Because it makes him interesting...I don't think it's so much a question of "would I like Patrick if I met him?" (The answer is probably no) - but more "is it pleasurable to see what this character's motivations are and see him develop?" to which the answer is definitely yes. As an adult reader, that is. As a child reader I had a much more libidinal reaction, which if I could express it would have been all wrapped up in the utter coolness of falconry and playing Mary Queen of Scots wrapped up in a bedspread - but then, you do, don't you?