Top 10 Tips on Writing a Properly Flawed Main Character

Creating a compelling main character is essential to any work of fiction, but creating a character that is perfectly good in every way can be a recipe for a dull story. That’s why it’s important to make your main character flawed. By making your main character flawed, you can create tension, conflict, and depth that will keep readers engaged and invested in the story. In this discussion, we will provide ten tips for writing a properly flawed main character that readers will find compelling and relatable.

1. Start with a backstory that includes flaws: When creating a main character, start by building a backstory that includes flaws, insecurities, and mistakes. This will help you to understand the character’s motivations and make them more relatable to readers.
2. Make their flaws integral to the plot: Use the character’s flaws to drive the plot forward. This will create tension and conflict that will keep readers engaged.
3. Give them a specific fear or weakness: Every flawed character should have a specific fear or weakness that they must overcome. This will make the character more interesting and relatable to readers.
4. Make their flaws realistic: Avoid giving your character exaggerated flaws or weaknesses that are impossible to overcome. Realistic flaws will make your character more relatable and interesting to readers.
5. Show, don’t tell: Rather than telling the reader about your character’s flaws, show them in action. This will make the character more dynamic and engaging to readers.
6. Allow them to make mistakes: Flawed characters will make mistakes, and this is okay. Let them make mistakes and show the consequences of those mistakes.
7. Create consequences for their flaws: Every flaw should have consequences for the character. This will create tension and conflict that will keep readers engaged.
8. Show their growth and development: A flawed character should experience growth and development throughout the story. This will make their character arc more satisfying to readers.
9. Don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths: Sometimes the most interesting flaws are the uncomfortable truths about your character. Don’t shy away from these truths, as they will make your character more interesting and relatable.
10. Use their flaws to explore themes: Flawed characters can be used to explore themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the human condition. Use their flaws to explore these themes in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, creating a flawed main character is an important aspect of writing engaging fiction. By following the ten tips we have provided, writers can create main characters that are dynamic, relatable, and interesting to readers. Remember to use flaws to drive the plot forward, show the character’s growth and development, and explore important themes through the character’s struggles. By doing so, you can create a story that will capture the attention of readers and leave a lasting impact.

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