What are some icks you get when reading a novel?

@Nikolain
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:23:59 +0000

@Nikolain wrote:

I'm not sure really. I guess I can think of some icks that would bother me if I ran into it when reading.

Too-perfect protagonists (Mary Sues / Gary Stus): Flawless, beloved by all, and never struggles.

Cringe inner monologues

Unrealistic dialogue, especially when kids or teens talk like philosophers or robots.

Instant love/lust with no development

Too much telling, not showing: “She was sad.” Okay… but show me the clenched fists or teary eyes.

Plot armor so thick you know nothing bad will ever happen.

Convenient solutions: The main character suddenly remembers a skill or item to fix everything.