Readers love imperfect characters, even when they say they don’t. There, I said it. Even characters who are called annoying, bratty, selfish, and demanding have a loyal following. We love a well-written, heart-wrenchingly flawed character.
Why?
Because they feel real. Because their emotions make things happen.
Really, I shouldn’t have titled this “how to write imperfect characters.” I should have called it “how to write realistic characters who act like real people” (but that would have been too long).
We like characters who are flawed and messy. Characters who resonate with us not because they are the same as us, but because they are fighters like us. They are not weakened by their flaws—they overcome them.
But flaws can be unlikable and turn readers off. How can we create a beloved yet flawed character?
Here are some tips to consider as you craft your character.
1. Your flawed character must have a heart of gold.
No matter how deeply buried it is, no matter how well disguised it is, your character must have a core of goodness. Some characters are manipulative, heartless, insecure, ruthless, or selfish. But at their best, their heart of gold must show through. Explore what this heart of gold is. Is it their kindness? Hatred of seeing bullies hurt the weak? Passion for justice? Dedication to truth? Explore what goodness your character holds deep inside.
2. Your flawed character must reveal their heart of gold.
Even if it is only once, your character must show their true, golden colors. You could hint at it throughout the story to develop sympathy, or reveal it only at the very end.
3. Readers should doubt your character.
Their should be several moments when the reader is not sure that the flawed character is a good person. The reader should worry that the character’s natural tendences to lie, manipulate, or just not care will overcome their inner goodness.
4. The flaws must serve a purpose.
Use flaws to add depth to your character. The flaws should be an integral part of their personality. They should also be inseparable from their strengths. Is your character charming and good under pressure? Those same skills make him a good manipulator. Is your character driven and fearless? Those same tendencies make her impatient with the anxiety of less courageous people. The flaws should also be a result of the character’s backstory. Perhaps the character had to adapt to bad circumstances, or the character’s mentor taught him bad habits.
5. The flaws must be redeemed.
Is your character greedy and miserly? Perhaps their horde of knowledge and artifacts serves an important purpose in defeating the villain. Is your character lazy and unmotivated? Perhaps their laziness gave them opportunities to think and observe what others were too busy to miss. Characters are complex, and their flaws must be as well. Our flaws and our strengths are two sides of the same coin.
6. The flawed character must grow.
Does that mean the flaws go away? No, personality traits don’t just vanish. But the characters must be tested and pushed to the limit and prove what they are made of—even if it takes until the very last scene. The flaw remains, but now the reader has seen that the character is growing and changing.
7. The flawed character must love.
This is essential. Whatever flaw your character has, showing that they love someone deeply immediately begins the redemption process. Even if it is just a younger sibling, a friend, a dog, or a bee colony—prove that your character is capable of love. Not obsessive, selfish love, but truly kind, selfless love. If they can love, your readers will reason, they can change. And it is true.
8. The flawed character must resonate with you.
Write about a flaw you can understand and empathize with. Your character is a real person who deserves a fair and accurate depiction. They rely on you to defend and explain their actions to readers. Make sure you genuinely like and understand them before presenting them to the world. In the words of the novelist Milan Kundera, “The characters in my novels are my own unrealized possibilities. That is why I am equally fond of them all and equally horrified by them. Each one has crossed a border that I myself have circumvented.” Our characters are like us, except that they have surpassed us in both good and bad ways. Write about that.
These are some key points to remember if you are working on a flawed character. They are some of the strongest, most lovable characters you will ever create. Readers will love seeing them grow while growing alongside them. You, too, will grow as you create their story.
Sending love,
Anastasia xoxo