Readers, particularly younger ones, tend to prefer unlikeable characters over “a babe in the woods” in the 21st century. Accordingly, it is not surprising that people become tired of reading about muddle-headed blonde protagonists and instead would favor reading The Dinner by Herman Koch, which perfectly presents a couple of villains who result in winning the readers’ love and a huge success.

Paul, the main character and narrator, is an upper-class gentleman with an air of sophistication that permeates every inch of his being. He is refined, unhurried, and prudent, and often gives insightful remarks while making keen observations of the world around him. These extend from the way his beloved wife Claire dresses to each meticulous action and facial expression he observes in the world around him. Paul not only has a good vision, but he also expresses his real feelings, such as how he interprets the word "happiness." 

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” – the concept conveyed in the quote by Leo Tolstoy is a central theme throughout the book. On the outside, Paul wants to show the world that he is triumphant and happy, even though internally he feels guilty, and ashamed as a result of unresolved emotional issues. Additionally, he thinks that his family's happiness depends on their social status and achievements, instead of focusing on truly caring for them or feeling fulfilled inside. This makes Paul feel conflicted, as he tries to balance his outward image with his inner struggles. For him, happiness is closely tied to his own sense of control. He is willing to manipulate and exploit others to get what he wants, and he sees power and influence as essential components of a happy life. 

One of the most prominent aspects of Paul's mental activity is his cynicism and detachment. He is highly critical of the other characters and of society as a whole, often making sarcastic and biting comments about their behavior and attitudes. This cynicism is a defense mechanism that allows Paul to distance himself from the world around him and maintain a sense of superiority.

Even though Paul is a complex character with many flaws and contradictions, he is not simply a one-dimensional villain, but rather a multifaceted individual with both positive and negative aspects. Paul has a mental disorder and is deeply morally ambiguous, but he is also a loving father who cares deeply for his family. This can be shown when Paul engaged in a candid conversation with the school principal about his retirement from the teaching profession. While inquiring about his well-being, the principal also implied that Paul ought to retire due to the parents’ complaints from students. With his limited emotional intelligence, Paul saw this as his final chance to cope with the situation. Although he could have responded with a simple lie, he instead entertained the dangerous idea of killing the principal with his own bare hands. However, he ultimately dismissed this inhumane thought. What prompted this change of heart? In the end, Paul thought about the principal's family, imagining how desperate they would be if he were to meet a dead body. Moreover, he thought about his own family, particularly his four-year-old son, Michel. If Paul had gone through with the violent act, he would have been in prison for nine years, and Michel would be a teenager upon his release. Thus, he ultimately chose to forgo his impulse and spare his family from the shock.

The positive reception of anti-heroes in literature is not surprising, as it reflects our desire for more complex and nuanced portrayals of human nature. The character of Paul in The Dinner exemplifies this idea, as he is a complicated individual with both positive and negative traits. This complexity makes him a compelling and memorable character that readers can both love and hate. Through his character, Herman Koch challenges our assumptions about what it means to be a "good" or "bad" person and invites us to explore the complexities of the human psyche.