Mad Men: Why does Don Draper hate Pete Campbell?

The contrasting character development of Pete and Ken Cosgrove, who also starts as a disliked character but becomes well-liked by viewers, sheds light on why Pete continues to be viewed unfavorably. While Ken matures and shows growth, Pete's transformation throughout the series is highlighted. Initially portrayed as pompous and entitled, Pete later becomes a loving father and faithful husband. Despite these positive qualities, viewers still retain a dislike for Pete, raising the question of why.One possible reason is Pete's relentless ambition and his tendency to imitate Don, leading people to perceive him as disingenuous and insincere. Pete's privileged background and his expectation that others will respect him solely for emulating Don may contribute to his unpopularity.Furthermore, Don is depicted as the epitome of masculinity and success, which creates a stark contrast with Pete's insecurity and constant validation-seeking. This difference in demeanor and approach to their professional and personal lives fuels the tension between the two characters. Don's nonchalant attitude towards Pete's attempts to undermine him may also be a reaction to Pete's desire for validation and validation-seeking on Don's part.Another key factor in Don's contempt for Pete could be rooted in their shared past experiences and lack of affection and stability in their upbringings. These experiences shape their adult lives and relationships differently. Don's driven nature is juxtaposed with Pete's entitlement, which further contributes to their differing personalities and outlooks.The fundamental difference between Don and Pete lies in their approach to seizing opportunities. Don actively embraces and capitalizes on opportunities, while Pete's significant moments often arise from others' mistakes. This fundamental difference in how they navigate their professional lives and capitalize on opportunities may contribute to Don's distaste for Pete.In conclusion, Don Draper's dislike for Pete Campbell in "Mad Men" is a complex combination of personal, professional, and character-based factors. Pete's behavior, his constant need for validation, and his tendency to imitate Don all contribute to Don's animosity towards him. Despite Pete's growth and positive qualities later in the series, viewers still retain a dislike for him. The contrasting character development of Pete and Ken Cosgrove highlights this disparity. Ultimately, the enigmatic and complex relationship between Don and Pete showcases the power dynamics and complexities of the advertising industry in the 1960s.