Character Flaws

So they say when you design a character, before you set him or her free in a setting, you need to include a flaw. Well, to be honest I always chuckle over this, because what counts as a flaw? Too ambitious? Greedy for attention? Seeking out anonymity? Too quiet? Loud and obnoxious? Faithful? Independent thinker? Blind? Deaf? Anxiety disorder? Learning disability? Grieving? Fearful? Resigned? After all, what is a flaw but a challenge not yet overcome?

Too often people’s strengths are considered flaws until they achieve something extraordinary. Character are people; flaws, challenges, talents, skills, deficits, strengths, and relationships. Building good characters takes time, effort, energy, and a bit of magic. For me, they come alive in my mind before I start writing, then they flesh out even more as I play with them.

For those who are curious, of course I play with them. I invite them to dinner, they play cards with me, they watch movies, share their secrets, journal, and even occasionally share a drink. To make them real to the reader, they need to be real for the writer. As annoying as it may be to have characters that talk back and plan things behind my back, it is better than flat figures who always do as directed.

Just a happy glimpse into the writer’s mind. Read to a happy place and notice those characters writers bring out, they are whole in someone’s mind.