SPOILERS AHEAD
I once joined a fanfic competition with Plan B and was told there was no character development, which prompted me to believe that they hadn't read my book, but who knows? Since then, I pride myself on character development.
Plan B) they did not understand each other. Leila started not wanting a relationship or kids, to falling in love, being married with children. Both characters gave up so much for each other.
The Void) they were toxic, but loved each other deeply. Even though they broke each other's hearts in the most awful way, they became better in the end for themselves. Not for each other.
Waiting For Us) not over, but I watched as everyone began to flip on who the bad guy was and as a writer i loved it. Everyone was angry at Jean and dubbed him the villain but found that wasn't the case at all. The main characters blamed each other for what they themselves created. They're still figuring it out lol
I say all this because I think I just want to reiterate that though characters in my stories make some questionable and horrible decisions, they are supposed to be human. IRL, everyone is a villain in another's story. We play a part in the building/destruction of others whether we want to admit it or not. Humans are at times selfish and self-centered, more worried about how things affect our own lives as opposed to others.
I've watched people call my characters the worst names in the book, and you are entitled to as I've opened it to public opinion lol. But I hope that through the stories, if I've done a good enough job, I can open your eyes to the fact that things are not black/white or as cut/dry as you may believe. There isn't always a good or bad guy. Life and people are complex. We will make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. The goal is to eventually become someone who doesn't cause pain or heartache to others. Sry for the long message, but I just wanted to get this off my mind as it's been brewing for some months lol❤️