It’s a popular believe that creating a character means a perfect person for readers to adore. The truth is, nobody falls in love with perfection. A character without flaws, rough edges, or bad habits isn’t just unrealistic—they’re, quite frankly, boring. That’s one thing, writers are inherently scared of.
So, what exactly are character flaws?
Flaws stem from both internal and external factors that shape a character. Some are within their control, like laziness or apathy, while others are beyond their control, such as being extremely clumsy. Then there are aspects that most are hard to label as flaws because they aren’t. Instead, they are limitations like a physical disability or a mental illness. These aren’t flaws but challenges a character might need to overcome or navigate depending on their goals.
Well, “flaws” are subjective and depend entirely on your character’s perspective. For instance, most people might see a villain who kills as evil, but delve deeper, and you might discover a character with sympathetic reasons for their actions. After all, it takes all kinds to make the world go round.
Types Of Character Flaws
Character flaws can be categorized into several types, each serving a different role in a book concept. Here are the three main types:
Minor Flaw
A minor flaw is typically insignificant but adds a touch of uniqueness to your character, helping them stand out in your book without significantly influencing the plot.
- Habits like nail-biting
- Being forgetful or often late
- Being a picky eater
These can also be quirks, such as frequently using a specific phrase, or physical traits like an old childhood scar or a limp. These small details make your character memorable without impacting the plot, though they might influence dialogue or how the character responds to situations.
Major Flaw
A major flaw is different because it plays vital role in the character’s journey, often leading to challenges in the story. Major flaws are often moral failings or deep-seated issues that become obstacles to character’s growth. Unlike minor flaws, which are integral to the character’s identity, major flaws are hurdles that must be overcome for the character to grow. These can be addiction or phobias.
For side characters, these flaws can also lead to shifting allegiances. Whether physical, emotional, or mental, this flaw significantly impacts the plot and character development. Although they may not always be negative traits, they still play a role in shaping the story’s outcome.
Tragic Flaw
A tragic flaw is a character’s weakness that leads to their downfall or misfortune. This weakness is often central to the character’s story and is essential for their development. It can be either a relentless pursuit of revenge that ignores personal safety or the well-being of loved ones. Or loyalty to someone who is unworthy or harmful.
In villains, they can lead to their defeat. In heroes, they can cause their redemption. While they don’t always result in death, they always lead to problems and negative consequences.
How Character Flaws Help With Character Arc?
Character flaws is important in storytelling as it brings depth. They shape how a character arc develops and interacts with the world.
You can either create a positive arc for a character as they overcome their flaws and grow. For instance, a villain might redeem themselves or a reluctant hero might rise to the occasion. Similarly, a negative arc, where a character is consumed by their flaws, leading to negative consequences. This could be a tragic fall or a descent into villainy.
Character flaws drive the story forward and make your character’s journey interesting for the reader.
