jessicacaseyauthor:

How To Write Character Flaws

It can be hard to find that balance between a character that is too perfect for readers to love and a character that is too flawed for readers to relate to.

Something I like to remember when thinking of flaws to give characters is that very often, flaws can be positive attributes that are in excess.

(This is related to Aristotle’s Virtues and Doctrine of the Mean.)

FOR INSTANCE,

Courage is a positive trait.

But taken too far? That can lead to rashness, or recklessness, which are negative traits. And without enough courage? The character is meak, fearful and cowardly, which are also negative traits.

Here are some examples to think of for your characters of positive traits taken to the extremes.

Virtue- kindness

Excess-easily taken advantage of

Deficiency- selfishness

-

Virtue- ambition

Excess- greed/avarice

Deficiency- lazy

-

Virtue- honesty

Excess- harshness

Deficiency- secrecy/dishonesty

-

Virue- decisiveness

Excess-impulsiveness

Deficiency-indecision

-

Virtue- passionate

Excess- irritating

Deficiency- apathetic

-

Virtue- strong leadership

Excess- over-controlling

Deficiency- indifferent/passive

Hope this helps :)

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