Character Character Flaws
Humans are loaded with flaws. Some we can correct, some we can mask, and others are there for life. A big part of growing up involves overcoming, putting up with, and dealing with our shortcomings. Plus, we suffer from, put up with, and attempt to correct other people’s faults. In short, the flaws are a big part of life.
During my last four years of writing, I learned that it is essential to focus on the flaws that drive a character’s actions. Readers need to know the reasons behind motivation and character flaws, which are the key to explaining decisions. Jane steals a car. Why did she turn to a life of crime? Has she stolen vehicles before? A writer must explain Jane’s ethics in advance so that her actions make sense.
Readers dislike actions without foundation. It would confuse readers if Jane had a normal day and randomly stole a car. What about a logical explanation? Jane needed money and stole a car. While logical, this explanation does not help. Lots of people need money, and they do not steal. Something inside Jane must allow her to be a criminal.
When I create a character, I list their flaws in a character biography and let the reader know about them as early as possible. For example, the main character in a recent book lacks confidence, is a know-it-all, and is uncomfortable around forward women.
When this main character makes a mistake, readers directly trace it to the above flaws. Of course, people are more complicated in real life, but taking 100 pages to describe a character’s nuances would bore a reader to tears.
I like flaws that people can relate to, such as arrogance, low morals, lack of confidence, greed, perfectionism, workaholicism, bad finances, gambling, and addiction. I stay away from complex flaws like mental problems, complex childhoods, evil influence, altered physics (non-human flaws), heavy religion, and bullying. I also avoid controversial flaws like racism, sadistic abuse, and mental/physical disabilities. I feel these lead to low sales and bad reviews. Plus, such flaws are not fun to write about.
In my experience, the flaws are the most essential part of a character’s background, but picking them requires a light touch. I have learned the ideal number is five and make sure they do not overlap other characters.
Let’s examine two popular characters. Superman has good looks, a solid job, a girlfriend, a friendly attitude, and his only weakness is Kryptonite. In the movie Die Hard, John McClain is an arrogant drunk with a terrible temper. We expect Superman to win because he has nothing preventing him. I think John is a superior character because moviegoers rally as he succeeds and relate to his failures because they are apparent.
A character that overcomes many flaws seems unrealistic, like they are cheating or have gotten outside help. A character with silly flaws is also difficult to relate. “People hate me because of my good looks.” “Having money is my big problem.”
In real life, flaws hinder us, and we spend much time dealing with them, yet they make up a big part of any plot. Is that life imitating art?
You’re the best -Bill
July 29, 2020 Updated March 22, 2025
During my last four years of writing, I learned that it is essential to focus on the flaws that drive a character’s actions. Readers need to know the reasons behind motivation and character flaws, which are the key to explaining decisions. Jane steals a car. Why did she turn to a life of crime? Has she stolen vehicles before? A writer must explain Jane’s ethics in advance so that her actions make sense.
Readers dislike actions without foundation. It would confuse readers if Jane had a normal day and randomly stole a car. What about a logical explanation? Jane needed money and stole a car. While logical, this explanation does not help. Lots of people need money, and they do not steal. Something inside Jane must allow her to be a criminal.
When I create a character, I list their flaws in a character biography and let the reader know about them as early as possible. For example, the main character in a recent book lacks confidence, is a know-it-all, and is uncomfortable around forward women.
When this main character makes a mistake, readers directly trace it to the above flaws. Of course, people are more complicated in real life, but taking 100 pages to describe a character’s nuances would bore a reader to tears.
I like flaws that people can relate to, such as arrogance, low morals, lack of confidence, greed, perfectionism, workaholicism, bad finances, gambling, and addiction. I stay away from complex flaws like mental problems, complex childhoods, evil influence, altered physics (non-human flaws), heavy religion, and bullying. I also avoid controversial flaws like racism, sadistic abuse, and mental/physical disabilities. I feel these lead to low sales and bad reviews. Plus, such flaws are not fun to write about.
In my experience, the flaws are the most essential part of a character’s background, but picking them requires a light touch. I have learned the ideal number is five and make sure they do not overlap other characters.
Let’s examine two popular characters. Superman has good looks, a solid job, a girlfriend, a friendly attitude, and his only weakness is Kryptonite. In the movie Die Hard, John McClain is an arrogant drunk with a terrible temper. We expect Superman to win because he has nothing preventing him. I think John is a superior character because moviegoers rally as he succeeds and relate to his failures because they are apparent.
A character that overcomes many flaws seems unrealistic, like they are cheating or have gotten outside help. A character with silly flaws is also difficult to relate. “People hate me because of my good looks.” “Having money is my big problem.”
In real life, flaws hinder us, and we spend much time dealing with them, yet they make up a big part of any plot. Is that life imitating art?
You’re the best -Bill
July 29, 2020 Updated March 22, 2025
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