Wow, Eky. Not to say that Esme isn't annoying, but...
I've known people like Esme who have shared similar experiences with me. She rings true to me as a person, not as just a simple archetype.
For kicks? I think she is suffering pretty badly in that scene and it was a desperate attempt at empowerment. And that is when people do stupid, shitty, self-harming things.
I don't see why we should view Akka as deserving her as some kind of due for his suffering... also, she chooses Kellhus after she knows the truth about him, so...
That said, I respect your opinion and I won't argue much further.
I think the male characters conform to basically male 'heroic' archetypes and exhibit just as many major faults as the females.
Maybe its easier to empathize with them and rationalize their actions, perhaps because Bakker is male and explains them better.
Maybe casting the females as archetypes and then trying show to their humanity beyond that was a mistake or a failure. I'm not sure.
I've believe most people are capable of the shit Bakker's characters pull, and find myself able to sympathize with them. Don't think I would choose any of them for friendship status though.
Except maybe Proyas or Mimara, they seem alright.
Speaking of character hate though, Akka is probably my least favourite.
He is a true neckbeard, arrogant and selfish - almost never admits his mistakes or takes responsibility and is usually wrong.
He betrays or abandons all of his friends and affiliates and the number of people's deaths that he is responsible for is staggering.
He doesn't even try to help out Inrau, betrays his school anyway, he just gets drunk and watches Xin die, doesn't warn Proyas about Kellhus.
And not forgetting the way he treats Mimara in AE!
The one time I thought he did anything right was deciding to give up his shitty life for Esme, and that got fucked up for him. Felt bad for him then.
Sorry for the offtopicness.