Writer's Block (My Book of Rants)

The Bane of My Existence (Tag)

Was tagged by Illeandir (sorry my tags aren't working)

To do this anti-MarySue tag thing.

A MarySue is (as the dictionary states)
An idealized and seemingly perfect fictional character. Often this character is recognized as an author insert or wish-fulfillment.

These characters are often flawless, have crazy powers, perfect hair, and are loved by all the other canon characters in the story. They usually end up falling in love with whoever the creator of said character thinks to be the most attractive.

The key to creating good characters, is to have flawed characters.
And the best way to do that is to make them human (not meaning that you can't create a Hobbit or Elf character) but to make them relatable.

We all make mistakes, will all have flaws and imperfections. With the good comes the bad, and trust me readers will be far more interested in a character trying to learn from his mistakes than one who doesn't make any at all.

So allow me to introduce you to some of my OCs, and you can all be the judges of whether they pass the GarySue test. 

What? Most of them are guys...

Thalion (Elf)

Strengths:

He's strong and fearless. Extremely loyal will do anything to protect those he loves, especially his younger brother who always seems to get into a lot of trouble. He's a skilled warrior and is a master swordsman, he can fight for hours without growing weary. Under his tough exterior, he's very kind and a bit shy. He loves joking around and can even be a bit of a romantic if he chooses to be. 

Weaknesses: 

He has an extreme case of self-doubt, constantly fearing that nothing he does is good enough. He has a short temper which can cause him to lash out, especially at his family. He struggles with control and trying to keep everyone around him safe. If something bad happens he immediately blames himself which can make him depressed, he'll shut everyone else out while he tries to get a grip on his emotions. He hates showing anyone how he's truly feeling because he's afraid that he'll look weak in front of those who look up to him, he wants to appear fearless when really, he is terrified. 

Darovel (Man)

Strengths:

He is skilled in the art of stealth and an expert healer. His go-to weapons are throwing knives which he throws with deadly accuracy, hardly ever missing. He is kind and always willing to help those in need. He's gentle and soft-spoken, preferring to let others take the lead and offer help when necessary. He hates injustice and has sworn to never to anything to purposefully harm someone while punishing those who take advantage of the weak.

Weaknesses: 

He can be rash in his decisions, more willing to kill someone than offering them a chance to repent for their crimes. He's very secretive and hates sharing his past, often storming away if anyone asks about it. His pride is his biggest fault, wanting to present himself as a good, pure man when in reality: he is just another broken man trying to find a place for himself in the world. Willing to lie and manipulate others into believing whatever he says to protect himself from the truth.

Esmerelda (Hobbit)

Strengths:

She's fun and energetic, lighthearted and easy going. She's friendly towards everyone once she gets to know them and loves hanging out with her friends. She's always willing to help someone out and is an expert on reading emotions.

Weakness:

She's sarcastic, snarky, and can be insensitive at times. She doesn't really have a filter and won't hesitate to say what's on her mind, not really caring how it will affect others. She has a hard time minding her own business and will barge into people's personal business, she can be violent and has been known to stomp on the feet those who offend her. She'll steal food without a second thought and if she doesn't get her way she'll freak out until she gets it. 

Amarth:

Strengths: 

He's strong, brave, and tireless. He is skilled with the longsword and a bow but can make use of any weapon in a pinch. And will fiercely protect those he cares about.

Weaknesses:

He has little regard for life. Killing whenever he feels like it without thinking of what the consequences will be. He is quick to anger and will lash out at anyone, even those who consider him a friend and will be violent towards them. He's prideful and will refuse to admit when he is the wrong, stubbornly claiming that he is without fault. He hates working with others or wasting his time with those who will try to tell him what to do. He will only help others if it benefits him some way, only watching after the person until he has what he wants. He lies effortlessly and steals from whoever he wants. He refuses to be helped or grow close with anyone, believing that compassion and pity are a sign of weakness. Though he realizes that what he's doing is wrong, he refuses to try and change himself, choosing instead to believe that he is not worth saving.

And that's that! Hope you all enjoyed getting to know these guys (and girl) and feel free to let me know what you all think!

I tag uh...

Anyone who wants to do this. It's fun.

Alright I'm Out