Let's Talk About Writing

Unleashing the Power of Flawed Characters

When it comes to novels, what truly matters? Is it the plot, the writing quality or the descriptions? I'm curious to hear your thoughts, but for me, there's no question: the most crucial element is the characters. They are the driving force behind the plot and the primary source of emotional connection for readers.

Merely giving a character a name and physical appearance won't suffice. We've all encountered the so-called "perfect" character at some point: attractive, intelligent, and charming, among other traits. But despite all those qualities, we don't feel a connection with them, and as a result, we don't finish the novel.

Why is that? Because human beings are flawed and complex, with unique qualities and imperfections. When a character is portrayed as flawless and without any defects, they lose credibility and realism. It's challenging to relate to or become attached to them.

So, how do you create a compelling character that will captivate readers? Trust me, merely giving them crooked teeth won't do the trick. However, it's not as difficult as you might think. If you're interested in learning more, I urge you to explore the rest of the chapter and discover five avenues of development that can help you create unforgettable characters.

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Bring your character to life
To bring a character to life, you need a solid concept : a well-developed personality with clear motivations and goals. Such a concept will make your character memorable to readers and help you write coherent scenes.

Consider the character of Snape from the Harry Potter series. From the beginning, he's presented as mysterious and ambiguous, with a history that's gradually revealed throughout the books. The key to his character is his loyalty and love for Lily Potter, as well as his hatred for James, which shapes his actions. This complexity has made Snape one of the most beloved and memorable characters in literature, with thousands of fans still quoting his legendary line "Always."

On the other hand, take Bella Swan from the Twilight series. Despite being a central character, she's often criticized for lacking personality and being too passive. Her defining feature is her relationship with Edward Cullen, which makes her seem one-dimensional. Can you recall a single scene from the series that truly touched or challenged you? Bella's lack of depth is precisely why she's forgettable.

The lesson here is simple: create a solid concept by understanding your character as a human being. Explore their past, personality, and unique traits. Consider the obstacles they'll face and what they'll need to overcome to achieve their goals. With a solid concept, your character will come to life on the page and leave a lasting impression on readers.

Develop your character through questionnaires
The second point can be used in response to the previous one. Creating a solid concept around your character implies that you develop good knowledge of it. In fact, using questionnaires to guide your thoughts could help you get to know them in a fun way. Here are some examples of questions these forms might include:

What is their biggest fear?

What motivates them?

What is their most significant accomplishment?

What is their relationship with their family?

But why do this? Well, these questions will allow you to explore different characteristics of your characters, including seemingly trivial things like "How old were they when they wet the bed?" and "What was the experience like?" If they've been ashamed of it for years, could it justify some of their actions as an adult?

In short, using questionnaires will help you find unique and interesting characteristics in your characters. I can't encourage you enough to try them out if you haven't done so before. For me, I prefer them to traditional forms where you simply list a bunch of empty characteristics. As a person with very few mental images, I don't care if Sarah is blonde unless it has a concrete impact on her existence. However, if she was bleached against her will and is now engaged in an intense struggle to make the girls who inflicted this treatment bald, then yes, I'm interested in knowing that aspect of her life.

Give flaws to your characters
If you truly want your characters to be captivating and relatable, it's essential to give them flaws. Imperfections are what make your characters human and avoid them becoming dull and unrealistic. By skillfully utilizing these flaws, you can create opportunities for conflict and plot advancement, making your story more gripping.

However, beware of the trap of using clichéd or overused flaws, such as arrogance, shyness, anger, and insensitivity. These traits can make your characters predictable and uninteresting. It's not to say that you shouldn't use them, but be cautious and use them sparingly if you do. Remember, originality is key when it comes to creating compelling characters.

Create relationships between your characters
The relationships between characters can make or break your story. They bring tension, conflict, and emotional depth, making them just as crucial as the characters themselves. So, how do you create compelling relationships? Here are some powerful tips:

Establish each character's role: Knowing the function of each character in your story will help you assess how they complement each other.

Highlight commonalities or differences: Opposite or similar personality traits can create interesting connections or tensions between characters.

Use shared experiences to deepen bonds: By having your characters go through events together, they can grow closer or further apart.

Use dialogue to reveal relationships: By having your characters talk to each other, you can show how they feel about each other.

Show, don't tell: Use actions and behaviors to demonstrate how the characters feel about each other, rather than just stating it in your narrative.

By creating meaningful relationships between your characters, you'll bring your story to life and engage your readers.

Develop your characters
As your story progresses, it's crucial for your characters to change and evolve. If the main character still feels the same way in the third book as they did in the first chapter of book one, it could be a sign of a problem. Are they not learning from their experiences?

The events in your story should challenge your characters' beliefs and force them to confront their flaws. These challenges can create character arcs that make the story more satisfying and memorable for your readers.

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These tips may seem straightforward, but they can truly help elevate your character writing. Remember to create characters that have a complex and coherent personality, complete with flaws and qualities. Additionally, don't forget the importance of a solid concept that includes different facets, even the most embarrassing ones! And if you have any additional advice to offer, please let me know. I may consider producing a future text to provide more specifics.