I dislike Katniss Everdeen.
However, this dislike differs from my dislike of characters such as Bella Swan from "Twilight," Professor Umbridge from "Harry Potter," Mr. Collins from "Pride and Prejudice," and Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye." While these characters are fun to dislike, Katniss is fun to like in her dislikable-ness... if that makes any sense. Perhaps her narration of the series drives me crazy because she comes off as callous. I totally agree that she has a reason to be--more than a reason to be, in fact. Nevertheless, this kind of makes her dislikable to me.
Before I begin discussing why I like Katniss, I suppose it's appropriate to give a non-extensive list of why I find her unlikable:
--I was never a fan of the whole love triangle concept, so the fact that she lies at the head of the triangle between herself, Peeta, and Gale makes me dislike her. No matter the situation, it's never cool to string two guys along at once.
--Her intense love for the people that matter to her blinds her to forgiveness. (i.e. when she casts Gale, her bestie since forever, out of her life #byegale #youcanleavenow). Yeah, savage.
--The almost painful level of her stubbornness only facilitates endless snarky comments with no filtering whatsoever.
If these reasons don't get you to agree with me in disliking Katniss, I guess that's okay, because I'm actually trying to advocate for her.
Katniss is an imperfect heroine. And this is why I love her so much.
Here are thirteen reasons why Katniss Everdeen is my favorite dislikable character:
1. Her intense love for people
Despite being a young teenage girl facing the death of her father, the terror of the Hunger Games (twice), the destruction of her district, and countless other deaths of friends, Katniss still acts in love.
2. Her painful level of stubbornness and sarcasm
Yes, I know I listed this as one of the reasons why I dislike Katniss, but this attribute makes her quite endearing and bold.
3. Her unawareness of the extent of her capabilities and effects on people
Katniss doesn't often realize the depth of her bravery and inspiration to others. She doesn't sell herself short--she advertises what she's capable of performing; however, she often doesn't see the greatness and love that she displays.
4. Her conviction for her cause
5. Her intelligence
6. Her strength
Katniss knows how to survive, and she carries on with a survivor type of bravery. People expect so much from Katniss, and she strongly tries to not disappoint in any way she can.
7. Her self-sufficiency
This is also a weakness at times, but it's truly inspiring to see a young girl's independence.
8. Her refusal to settle
9. Her love for family
Obviously.
10. Her moral compass
For example, despite the Capitol hijacking Peeta and performing countless other inhumane acts, she still believes it's not right to put Capitol civilians in danger.
11. Her admittance to weaknesses
Even of the small things.
12. Her humility
13. Her unexpected gentleness
One would expect all of the adversity Katniss faces to make her callous. Granted, she has her moments, but they are completely justified. Plus, her gentle moments overshadow her rough ones.
