Do you prefer a strong or a "weak" MC?

[Moonblink]

In Otome and visual novels do you prefer if the MC is strong and independent and doesn't need any help or protection from the LIs or do you prefer the "weak" or gentle character that always need protection and help and can't deal with things alone?

For me i actually like a mix of both, a MC that is strong and can get shit done but also at times receives help and protection even though the LIs know perfectly well that she can deal with the situation.

So just wanted to see the opinions of the people here and how people prefer the MC to be.

 

[vivi:3]

Strong MC all the way! (〃▽〃) Watching a confident lead who doesn't just wait around to be saved makes the dynamic so much more exciting !!!

 

[Moonblink]

Strong MC all the way! (〃▽〃) Watching a confident lead who doesn't just wait around to be saved makes the dynamic so much more exciting !!!

I do love a strong MC, but sometimes the need to faint and just have someone else deal with it is too strong lol

 

[crisalt]

Someone average and more relatable I'd say. I don't need her to be able to do everything alone because then other characters become unnecessary. The best scenario is where everyone has their own strengths and can contribute, including MC. Even if that contribution is something 'gentle' like taking care of the group or being a negotiator

 

[deluluscious]

i don't mind whether the mc is strong or weak, as long as their actions make sense and they aren't overly annoying

 

[Peila]

I also prefer MCs that are a balance of both, a too passive MC makes me frustrated, but a too assertive MC feels hard to connect with, so I like ones who can step up when they need to while also being imperfect enough to accept help from others when neededThough if they just lean a bit more passive or a bit more assertive that's fine too, as long as it's not too extreme.

 

[Moonblink]

Someone average and more relatable I'd say. I don't need her to be able to do everything alone because then other characters become unnecessary. The best scenario is where everyone has their own strengths and can contribute, including MC. Even if that contribution is something 'gentle' like taking care of the group or being a negotiator

I used to love always playing the diplomatic charming character, but now i notice my tastes have changed and i like to be more of a strong/cunning character if possible. So i do get that even the "gentle" contributions are as important.

 

[Moonblink]

i don't mind whether the mc is strong or weak, as long as their actions make sense and they aren't overly annoying

Yes, Actually Good writing can make any type of character really enjoyable no matter preferences

 

[Moonblink]

I also prefer MCs that are a balance of both, a too passive MC makes me frustrated, but a too assertive MC feels hard to connect with, so I like ones who can step up when they need to while also being imperfect enough to accept help from others when neededThough if they just lean a bit more passive or a bit more assertive that's fine too, as long as it's not too extreme.

We share the exact preferences for MC then

 

[nerim-w]

Probably strong, but i dont necessarily mind a "weak" MC as long as she still pulls her weight and contributes meaningfully plot. Alas, most weak MCs just fall into the trap of being as useful as a cardboard box.

But tbh I feel like its very nuanced. Like what actually constitutes weak or strong?? Physically weak characters can still have other strengths!! Plus, an MC with a sharp tongue and bold personality may make everyone thinks shes strong but if you look closer she might actually help with nothing during the entire plot (also another common trap). I definitely feel like some games tout their MCs as strong and unique but that fiery facade crumbles immediately when an LI needs to save her. In any case, instead of arbitrary terms like a "strong" or "weak" MC, id just want an MC whos good at some things and not so good at others, whos active in the plot just as much as the LIs, and has a relatable personality!

 

[Edsffafzf]

I like strong better I think, watching an mc be passive the entire time is so annoying

 

[ploverdose]

I'm honestly down and open to see anything, i think having variety allows me to see how the mc can manage the situation depending on the kind of game it is (and it's always interesting to see everytime)

((i also just kind of want to evaluate how the writers handle it too ))

 

[wodaiwushi]

Although I enjoy a strong MC, I don't mind an MC who is gentle or vulnerable. The key point is that I hope to see the protagonist's growth as the plot progresses, and it would be even better if the story can showcase the protagonist's journey of becoming stronger and their determination. If the protagonist remains passive from start to finish and can only wait for others to save her throughout, then that kind of setup is quite boring.

 

[O cha]

I love both! I enjoy MCs who are strong and independent, able to solve problems and even save the LIs when they're in trouble. But I also love MCs who are more vulnerable and can't always handle things on their own, yet are able to heal the LIs' emotional wounds. Haha!

 

[Daisy Magnus229]

Both.

To be exact, I want the main characters to have clear character development. I want a weak MC who becomes stronger and learns to fight for herself, while a strong MC slowly discovers that true strength sometimes means allowing herself to lean on and trust someone else.

These types of development will make you think,
"Oh, you have changed so much, and now you are so different from who you were at the beginning!"

 

[Moonblink]

Both.

To be exact, I want the main characters to have clear character development. I want a weak MC who becomes stronger and learns to fight for herself, while a strong MC slowly discovers that true strength sometimes means allowing herself to lean on and trust someone else.

These types of development will make you think,
"Oh, you have changed so much, and now you are so different from who you were at the beginning!"

Oh this when done right is *chef's kiss* !!!!!!!

 

[Moonblink]

But tbh I feel like its very nuanced. Like what actually constitutes weak or strong?? Physically weak characters can still have other strengths!! Plus, an MC with a sharp tongue and bold personality may make everyone thinks shes strong but if you look closer she might actually help with nothing during the entire plot (also another common trap).

That's actually a great point! Weakness can be very different from many people's povs.

 

[laminate]

In Otome and visual novels do you prefer if the MC is strong and independent and doesn't need any help or protection from the LIs or do you prefer the "weak" or gentle character that always need protection and help and can't deal with things alone?

For me i actually like a mix of both, a MC that is strong and can get shit done but also at times receives help and protection even though the LIs know perfectly well that she can deal with the situation.

So just wanted to see the opinions of the people here and how people prefer the MC to be.

I really like your perspective! For me, regardless of whether she's physically strong or not, the most important thing is that she has a firm inner core and doesn't get easily swayed by the LIs or the situation.

I love a heroine who has clear choices, stands up for her own beliefs, and engages with the LIs as an equal partner. And like you said, when a capable MC allows herself to rely on the LI—or when the LI insists on protecting her just out of pure affection—that dynamic feels so much more satisfying and sweet!

 

[Starfall9908]

I like mine average, I don't like when it feels like things are happening to FLs without even attempting to take action and needing constant babysitting by ML.

But I feel that a strong FL is often made to not need ML at all so they compensate by making her strong but stupid so ML has to do something for the FL ans save her from trouble she got herself into

 

[Moonblink]

so ML has to do something for the FL ans save her from trouble she got herself into

The best instance i've seen of a game handling a situation like this really really well is in Road to Empress, specially Li Tai. He really always has faith in the MC that she can handle herself and get herself out of trouble, but he also always has her back in case things don't work out.

 

[pyontai]

I like something in the middle. Too much in one direction takes away all the different shades of the character. Since you cannot always be black or white, I would rather have an FL who feels flawed and more human. I hope I was able to explain what I meant xD

 

[LivEnblem]

I think the middle ground neither too weak nor too strong is best.
but if I had to be picky, I like the personality of a weak MC who becomes stronger over time the most.

 

[cherrymuffin🍒]

I don't have a preference. As long as I like the mc's background and as long as it makes sense for her mc to be weak or strong, I dont mind both.

 

[藍色水珠]

I used to like gentle and kind female protagonists, and disliked those in Quin Rose games (complaining, insecure, twisted, suspicious, not honest enough, and always arguing).

The characters' inner worlds and narration were lengthy and boring; playing them was a waste of time.

Now I prefer characters who possess both qualities: independent, proactive, opinionated but also receptive to listening and accepting of others, and no longer stubbornly unilateral.

Ideally, they should also have a minimum level of self-protection ability, able to protect themselves and others, and capable of critical thinking.

 

[Breeze Daydream]

I prefer the type of protagonist who looks like they need protection. The protagonist has a gentle personality and appearance, which makes people feel protective. I prefer the male lead to be strong.