So in a writing circle I've been in for a while there's been a disagreement. One person, who has the most written and involved story of all of us, has a one character in her story who at the beginning was a bully to some of the main characters. After character development (that involved their attitude having consequences and knocking them down a peg or two) they end up befriending their victims when they got older and becoming a part of the team. There's been tons of onscreen character development for them. We saw some of their bullying early on and most of it was implied.
There are a few people in the group who can't seem to let the characters' past go. They take offense to anything good happening to them and when anything positive happens then they're complaining or grumbling about them getting things they don't deserve. Complaints of "easily forgiven" and "Mary Sue" are usual.
They once claimed it was offensive and the author should 'listen to victims of bullying'. At least until the rest of us speak up and point out story evidence of the characters' development. Then that goes out the window.
I got just about tired of their complaining today about the "universe handing them things" and told them "Maybe the universe cares more about who they are now then who they were as a kid."
So, F!S, what do you feel about redeeming bully characters? Personally I think it's backwards-ass bullshit to be all "NEVER FORGIVE NEVER FORGET" to a character that was a bully at one point no matter how much they try to change since. How are they supposed to change or even have reason to if no one will get past when they show positive steps and a willingness to change?
Writing Argument-Redeemed Bully Character
There are a few people in the group who can't seem to let the characters' past go. They take offense to anything good happening to them and when anything positive happens then they're complaining or grumbling about them getting things they don't deserve. Complaints of "easily forgiven" and "Mary Sue" are usual.
They once claimed it was offensive and the author should 'listen to victims of bullying'. At least until the rest of us speak up and point out story evidence of the characters' development. Then that goes out the window.
I got just about tired of their complaining today about the "universe handing them things" and told them "Maybe the universe cares more about who they are now then who they were as a kid."
So, F!S, what do you feel about redeeming bully characters? Personally I think it's backwards-ass bullshit to be all "NEVER FORGIVE NEVER FORGET" to a character that was a bully at one point no matter how much they try to change since. How are they supposed to change or even have reason to if no one will get past when they show positive steps and a willingness to change?