When does 'sarcasm' become 'just being an ass' ?

[Naruzeldamaster]

I love me a good sassy character, provided they're well written. For the record, for both male and female characters. (Though good sarcasm hits different on a female character, no idea why)

But some characters, not so much. I've had a few characters who were otherwise good be 'ruined' when the author/writers (in movies / games) make them TOO sassy.

I feel like there's a fine line, and I like characters who walk that line (In a positive/well meaning way) but some of them take it 'a step too far'

 

[FifthView]

Sarcasm that comes from cleverness, insightfulness, and similar qualities can be quite attractive in a character. Add a measure of general humility, and it's even better.

The worst sarcasm comes from those who appear to value themselves too much. If narcissism is the root, it can be annoying if there's no hint of hidden depth. If the sass comes from weakness, bitterness, and general hatefulness, it can be annoying.

Sometimes writers use a character's penchant for sarcasm as a type of "killing the dog" maneuver to show the character is meant to be despised. Perhaps the character is one of the early antagonists or even the main villain. To me, this is a cheap way of showing a character's character; but on the other hand, this can be quite effective when introducing an early antagonist or for giving a general sense of a setting.

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

Sarcasm that comes from cleverness, insightfulness, and similar qualities can be quite attractive in a character. Add a measure of general humility, and it's even better.

This is a good thing to remember, I'll have to keep this in mind.

The worst sarcasm comes from those who appear to value themselves too much. If narcissism is the root, it can be annoying if there's no hint of hidden depth. If the sass comes from weakness, bitterness, and general hatefulness, it can be annoying.

I write sarcasm in my characters a lot, But I don't think I've written anyone like this unless they were a villain character.

My characters tend to be somewhat sassy (in a good way) and 'bounce off' of eachother at the drop of a hat. It doesn't matter how different they are, interests or otherwise. But somehow they seem to get along, begrudgingly or otherwise. Even the ones I intend to NOT get along at all, find a way to get along at some point. (If they're protagonists)

Sometimes writers use a character's penchant for sarcasm as a type of "killing the dog" maneuver to show the character is meant to be despised. Perhaps the character is one of the early antagonists or even the main villain. To me, this is a cheap way of showing a character's character; but on the other hand, this can be quite effective when introducing an early antagonist or for giving a general sense of a setting.

There's a guy in RWBY who fits the bill for this.
He's a fan favorite character who was meant to be a 'throw away' villain to begin with. But fans liked him so they kept bringing him back.

He's a smarmy asshole who is overconfident in his own abilities because he has tough minions. (Said minion is also a popular character) Bro is just oozing charm and swagger, but he's also a sarcastic dick. Dude puts the Joker from batman to shame when it comes to confidence.

He's not entirely competent himself, but he's kind of 'charming' in his bravery and idiocy. But his personality just....really makes you want to punch him. I think he's well done, despite the whole point being to make you wanna punch him. Possibly one of my favorite minor villains in the show.