of the reason for the success of "A Game of Thrones" is because they violated genre tropes and killed off likable main characters.


And to reinforce your point, the later seasons suffered (in part!) due to the plot armor that suddenly enveloped the main characters.

Among other reasons.


Explain don quixote then.




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