unlikeable characters-beginners mistake or a brilliant move?

You too

 

Cathy, in East of Eden was a very unlikable, unrelatable, loathsome MC. She was enthralling and this was nearly a 600 page book. Other characters didn't understand her, I didn't see any way to connect with her. She did what she did for whatever personal motives she had - those motives seemed to be selfish and soulless.

**SPOILER**
Yet, at the point in the book where I though she was going to die, I didn't want her to go away. When she actually did die on the other hand, her story had run it's course, and it was okay for her to go.
** END SPOILER**

Cathy didn't have much of a character arc over the course of a 600 page book. I'm struggling to remember if she grew at all.

Anyway, I think she was a masterfully created character who helped in the story of multiple other characters (who did develop). I don't think this is a character everyone can create though.

 

thanks for all the answers and opinions, folks. it's sure been interesting and informative.