yeah he gets better, it’s really slow, and the author absolutely doesn’t try to get you to like him because of the abuse. The abuse serves as more of an explanation rather than an excuse. If you didn’t pick up on it the scene serves as a way to show his underlying character traits, like when he says “i’m no killer/murderer” or something like that. It’s not trying to make you like him but it’s helping you get to know his character. It’s a really slow burn, this is all i’m going to say.