Looking for a story where the main character is an asshole,but over the course of the story turns into a better person. Preferably with mind control elements.
Looking for a story where the main character is an asshole,but over the course of the story turns into a better person. Preferably with mind control elements.
Looking for a story where the main character is an asshole,but over the course of the story turns into a better person.
I wish more people appreciated that kind of character. In my first novel, "Sexual Awakening," the traditional publisher's editor said she hated the hero. That he was manipulative, despicable, and many other adjectives I don't remember.
He is that way in the beginning of the novel. After all, he's blackmailing the heroine and forcing her to have sex. But as the story unfolds, the reader learns his motive and he himself can't go through with hurting the heroine who he falls in love with.
But all that editor saw was the way he behaved in the beginning of the novel.
Hi is your story on SOL or is it an ebook?
Oh, sorry. I wasn't advertising the book. I was using it as an example. It's only for sale on Bookapy and Amazon.
The point was, the editors of a romance publisher didn't want a hero who was a bastard even though he ended up being what they considered a hero. That was one of the things that turned me off to traditional publishing. They have cookie-cutter rules that can't be broken. So basically all their novels are the same. I was ranting about the publisher. I'm still pissed off by their inflexibility.
No MC elements here, but a one of the characters in Jay Cantrell's https://storiesonline.net/s/73779/a-flawed-diamond makes that journey. Matt Driesbach, first introduced in Chapter 44.
I can't think of one exactly like you want... but in the mind control genre it's not uncommon for the MC to basically 'turn to the dark side' as his powers develop, only to eventually redeem himself.
But... there was a DoOver where the MC was a pretty serious asshole who decided to try to live his life differently, but it took a while for him to really change his basic nature. That might qualify. I just need to track it down. (The MC actually won a Nobel in each time through life, for very different work - he actually cheated his second time through and replicated someone else's work he remembered from his first life. Yeah. Took him a while to not be a total asshole.)
Morgan had one story where the female MC was a total bitch who screwed over the wrong person and was essentially forced to be a slave to atone, she actually turned into a pretty good person. (Then two asshole NFL players ended up being 'reformed' by women she befriended.)
but in the mind control genre it's not uncommon for the MC to basically 'turn to the dark side' as his powers develop, only to eventually redeem himself.
Actually, I have a story like that on SOL. It's called "Satan's Son." It's real old, from 2008, and my writing has changed quite a bit since then.
https://storiesonline.net/s/56257/satans-son
I guess I didn't think of the MC as evil. He was drawn into the dark side by powers he discovers he has and does bad things.
I'm pretty sure that story is https://storiesonline.net/s/37309/susan by https://storiesonline.net/a/Morgan
It's part of a long series. Some characters from earlier stories show up in this one.
Lonny
I'm pretty sure that story is https://storiesonline.net/s/37309/susan
I just checked: Cynthia Martin is the one I was referring to. Although I think the one who ended up with the Bear's QB was named Susan, I don't think it was the same as the title character in the other story.
Morgan had one story where the female MC was a total bitch
I can actually think of a couple of Morgan's stories that the main character starts out like that.
'Andy Taylor'
'Cynthia Martin'
The second one seems to fit bk69's description better, although the first one is another case were a person was reformed.
I can actually think of a couple of Morgan's stories that the main character starts out like that.
Candice Kane was also a total bitch at first, so you could include her story. But yeah, I'd been thinking of Cynthia Martin.
But... there was a DoOver where the MC was a pretty serious asshole who decided to try to live his life differently, but it took a while for him to really change his basic nature. That might qualify. I just need to track it down. (The MC actually won a Nobel in each time through life, for very different work - he actually cheated his second time through and replicated someone else's work he remembered from his first life. Yeah. Took him a while to not be a total asshole.)
Probably John Wales - Rebirth II
(Second Nobel prize is mentioned in chapter 3)
He cheated by developing laser technology originally invented by someone else. I think he cheated with the other technology too, something with communication/phones I think.
Huh. I'm pretty sure it was Paul's Redemption. But if the shoe fits …
Yep, that one fits too, maybe even better.
this makes no sense to me. you can be an asshole and a good guy at the same time. do you mean an asshole turns into a nice guy.
Whatever floats your boat.
Anyways my choice of wording was a reference to a previous post with a reverse situation.
this makes no sense to me.
What, never met anyone who was just an asshole sometimes?
More to the point, some people are complete assholes to everyone except their friends/teammates - and they're usually great people to have on your side. Ulf Sammuelson, Claude Lemieux, Bill Romanowski... there's any number of people (most well known in sports) who can only be tolerated by people allied to them, people who you could honestly describe yourself as hating until he's on your side and then he's your best friend.
And sometimes, people mistakenly believe somebody is a total asshole, and it isn't until they get to know him that they figure out how they were wrong.
And sometimes, people mistakenly believe somebody is a total asshole, and it isn't until they get to know him that they figure out how they were wrong.
The Dustin Hoffman character in the movie "Hero." He was an asshole, but had a good side.
The Dustin Hoffman character in the movie "Hero." He was an asshole, but had a good side.
How about Jack Nicholson in the movie As Good as It Gets (1997) his character was even an author. Just remember if you want dogs to love you instead of their owner just keep bacon in your pocket.
Jack Nicholson in the movie As Good as It Gets (1997) his character was even an author.
Loved his 'advice' on how to write female characters...
Loved his 'advice' on how to write female characters...
Ahh yes the good ole line ---
Julie Benz playing (publisher Receptionist)
"How do you write women so well ?"
Jack Nicholson playing (Melvin Udall)
"I think of a man and take away reason and accountability !"
Reminds me of the claim that all feminists want these days are:
The rights of men, the privileges of women, and the responsibilities of children.
More to the point, some people are complete assholes to everyone except their friends/teammates - and they're usually great people to have on your side. Ulf Sammuelson, Claude Lemieux, Bill Romanowski... there's any number of people (most well known in sports) who can only be tolerated by people allied to them, people who you could honestly describe yourself as hating until he's on your side and then he's your best friend.
Inconsistent here. You referred to Matt Drysdale in your OP. Who is not the MC (or main protagonist). And Brock certainly wasn't an asshole in the story.
And Brock certainly wasn't an asshole in the story.
Actually, players on other teams probably thought he was. The fans in Phoenix believed he was.
I don't think that makes him an asshole. Now Arizona's second baseman sure fit the bill...
Forgot his name though. Means he was a forgettable character.
And Brock certainly wasn't an asshole in the story.
Actually, players on other teams probably thought he was. The fans in Phoenix believed he was.
Don't forget the fans in San Francisco.
If you remember that story, he actually discussed the way other teams perceived him with his best friend on the team, the one who played LF and originally came from NYC. No, I can't remember his name.
Yeah, the only towns where he was even close to universally liked was in towns he played. Players who are determined to win, no matter what, are almost universally considered assholes by other teams.
Lazlong's 'Thunder and Lightning.'
The mc starts out as being pissed off at the whole world, with the resulting bad relations with everyone. He has a life-changing moment and becomes a much better and more successful person because of it.
Lazlong? Wonder if you meant Lazlo Zalezec's Thunder and Lightening. For those not familiar with that story or the author, it's one of his better ones. And that last word in the title is not a misspelling.
Lazlong? Wonder if you meant Lazlo Zalezec's Thunder and Lightening
You are right. I was in a hurry and didn't want to take the time to look up the story and get the link like I usually do. Thanks for the correction.
Also by Lazlo, Ed Biggers is a story where the MC reforms. Starts off a pretty unpleasant bully and misogynist.
Path to Glory--- Brendan Buckley---good book !!!
Agreed! I've just finished it.
The ending hinted at a sequel, but the author's blog suggests that isn't going to happen :-(
AJ
Princes of Mannsborough by Vulgar Argot
No mind control but BDSM as a bonus
https://storiesonline.net/s/42565/princes-of-mannsborough
Boy meats Santa in a restroom and makes a wish. He wakes up 3 years later and learns he became a asshole.
https://storiesonline.net/library/author.php?name=Marsh_Alien&sf=alpha&so=asc&p=2
https://storiesonline.net/s/50906/a-stitch-in-time
Thought about this thread while reading G. Younger's newest story, Conclave.
I think this is going to be right up your alley.